LG Doubleplay
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The DoublePlay's double-display design sure is interesting. Problem is, it isn't all that useful and spoils what could have been an excellent QWERTY keyboard. The Sidekick 4G costs just $79.99 right now, and features a much better keyboard than the DoublePlay—it's also a full ounce lighter. The myTouch 4G Slide, our Editors' Choice for keyboarded smartphones on T-Mobile, is more expensive, but it features a powerful dual-core processor, fabulous QWERTY keyboard, and an excellent camera.”
“When I look at the LG DoublePlay now, I see a great idea that went terribly wrong. There's plenty you can do with two screens, but this handset barely scratches the surface. More importantly, between conception and release the physical hardware morphed into one of the heaviest, bulkiest Android handsets out there. The phone's not completely terrible, though. If you happen to like the gimmicks of a split keyboard and a second screen well enough to carry around a brick, the handset's moderately peppy internals may actually serve you well.”
“We must admit: before laying hands on our review unit, we weren't sure whether the DoublePlay's second screen was more marketing ploy or useful feature. After spending some time with the device, however, we can say that it provides some significant utility. The two-inch panel improves the smartphone experience by better enabling Android's quasi-multitasking abilities (in certain apps), but it's by no means a must-have feature. If you have the need for a hardware keyboard, are a messaging maven and crave a handset that stands out from the crowd, the DoublePlay may be just what you're looking for -- just know you'll be sacrificing video chat due to the lack of a front-facing camera and you'll pay for the privilege with weighed-down pockets.”
“If you disregard its quirky design, the LG Doubleplay is actually a remarkably solid Android smartphone. It ships with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and has plenty of great features like Wi-Fi calling, mobile hot-spot capability, and support for T-Mobile's 4G/HSPA+ network. We're also mostly impressed with the 1GHz Qualcomm Scorpion processor, and LG's Android overlay does not offend us. Yet, we can't help but be put off by the bizarre subdisplay set right smack dab in the middle of the keyboard. We understand the multitasking reasoning behind it, but we don't think it's necessary--it feels like a solution waiting for a problem. The dual displays might even be a big contributor to the rather lackluster battery life. If you're willing to suspend your prejudices, you're welcome to take a chance with the LG Doubleplay for $99.99 after a new two-year service agreement with T-Mobile, but excuse us if we don't share your enthusiasm.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
If you know how hard it is to come up with an original design for a mobile phone, you will find it easy to appreciate the hard work put in by LG on the LG Doubleplay. When you first look at it, you might think it’s just another handheld Android smartphone with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. But when you finally pull out the built-in keyboard, that’s when you’ll realize what makes the this phone more extraordinary.
True, there is a hint of “ordinary” mixed in the Doubleplay’s blood, as evidenced by some of its hardware and software features, which include a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 512MB of RAM, 2GB internal storage, 3.5-inch HVGA screen, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Android 2.3 Gingerbread. There’s also a microUSB port and support for microSD cards onboard, plus a 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with built-in flash at the back of the slide-out QWERTY keyboard. It’s pretty well-equipped.
But going back to the subject of the built-in QWERTY keyboard, immediately after you pull it out to use it, you’ll find yourself seeing double. Double screens, that is. Apart from the primary 3.5-incher mentioned earlier, this mobile also features a second, 2-inch QVGA display, one that works with touch input and can be used to run certain compatible apps. On paper, this dual display setup offers so much promise. It certainly holds the potential to bring multi-tasking to a whole new level. Things are quite different in execution, however. The secondary screen doesn’t seem to be quite as useful as it could be after all.
Still, the secondary screen does end up adding a few extra features. Most notably, the ability to do more than can be done with one screen alone, like access certain apps and settings without changing what’s on the main screen. Some people will view this highlight feature as a gimmick. If you can get past all of that and simply want an Android smartphone that offers a user experience like no other, then you might like what this phone has to offer.
Need To Know: LG Doubleplay
1. Use of two built-in touchscreen displays is a boon for multi-tasking. (The Good)
2. Default software is good despite being outdated due to plenty of third-party support. (The Good)
3. There’s only a limited number of apps that truly take advantage of the fact that there’s a secondary display. (The Bad)
4. Battery performance is terrible at 3 hours talk time in 3G. (The Bad)
What people actually want to know
When was the LG Doubleplay released?
The LG Doubleplay was released on October 27, 2011.
How long does the battery last on the LG Doubleplay?
The LG Doubleplay has a 1,540 mAh battery.
Does the LG Doubleplay have a headphone jack?
Yes, the LG Doubleplay has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Where can I download the LG Doubleplay manual?
You can view and download the LG Doubleplay manual on our dedicated manual page.
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