Get info about new reports and updates
A passable entry-level phone
- Thin
- Solid construction
- Spacious keypad
- "Controversial" metal backplate
- No media capabilities
- Email application costs extra
- Poor outgoing call quality
"One of the better entry-level phones we've seen from Verizon Wireless," CNET's Nicole Lee says of the LG Glance. A candybar-style phone, the Glance measures 1.9 inches by 4.3 inches, and is less than a half-inch thick. Nevertheless, its 2.9-ounce weight and metal styling gives it some heft, and reviewers note that the Glance has a solid construction that doesn't feel cheap. It has a number of good features for an entry-level phone, including GPS receptivity, a "surprisingly good" 1.3-megapixel camera, speakerphone, Bluetooth and a high-quality 2-inch LCD screen. It does not have a memory card slot, though.
The Glance is black but has a gold-colored metal backplate covering the battery, which most critics feel mars an otherwise slick-looking phone; some say it's a matter of taste. One reviewer calls the Glance "a failed Giorgio Armani prototype." However, most are in agreement that the keypad is spacious and tactile and that the user interface is good. Messaging and web browsing is rudimentary, and software somewhat slow, but reviewers find this meets their expectations considering the Glance's low price. Many are displeased that the Glance's email application costs another $5 to download. Messages are displayed in a threaded view according to contacts, but MobileBurn.com's Mark Lynde notes that it breaks up messages longer than 160 characters, making it difficult to read.
Reviewers who tested the LG Glance's call quality say that receiving calls are usually fine, although a number report that people taking calls from a Glance hear interference and other problems. These are exacerbated when the speakerphone is used. While LG rates continuous talk time at 4.3 hours, some tests yield more, some less. Those who kept track found that the Glance can go for two or more days of normal use on a single charge, which doesn't impress all.
The LG Glance gets full-length reviews at CNET, PhoneArena.com and MobileBurn.com, where testers are generally ambivalent about the phone. A blogger at 611Connect.com gives a scathing account of the Glance's look, and brief entries at MyHPhone.com and TechnoTalks.com also provide some added perspective. We found two user reviews at Amazon.com so far -- one positive, one negative.
Our Sources
1. CNET
Nicole Lee likes the LG Glance's slim form factor, but calls the woven metal backplate "cheesy." She calls the Glance a good entry-level phone, saying that call quality is good overall, though the speakerphone isn't best for outgoing calls. A few users post ratings below CNET's review, and most are favorable.
Review: LG Glance (Verizon Wireless), Nicole Lee, June 19, 2009
Testers at PhoneArena.com like the LG Glance's construction, LCD screen and overall design -- even its controversial battery cover/backplate. Verizon's user interface and messaging are also praised. However, testers report interference issues during calls on and off the speakerphone.
Review: LG Glance Review, Editors of PhoneArena.com, June 22, 2009
Overall, editor Mark Lynde likes the LG Glance very much, though he has some complaints about the joystick and finds reading messages difficult. Lynde says call quality is good for the price, though people on the other end of the line reported intermittent "fuzzy" quality to his voice and they could tell when Lynde switched to the speakerphone.
Review: LG Glance Review, Mark Lynde, July 14, 2009
Anonymous reviewer "JBlock" takes a brief look at the LG Glance, and calls it "a cellular mullet: work in the front, and an awful, plastic party in the back." The software is sluggish, but for the price and feature set, JBlock says, "there's a lot to like." There is no mention of call quality in this review.
Review: LG Glance Review, "JBlock", June 9, 2009
5. MyHPhone.com
This brief review says that the LG Glance has "decent" photo and call quality, but does not go into any details. The reviewer finds that GPS is the most surprising feature on this no-frills phone. Battery life is not addressed.
Review: LG Glance Review, Editors of MyHPhone.com
This blog-style review doesn't go much farther than listing the LG Glance's specifications, though the reviewer says that the phone is very user-friendly, with easy-to-navigate menus. The LCD screen looks very crisp and bright, and the keypad is roomy.
Review: Verizon Wireless LG Glance, Editors of TechnoTalks.com, June 25, 2009
7. Amazon.com
As of this writing, only a few users have posted reviews of varying opinions of the LG Glance on Amazon.com. A positive review says that the phone is good for no-frills talking, though the battery cover is "cheesy." A negative review complains about the phone's backup assistant not working; aside from that, the phone is "great" and "fun."
Review: LG Glance VX7100, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of Aug. 2009
