LG Lucid 3
Verdict
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The LG Lucid 3 is a predictable update to the company's established line of entry-level Android smartphones on Verizon. It's free with a two-year contract and offers a reliable experience in a compact package. LG has had a ton of success with its entry-level Lucid line, and it hasn't really messed much with the formula for the Lucid 3. This is a humble phone that feels better built and faster than its free-on-contract price tag might suggest. The Lucid 3 is a good entry-level option, it's just not the best value at the moment.”
“As far as budget phones go, the LG Lucid 3 is certainly one of the better options on Verizon. The handset offers zippy 4G LTE performance, a bigger display than other cheaper devices and a battery that will get you through most of the day on a single charge. However, the camera suffers indoors, and the screen resolution is on the low side.The Lucid 3 isn't the only Verizon freebie out there, as Motorola's Droid Mini offers touchless controls, faster performance and a higher-res 1280 x 720p display. Still, if battery life and screen size are your top considerations, the Lucid 3 delivers.”
“In this day and age, tough competition is found in even the entry-level segment – popularized by devices like the Google Nexus 5 and the Motorola Moto G. The specs in the LG Lucid 3 might not be as prized as those in the aforementioned smartphones, but for the basic user looking for a free phone with a 2-year contract, the Lucid 3 suffices enough without being too overly complicated. On the flip side, if you’re out to pick up something off-contract, its $299.99 cost makes it a tough consideration over the other options available right now.”
“Save for the LG Lucid 3’s disappointing photo quality, the mid-tier device ranks high in its class and is an excellent value on contract. True, the handset's no heavy hitter when it comes to the top-tier phones available right now -- its call quality is middling, and you're not going to be the next Ansel Adams with its meager 5-megapixel camera. But if camera agility is not a high priority, the LG Lucid 3 is still a strong contender. Especially since its respectable specs go hand-in-hand with its solid internal performance.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
LG has always been great at catering to the budget-friendly crowd. The Lucid series has been quite popular. With today’s emphasis on the entry-level market, does LG still have what it takes to compete with the Verizon-exclusive Lucid 3? We’ve checked out what the reviews have to say and it’s looking pretty good.
Virtually every review for the LG Lucid 3 notes the quality of the design. PC Magazine states that the device “feels better built and faster than its price tag might suggest.” Android Central praised it, calling it “gorgeous and sturdy while never revealing its budget-friendly background.” If you are a fan of the design of the G2, the Lucid 3 is very similar, just with traditional button placement.
The phone features a 4.7-inch display running at 960-by-540 resolution. While this is high enough resolution to keep images clear and crisp, PC Magazine notes, “Colors look oversaturated, while blacks look a bit washed out.” Unlike many budget phones, however, the display on Lucid 3 offers plenty of brightness. CNet pointed out that the display is easy to view in direct sunlight.
Most reviews also praised the phone’s performance. The combination of mid-range display, quad-core processing and 1GB of RAM results in a phone with plenty of power for everyday tasks and even a little extra pep for gaming or multitasking. Android Authority called the phone “remarkably speedy.”
The lower screen resolution also seems to help with battery life. CNet states, “the 2,440mAh battery has been observed to be great.” Android Authority backs up the claim, saying, “Real time usage was impressive.” Most reviews noted that with light to moderate usage, the device should have no problem lasting a full day on a single charge.
Unfortunately, there we a few weaker aspects of the device pointed out in reviews as well. Many reviews noted that call quality was less than ideal. Some experienced muffled audio while others noticed distortion and low volume from the earpiece.
The other weak point is its camera. While most reviews weren’t exactly positive, Android Authority summed them up well, stating that the camera on the Lucid 3 “struggles to produce passable photos in anything less than beautiful lighting conditions.” If you’re looking for a phone with a camera to take indoor or low-light shots, you might want to look elsewhere.
Overall, the phone appears to be an excellent budget-friendly offering. While the competition within the entry-level market is strong, reviews seem to show that LG has found a sweet spot between price and performance with CNet calling the phone “definitely worth considering” and Android Central hailing it as “an excellent device.”
What people actually want to know
When was the LG Lucid 3 released?
The LG Lucid 3 was released on April 18, 2014.
How long does the battery last on the LG Lucid 3?
The LG Lucid 3 has a 2,440 mAh battery.
Does the LG Lucid 3 support wireless charging?
No, the LG Lucid 3 does not support wireless charging.
Does the LG Lucid 3 have a headphone jack?
Yes, the LG Lucid 3 has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Does the LG Lucid 3 have NFC?
Yes, the LG Lucid 3 has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I download the LG Lucid 3 manual?
You can view and download the LG Lucid 3 manual on our dedicated manual page.
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