A few weeks ago Verizon and LG released the LG Lancet the first LG branded Windows Phone in many years. Although the device can easily be described as entry-level or middle of the road, in terms of quality and specifications the Lancet is a well-done phone.
Priced at just $120 off-contract (or free using the Verizon Edge update program at $5 a month), the Lancet brings some higher-quality finesse to the budget phone market. Granted, Verizon and LG are barely promoting the device (we had to go buy one for this article), but that should not dissuade you from considering it.
Watch our unboxing and hands-on to see what $120 gets you these days in the Windows Phone world.
Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen | 4.5-inch TFT, 854 x 480 pixels |
| Dimensions | 5.11" (H) x 2.55" (W) x 0.42" (D), 5.05oz |
| Battery | Removable Lithium-Ion Battery (2100 mAh) |
| Storage | 8GB plus support for microSDXC card up to 128 GB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 1.2 GHz quad-core CPU |
| OS | Windows Phone 8.1 with update 2 |
| Network | Verizon LTE; LTE (Band2/Band4/Band13) |
| Camera | 8 MP rear-facing camera with LED Flash and VGA front camera |
Sales packaging
- LG Lancet
- Lithium Ion Battery
- Pre-installed SIM Card
- Wall/USB Charger
- Quick Reference Guide
- Product Safety & Warranty Brochure
- Important Consumer Information
- RF Brochure
Initial impressions
Shooting from the hip here I am actually quite impressed with the LG Lancet. Sure, it is Verizon and LG, two companies that have not exactly won me over in the last few years. However, putting aside my biases the Lancet is kind of a remarkable device for $120. Here are my top reasons why I like this phone:
LG Lancet – Pros
- Low cost / high-value
- Excellent display
- HD Voice Calling (Verizon's Advanced Calling 1.0
- Pocket-sized, nimble and ergonomic
- Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 out-of-the-box
- Snapdragon 410 = excellent performance
- Quality build, nice buttons, no creaks
- Double tap to wake (looking at you Lumia Icon)
- Camera in well-lit scenes
Okay, but the phone is far from perfect. So here are a few quibbles I have with the Lancet. I would not consider any of these deal breakers, but they are things to consider:
LG Lancet – Cons
- Micro instead of Nano SIM (In 2015?)
- No ambient light sensor
- On screen keys (meh)
- Camera in poorly-lit scenes
Overall, that is not a bad list of Pros vs Cons for a $120 phone. LG may have had cold feet for Windows Phone in the past, but I still have fond memories of the AT&T LG Quantum and before that the LG eXpo (a Windows Mobile device with a pico-projector and fingerprint reader…from 2009!).
In short, LG knows how to make compelling hardware. Granted, the LG Lancet is very far from exciting, especially in these Windows Phone doldrums with no high-end hardware. But that is not a fair assessment of this phone, which stand on its own merits, especially for the price.
I'll need more time with Lancet to decide if it is truly worth it, but off-the-cuff I think it makes a great entry-level device (or hold-over until something bigger and better comes along).
- Buy LG Lancet on Verizon Wireless (US only)
- LG Lancet forums at Windows Central
