LG Spectrum 2

“For $100, the LG Spectrum 2 is an absolute deal. The only other devices Verizon offers at the same price are the dated Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the Motorola Droid Razr. I say dated not because they're bad handsets, but because their successors, the LG Nexus 4 and the Motorola Droid Razr HD, have already been released. By comparison, the Spectrum 2 isn't just newer, its specs are also on par with -- and in some regards better than -- these flagship phones of yesteryear. And, funnily enough, the $130 Samsung Galaxy Stratosphere II, which is the next phone up in terms of price, is more of a step back with its mere 5-megapixel camera, 4-inch 800x400-pixel screen, and 1,800mAh battery. If you're looking for an updated device but don't want to drop more than a bill, the Spectrum 2 is your best bet.”

“For $99, the LG Spectrum 2 offers smartphone shoppers a big and bright HD screen, wireless charging capability and nifty NFC stickers for toggling settings with a tap. We also like the sharp camera and built-in video editing app. And while the design is somewhat hefty, this phone's soft-touch back feels reassuring. What makes the Spectrum 2 a good but not a great deal is the lag that sometimes creeps in when performing basic tasks, as well as the below-average battery life.”

“We feel that the $100 contract price of the LG Spectrum 2 is a bargain, as the original Spectrum was twice that when it was released earlier this year. This newest model not only includes a larger 4.7” True HD IPS display, but has a faster 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor and 16GB internal memory for storage. Combine that with the easy to use Optimus UI interface, good call quality and battery life, the LG Spectrum 2 is hard to beat in this price point.”

“The Spectrum 2 is probably the best mid-range handset you can buy on Verizon today. And while it's $99.99 at Big Red's retail locations, it can be had cheaper elsewhere, and by the time the new year rolls around, I wouldn't be surprised to see it popping up as free on contract occasionally. While I personally don't recommend any mid-range Android phones when asked about what to buy, if you're set on a low-cost Android handset on Verizon (eg, buying it for a kid or older relative), the Spectrum 2 is a very solid choice. I've seen LG move from being the unappreciated underdog of the Android smartphone ecosystem into a major player, and phones like the Spectrum 2 are the leading factor behind that transformation. Even if LG doesn't have a great reputation in the community for software support, they make smartphones for the casual consumer crowd that are affordable, well-built, and functional. While it probably won't be winning many end-of-the-year tech awards, compared to similarly positioned handsets from its rivals, I think the Spectrum 2 is another strong indicator of LG's seriousness about winning midrange market war.”