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Cell phone with built-in Bluetooth headset
- Built-in Bluetooth headset
- Keys are curved and textured
- Good call quality (on handset)
- Surface is too reflective, easily smudges
- Large, clunky
- Headset may not fit well
- Small internal memory
Otherwise a pretty normal slider phone, the Decoy has a secret weapon. Nestled in the back of the phone is a slim Bluetooth headset that easily pops out for your use; once it's paired with the phone for the first time, it's always paired. To recharge it, just pop it back into the phone. Both users and reviewers say that this accessory is perfect for those who are constantly losing their Bluetooth headset and can't find it when they need it, or when they do find it, realize it's not charged. The LG Decoy has good call quality, which reviewers agree is better on the actual handset than the headset. There is an overwhelming amount of disapproval of the Decoy's glossy finish. Both reviewers and users say it smudges and gets covered with fingerprints easily, and the screen is hard to see in bright light. Unlike many slider phones, though, the Decoy's keys are raised and textured, making it easier to type.
InfoSync editor Philip Berne says that the phone is perhaps bulkier than it needs to be at about 4 inches long, 2 inches wide and 0.7 inches thick. CNET's Nicole Lee concedes that the size is OK, because it accommodates the Decoy's large 2.2-inch display. She adds that the headset is incredibly slim and flat -- just 1.6 by 0.8 by 0.2 inches -- and lightweight, at less than an ounce. Lee finds that the headset fits quite comfortably, though InfoSync's Berne disagrees, as do many users, who say it falls out too easily. Some users report problems with battery life and charging.
Both PCMag.com and CNET have handy comparison charts accompanying their full reviews of the LG Decoy. PhoneArena has one of the most thorough reviews out there, with six pages of informative text and sharp photos, divided into an easy-to-navigate format. InfoSync gives a more-concise review of the LG Decoy, and it offers a scoreboard that breaks down features, such as video and gaming, and gives each a score out of five. In all, the Decoy only scores a 65 percent (out of 100). Laptop Magazine's review is easy to read, with a drop-down menu that lets you choose which section of the review you'd like to read. We found the most user reviews at CNET and a handful at PhoneScoop.com and Amazon.com.
Our Sources
1. CNET
Reviewer Nicole Lee gives the LG Decoy four out of five stars, and nearly 50 reviewers give it 3.5 out of five stars. CNET's review has a helpful video at the top, as well as a handy comparison chart that includes a few other LG phones and the Samsung Sway slider phone. Lee says that it's a good phone on its own, but that it is even better because of the Bluetooth headset.
Review: LG Decoy (Verizon Wireless), Nicole Lee, June 18, 2008
PhoneArena editors say the handset itself has great reception and call quality. However, they don't speak too highly of the LG Decoy in other areas, noting that the Bluetooth headset's quality "is poor and is more of a joke to anyone who has used a more high-end headset."
Review: LG Decoy Review, PhoneArena Team, June 26, 2008
3. PCMag.com
Mobile analyst Sascha Segan gives the LG Decoy a rating of 3.5 out of five, and says it's a good midrange slider phone for Verizon. The PCMag review also has a chart comparison of other slider phones, such as the Motorola MOTORIZER Z6tv and the Nokia 6263. Segan says that if you want the ultimate Bluetooth performance stick to your current phone and get the Aliph New Jawbone or a Plantronics Voyager 520.
Review: LG Decoy VX8610, Sascha Segan, June 17, 2008
Editor Philip Berne calls the LG Decoy "solid, if imperfect," noting the need for a combo cellphone/Bluetooth headset and praising its VZ Navigator GPS system, which includes live traffic updates. He wishes the phone had more messaging options though.
Review: LG Decoy VX8610, Philip Berne, June 16, 2008
Reviewer Dana Wollman likes the LG Decoy's bright, colorful screen, fast web browsing and built-in GPS. She finds the headset to be mediocre though, and thinks the phone is overpriced.
Review: LG Decoy, Dana Wollman, June 23, 2008
6. Amazon.com
The LG Decoy doesn't have very many reviews here, but most are helpful and more than just a few words. A few users complain that the Bluetooth headset doesn't stay in their ear. Another user gives the Decoy five out of five stars, but says that the LG Chocolate 3 has a much better music player. Some users report problems charging the phone and the headset together.
Review: LG Decoy VX8610 Phone, Silver/Blue (Verizon Wireless) Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of March 2009
