LG Rumor2 LX265/LG Banter AX265

The LG Rumor2 (*Est. $80) is the updated version of the Rumor (free with new contract) offered by Sprint; it is also sold as the LG Banter (*Est. $20) by Alltel. Although the Rumor2 is discussed by more sources than the Banter, the phones are essentially identical, so reviews for both models are worth reading. The Rumor2/Banter is a typical messaging phone with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Critics generally like its slider design and vibrant 262,144-color display. Voice quality is said to be good and reception solid -- calls made by PhoneArena.com with the Rumor2 noted that voices were "loud and clear." The Rumor2 is rated at about 5.5 hours of talk time and comes equipped with stereo Bluetooth, instant messaging and GPS support. In battery tests, PCMag.com squeezed out more than six hours, while CNET managed just less than six hours. (The LG Banter is rated at five hours of talk time, but reviewers have not tested this claim.)

Despite this praise, experts concur that the LG Rumor2/Banter does not offer much more than its predecessor, the LG Rumor/Scoop. The biggest improvement that the Rumor2 offers is the inclusion of corporate email support, including Outlook and Lotus Notes. The Rumor2 can also push email from popular services such as AOL, Gmail and Hotmail. Although syncing up to an email server like Microsoft Exchange does not work flawlessly every time, reviewers are happy to see more robust messaging and email support for the Rumor2. Otherwise, the Rumor2 is much the same as the original Rumor. CNET's Kent German echoes this sentiment by stating, "LG missed the opportunity to make it both new and improved."

Physically, the LG Rumor2 is slightly bigger than the original -- 4.4 inches by 2.1 inches by 0.7 inches -- and only comes in black, while the original Rumor is offered in multiple color configurations. The LG Banter, measuring 4.41 inches by 2.05 inches by 0.7 inches, comes with silver and green interchangeable faceplates. Weighing 4.4 ounces, it is slightly heavier than the Rumor2, which weighs 4.23 ounces. One other difference between the Rumor2 and the Banter is that soft navigation keys are integrated into the Banter's keyboard, while on the Rumor they lie to the right of the display. In all other ways, the Rumor2 and Banter are indistinguishable.