Customer Reviews

LG Venus VX8800 Phone, Black (Verizon Wireless)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I purchased the LG Venus a few days after Thanksgiving (a little over a week ago). Initially I had purchased the LG Voyager after reading the reports on its features. Since this review is about the LG Venus, I'll just say I returned the Voyager after 12 hours and exchanged it with the LG Venus. I am very happy with my decision. This phone packs a huge amount of features in such a beautiful and small (but not too small) form factor. I was first impressed with the practicality of the dual screens on the front as many have noted. After tooling the previous day with the Voyagers lack of responsiveness with the touch screen I was instantly pleased with the Venus' ability to recognize my taps. There is no sensitivity control (nor does the Voyager) but after a few minutes you can quickly become accustomed to how it works. The best feature of the touch screen display's ability to adapt its menus prompts according to the action you are currently conducting. When you are using it as a phone the buttons for Mute, Speaker Phone etc are prominently displayed for touching. It's a huge step beyond the ubiquitous soft keys that Verizon phone depends on for many of its phones.

The number keypad is well constructed and tactile. There's no slipping or mistakenly pressing two buttons at once like I've noticed on some smooth face keypads. This is my first slider phone and I must say it was a quick transition from the standard flip phones and all the comfort of the old candy bar Motorola phone I had years ago. I like hanging up the phone by pressing the face closed against my leg instead of flipping it closed too. One vice I had with my old LG VX8100 phone was the VZW Texas Hold'm game I had purchased (note: not transferable, had to purchased again for new phone). I didn't realize not all Verizon phones were compatible with all the games. The Voyager didn't have the game as an option (guessing inside landscape screen made it incompatible). I was very happy to see IT WAS on the LG Venus.

The Venus includes a nice 2 mega pixel camera as stated, no flash (decent night vision mode though, bit blurry). Average pictures and the controls are very similar to basic point and shoot digital cameras. I haven't dabbled with the video yet, but I think its limited to 30 seconds. I would definitely suggest getting a Micro SD card. The on board memory is less than a gig and you'll need the card to load MP3's due to right management laws. It handles 8 gig, I opted for a basic 1 gig though. If you are looking to replace our Chocolate this might be a good option for you. Friends of mine have the Chocolate and complain about their cheek often bumps buttons while talking. In the week or so that I've had the phone, it's never been an issue with the touch screen. The vibrate and sound features are neat, I turned them off because the novelty wore off and I wanted to save battery. The battery runs as best as I'd expect. I'll probably have to charge it once or twice a week with normal use. Text messaging is relatively easy for a non-Qwerty. While texting, I like how you can change from Word (used to be called T9-Word) to Abc/ABC etc from the Touch screen instead of soft key though. If you are not happy with the fancy smancy new interface on the Venus the 'Display Themes' in the Settings window has 'Classic', which looks like the interface of the rest of Verizon's cell phones. I liked the Venus Color option.

One thing that surprised me was that I was able to make calendar events on the phone and bluetooth them to my Palm T|X. I didn't think they would be compatible. (Note: Palm T|X seems like GSM phones for dialing and can't get it to work on Verizon's CDMA system, oh well) I like having two devices, so as not to worry about a single battery failing and wiping out all my communication ability. The back of the phone is nice textured plastic instead of the normal smooth faux metal finish. Feels good in your hand and doesn't slide on the table like my old phone.

Good Features not mentioned above:
- The main screen (non-touch) allows for animated gif files like my old LG VC8100 did. Make you own animations in Fireworks etc, great for designers who like to customize or download animations you like from the web.
- The MicroSD/SDHC card slot is accessible without having to remove the battery or turning off the camera. Other phones aren't so lucky.
- No antenna for calling or using Verizon's EVDO mobile services (I didn't buy the ultra package, so I can't comment on those features)
- Elegant chrome frame and black finish, reminiscent of the iPhone, but not a blatant copy.
- The phones call quality and reception are just as you'd expect from Verizon. No dropped calls and I can hear the other person very clearly. (Located in Phoenix, other areas might differ).
- Surprisingly good sound quality from onboard speakers

Some Gripes:
It's minor, but I liked the old power plug on my LG VX8100 better. It was at the bottom of the phone so it was easy to find while driving and just click in the plug. This has a cap over the port (I guess you could snap it off) and it is located on the left side. Just a hair more difficult to manage than before. The navigation controls that appear when needed on the touch screen are nice but the BACK button located on the bottom right corner is bit too large for my thumb sometimes. I go for the Down arrow and end up hitting BACK by accident. It's happening far less often, but I am sure others will find it clumsy at first.
The camera has a longer than desired lag between pressing the button and the phone reacting. (the 'Say Cheese' audible voice option is cute though, my wife liked it).
The front screen is prone to finger prints as most devices of this nature, but it doesn't interfere with readability.
Directed to this phone and Verizon in general, no compatibility with web pages that contain Flash content. (I haven't tried internet browsing on my Venus, I use the Palm T|X for that functionality)
I haven't yet found the setting to remove the starting animation. It takes a couple of seconds to boot up. Hopefully after reading the manual I can find that setting.
I don't know of many (if any) phones that have FM radio, but that would be very nice thing to add to this already feature rich phone.
Headphone jack is non-standard for regular MP3 players style head phones. Adapter or special head phones required otherwise.


Overall this is the best phone I have every owned from Verizon. If you are up on your contract for the 'New every 2' this is something to consider for the $100 off. There was a $50 mail-in rebate when I bought the phone that was nice. I'd suggest it to anyone that doesn't need a qwerty style phone and wants all the bells and whistles that Verizon has to offer.

I'm a Venus owner for ~2 weeks. Here's my pros/cons/observations:

Pros:
1. Very stylish.
2. Menu systems that make sense. My old Razr never quite sat well with me. It seemed like all the menu systems were designed by different people.
3. Spring action to open the phone is very fluid and sturdy.
4. Music player is nice. It plays in the background to let you do other functions, and it mutes (not stops) during voicemail/phone calls.
5. Bitpim (bitpim.org) works with the phone. I have been uploading my own ringtones, photos, backing up my contact list ... on and on. If you're comfortable with experimentation, this program is essential to getting the phone to do what you want to do.
6. Voice recognition works fabulously. I haven't had any problems yet.
7. MicroSD card (2GB @ ~$20.00) is a snap to install and put your photos/music onto it. You're able to choose where photos and videos get saved to.
8. In Case of Emergency contacts listed as #1. Three contacts can be your emergency contacts. (my fathers is a fireman, mother an EMT ... I know this is a wonderful feature)
9. Default menu screen has a customizable shortcut button with many features being able to be shortcut. Putting the Alarm Clock function at two clicks away is great.


Cons:
1. When reaching for the # button, I usually hit the 9 button. This is probably just my gigantic thumb.
2. Touch screen falters sometime. It plays the animation as if you pressed the button, but fails to do anything. This happens more often than I'd like to admit.
3. In true Verizon style, they gimped the features of the phone. Ringtones can only be purchased through them (unless you want to do some extra stuff).
4. The supplied clear plastic screen cover fell right off within two days. I now carry it around in the cloth case at all times.
5. It's a drag unhooking the protective cover on the data port/charging port every time you want to charge it.
6. Camera MUST be held in a very awkward sideways position to take photos/video. In my mind, it shouldn't be that hard to be able to have the option of taking photos in both portrait and landscape modes. While holding it sideways, it's almost impossible to take photos with one hand.

Observations:
1. When I'm not thinking about it, my thumb inevitably tries to select something in the upper non-touch screen.
2. I played with the phone multiple times in Verizon stores before purchasing it. I did not notice that the circumference of the phone is colored blue until I read a review of it. (Apparently this irks some people, but it's so slight, I forget about it.)
3. Holds it's charge super-long in standby mode. I have removed *all* feedback from pressing the touchscreen and buttons (sound and vibration), so that might be a factor.

I've had the Venus for exactly 29 days and will be returning it today. After using it thoroughly - and I've used the hell out of it - here's why it's going back:

1. The face of the phone slides up so you can get to the keypad. After the first week, I noticed that when I slid the top back down it seemed to go a little too far. That's been getting steadily worse and the phone now has a definite overbite when closed. It may be cosmetic but it's a sign of poor quality to me since it happened so quickly.

2. Menu system is not very intuitive and you have to go slow because the touch pad can't keep up.

3. Too easy to unlock (press one button on the side of the phone - you can't change this either). One day I heard voices coming from my nether regions. The phone had become unlocked in my pocket and was calling random people in my contacts.

Overall it's not a terrible phone... It's just not for me. The cool factor with the touch pad quickly wore off and became a pain to use. Quality of calls is excellent, battery life is excellent.

The Verizon Venus is an awsome phone..all the bells and whistles were put into this one...I bought mine the day LG released it for Verizon and gotta say Im hooked...touch screen is perfect, music player functions are out of this world...voice recignition is perfect...fast menu speed...sound quality is perfect even in speaker phone mode...signal strength stayed great...battery life is great....no problems with this phone and recommend it to EVERYONE

Generally like the phone but it has at least one serious issue. The thing that sold me on the phone was the 8 GB MicroSD support. I had hoped to use it for my phone AND not have to carry my IPOD with me. The problem is, there is a bug in the phone that does not allow it to utilize all the extended memory. I put an 8 GB memory chip in mine. The phone recognizes it as 8 GB. If you use a card reader, Windows recognizes it as an 8 GB chip. If you plug the phone into the computer however and use the "sync music" function, it only recognizes the card as 4 GB. Same with smaller cards...only 1/2 the capacity is recognized. Verizon has yet to admit there is a problem but I FINALLY got the following response from LG.

"This is currently a known issue with the LG voyager as well as the LG Venus, we are working hard to come up with a solution for this problem, but as of right now there is no fix. Your e-mail address has been added to a list of customers who have contacted us about this problem, when we find a solution you will be contact via e-mail with the solution."

As a phone this one is pretty good. I use this phone to make calls, check emails, take and send pictures, text, and do some light web surfing (traffic, weather, sport scores). I don't use it as a music player, or watch movies, clips, etc. I have only found a few issues:

1. I hear a slight high pitched hissing sound on my end when talking on the phone. The people I am talking to can't hear it & say that I sound very clear.

2. The camera is easy to use and takes good pictures. However, the camera navigation controls are tilted so you have to rotate the camera to the side to use the camera controls (don't know why they did this).

3. The volume rocker button on the side of the phone is almost flush with the side of the phone and difficult to feel when I am on the phone & want to adjust the volume.

4. The display takes almost a full second to appear when I slide the phone open to use it. It's not too bad, but I would prefer that the display comes on immediately when I slide the phone open. This goes for all of the screens - everything takes just a little too long to open up.

5. The unlock button on the phone is towards the bottom right side of the phone, which is not where you thumb is when you normally pick up the phone. It would have been better placed towards the top of the phone so you could easily push it with your thumb.

Here's the good:

1. The touch screen is easy to use and intuitive. I have long, slightly big fingers and I have no problems with hitting buttons by mistake.

2. The phone feels solid & well built. The plastic/rubber, faux leather back is nice and feels good in the hand.

3. The phone is not too small for the buttons on the navigation array or the dial pad, and the dial pad has send, end and clear buttons (these were left off the original Chocolate slide by LG). At the same time the phone is small enough to easily fit in my front pants pocket without creating a phone shaped buldge in my pants ("Is that a phone in your pocket or are you just glad to see me??").

4. As a phone, it works very well. Strong signal, no dropped calls (I live in Seattle), and aside from the slight hiss, the calls sound good.

5. The phone is ready for all of Verizon's new stuff - VZ navigator (turns your phone into a GPS for directions, maps, nearby gas stations, restaurants, etc.), mobile web, checking your email, ESPN MVP, downloading video clips, etc, etc. I am currently using the VZ navigator - it's a nice tool if you travel a lot or do a lot of out of town driving.

6. Cool looking and touch pad controls. If you want a sexy phone and don't want the bulk of an Iphone or a voyager, this is a great option.

Overall I am very satisfied with this phone and would recommend it!

12/1/2008 Update - after months of use I would lower this to three stars (2.5 if they would let me). The control panel is not as intuitive as I would like and the phone is horrible for email/internet. If you are looking for a stylish phone this will fit the bill. If you want to do anything beyond phone calls and texting get yourself a real smartphone (even with the bulk).

I have owned this phone for about 3 months and I really like it. I like having the traditional keypad, which I am used to, instead of the QWERTY keyboard like the voyager has. The slider works well, the touch screen is great, and the interface is slick. I have had no problem with reception or call quality. I think that other users have done a good job with the positive points of this phone, so I will focus on the points that have disappointed me.

I am disappointed that the charger does not use a standard USB connector (mini-A) to connect to the phone. Maybe this is a ploy for LG to sell more chargers, but I hate that I can't use the same wire as I do for other devices like my digital camera. Other phones like the RAZR use the mini-A connector. Too bad.

Also, the touch screen is not completely synchronized with the side keys of the phone and with the slider. The behavior seems to be different depending on whether the slider is up or down and whether the touchpad is unlocked or not. For example, the speaker phone button on the side of the phone works only if the touchpad is locked or if the slider is down.

I am also a bit disappointed that the craftsmanship of this phone feels a bit cheap. The screen looks great, but the buttons, slider, and connectors are a bit flimsy.

Overall, I am very happy with this phone, but it is not perfect.

I recently bought the venus. I spent $199 on it and that was with a new 2 year service plan. It is now only $99 and I think that if you buy it for this price it is deffinitely worth it. I like the phone but the screen is really big and scratches easily. Mine is extremely scuffed and I've only had it for about 4 months. Also, sometimes the charger cable does not stay in tact and I awake to find that my phone has not been fully charged. It is a bit plain looking in person (it looks better on tv,) and I wish it had more display options (it only has venus black, venus color, and basic.)It also has minimal talk time. The phone goes dead if you talk for an hour straight whereas on other (cheaper) phones i've been able to talk for up to 3 hours at a time! Another thing that bothers me is that I tried to sync my limewire playlist and it'll only hold 7 songs. On the other hand, if you are in to taking pictures, this phone is for you! It takes such crisp, clear pictures you don't even need a digital camera! The ringtone sound is also better than most. I've never had any major problem with this phone and if I did, it would be understandable because I did buy it the day it came out. There are always going to be some kind of kinks that need working out. The truth is, once the thrill of the touch screen wore off, I got bored and now I would like to move on. I actually got bored in the first 2 months but it was too late to return it by then.

I was saddened by the fact that the phone hissed at me during and before phone calls. I also tried out a pink version in the store and the hissing was there as well. I thought I may just have sensitive ears, but my hubby heard the hiss as well.
That aside, the phone has potential. Had I have kept it, I would have cut up an iPod film, because I wouldn't be able to deal with screen scratches. Fingerprints was a bear to deal with as well, but a protective film would help that.
Had the hissing been a defect, I would have kept it. But being as it was, I just couldn't get past it. Maybe future models will have less white noise.

the venus is a pretty phone and would be awesome if it worked. As far as battery life its not that great and after spending $300 on a phone a charge should last longer than a day of minimal use. I wasn't impressed with the touch screen either. The delay was annoying and many times made it more work to use my phone than a convenience. That was nothing to the technical issues. I went through three brand new venus phones in less than thirty days. the first had a short in it somewhere, and also had a hard time getting text messages. The second the touch screen crapped out after about two weeks, and the third was dropping calls and reversing the screen images after one day. All in all, it sucked. I finally got a samsung and although its not as flashy as the LG models it works. I would never recommend an LG and i will never buy one again.