The LG Optimus Vu has been unveiled in a video released online (see below). The 5in handset is a direct competitor to the 5.3in Samsung Galaxy Note, meaning those who can't decide between a tablet and a smartphone will soon have yet another choice on their hands. But can the LG outsmart its Korean competitor?
On specs, the Optimus Vu outguns the Note, sporting a 1.5GHz Qualcomm processor paired with 1GB RAM (versus Sammy's 1.4GHz). The Vu is backed by an 8MP camera to match the Note's, but stumbles at the OS hurdle with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). But here's an interesting thing: the LG Optimus Vu has an aspect ratio of 4:3, the slightly squared format of the image above, and the same ratio used by older TVs.
It's not the first time LG's gone with an unlikely shape (remember the LG Chocolate BL40?), but we can see benefits to the Optimus Vu's chunky form. Almost all modern TV shows (and films) are still framed to accommodate viewers with 4:3 sets, it's arguably a better ratio for a smaller screen and – let's face it – LG deserves a pat on the back for trying something a bit different in this age of homogenous smartphone design.
Whether the Optimus Vu can put a dent in Samsung's Note sales remains to be seen, but we'll be hoping to see the new hardware at this year's Mobile World Congress.
-1.jpg&w=100&c=1&s=0)
.png&w=100&c=1&s=0)
