AT the bottom of the generously large screen is where the typical Android navigation keys lie. On the left side sits an HDMI and a USB port while the volume rocker and the dedicated 3D button (where a camera button usually is) sits on the right. The Optimus 3D is capable of capturing stereoscopic 3D pictures via the dual 5-megapixel camera at the back while a smaller front-facing camera facilitates video calls. The power button and the 3.5mm jack are located on top. The overall build quality is good, if a little boring.

LG proudly tells us that the Optimus 3D is powered by its “tri-dual” technology, which means that it has dual-core processor, channel and memory. Powering the Optimus 3D is a dual-core, 1GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor with a PowerVR SGX540 GPU and has 512 MB RAM. Weirdly enough, the Optimus 3D is powered by Android 2.2 (Froyo). Like any self-respecting smartphone manufacturer, LG has opted to give the Optimus 3D some of their own apps and tweaks which include Social+.

Like we said, the main appeal of the Optimus 3D is its ability to display 3D images without requiring 3D glasses. It does this via a parralax barrier screen, and while it does allow users to experience 3D without glasses, it has a few drawbacks. One of the major disadvantages of the technology is that parralax barrier screens have a very narrow angle of view, meaning that you pretty much have to be facing the screen dead on to fully experience the 3D effect. Another major disadvantage is that when you use the 3D effect, you’re also using more energy to power the backlight to make all the 3D magic possible, which ultimately leads to a shorter battery life.

Probably the most pertinent question you have by now is whether the 3D effect is worth it. Well, from our experience, it’s a mixed bag. The 3D games gave a good sense of depth and some of our shots using the 3D camera turned out well. Unfortunately, the Optimus 3D runs into the same wall that most 3D TVs we review hit—lack of content.

The Optimus 3D is still a smartphone, and to it’s credit, it’s a particularly solid one. The dual-core processor and the solid GPU means that it is able to handle almost anything you’re able to throw at it.

Apps were stable and didn’t hang, calls made to and from it were clear and crisp and we never really experienced annoying slowdowns as a result of constant use.

Unfortunately, all those nice features built on top of the Optimus 3D means that battery life suffers, a lot. Like a lot, lot. An hour’s worth of 3D anything effectively nukes a quarter or more of the battery.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Operating system: Android 2.2 (Froyo)

CPU: 1GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor with a PowerVR SGX540 GPU

LCD size: 4.3-inch 3D LCD capacitive touchscreen, 480x800 resolution Physical dimensions: 128.8x68x11.9 mm

Weight: 168 g

Band: 2G GSM 850/900/1800/1900, 3G HSDPA 900/1900/2100

Internal memory: 8 GB storage, expandable through microSD cards

What’s Hot:

Tri-dual tech (dual-core processor, dual channel and dual memory)

3D without the goofy glasses

Big screen

Comfortable to use and hold

What’s Not:

Battery hog

Bottom line:

While the LG Optimus 3D does have its rough spots, it’s a pretty solid device overall.