The LG Optimus 3D has been heavily marketed here at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona as the world's first smartphone to allow users to view 3D images, and features dual core, dual channel and dual memory. But does it live up to the hype?

The device has impressive specifications including a 4.3in WVGA screen, a 1GHz dual-core, dual-channel Texas Instruments processor, 8GB of internal memory and 4GB of DDR2 RAM. However, rather disappointingly the 3D capabilities are limited.

The screen is very large with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, and although it is sharp, it does add bulk. Overall, the device weighs 168g and is heavier than the average smartphone.

Users can switch to a 3D interface using a dedicated Hot Key. This brings up a 3D-dedicated interface for the gallery, camera, games and YouTube 3D applications.

The 3D itself isn't the best and we found it to be blurry unless the device is held in a fixed position. Anyone looking at the handset from an angle will not be able to see the 3D effect either.

Eye strain is also likely to be a problem and users are going to struggle to watch more than a few minutes, let alone full movies.

The use of the 3D effect within menus was interesting, but this could hamper battery life and doesn't really add much extra to the user experience.

Connectivity-wise the handset supports HSPA+, DLNA/HDMI 1.4, DLNA, GPS and Wi-Fi, so it has all the makings of a very usable handset. However, as a business device there is not really much extra on offer apart from the extra grunt.

LG has signed a number of 3D content agreements, the most prominent being with YouTube, so that users will be able to record a 3D movie and upload it in 3D to the video sharing site.

Disappointingly, the Optimus 3D runs on Android 2.2 Froyo, but LG has said that an upgrade to Android 2.3 Gingerbread will be made available shortly after release.

Pricing is also going to be an issue, with the 3D feature like to add on a substantial cost. V3.co.uk has a video demo of the LG Optimus 3D.

Author: Khidr Suleman

17 Feb 2011