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LG Viper review

7.2/10 AVG.
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LG Viper
LG Viper
LG Viper
LG Viper
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7.2/10
Informr score
The LG Viper currently has an Informr score of 7.2 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 7 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

If you’re a person looking for a reliable 4G-enabled Android smartphone without having to spend too much money, what are your choices? One of the more affordable options is the LG Viper. It’s one of a few CDMA handsets that supports 4G LTE and at release, was available as low as $100 with contract.

Unless you’re after something special or at least a little unique-looking, the Viper is a relatively safe choice for an Android smartphone. It gets many of the basic elements right as it uses a tried and tested candybar design. It measures 12mm thick and weighs just a hair over 140 grams. Despite being fairly compact and extremely portable, it carries a 480x800 pixel 4-inch touchscreen display. And it even has a total of four soft-touch buttons right below the screen. Other external hardware features include a front-facing camera, a 5MP rear camera with LED flash, stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microUSB 2.0 port.

When it comes to wireless features, the Viper has got almost everything covered. It has Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS, NFC, and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi. Also, it works with dual-band CDMA networks and supports EV-DO Rev. A and 4G LTE data. So as long as LTE network coverage is available in your area, you’re going to enjoy using the Viper for downloading or Web surfing on the go. But then that’s the thing: 4G still isn’t available everywhere. And outside of that, the Viper doesn’t really have any other distinguishing qualities.

It looks and feels just like many other similarly priced Android handsets. And what’s more, it’s running an older version of the Android software. It is said that an update to one of the most recent versions of Android is in the pipeline, but there’s no clear release date in sight. Most reviewers advise that unless money is an issue, it’s best to look at other 4G-enabled alternatives.

Need to Know: LG Viper

1. Uses a 4-inch 480x800 touchscreen color LCD. (The Good)

2. Supports 4G LTE data. (The Good)

3. Runs an older version of the Android software. (The Bad)

4. Battery life is short. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
4"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1700 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


PhoneArena
PhoneArena

Talk about a smartphone that’s named after one of the most poisonous snakes out there, that’s because the LG Viper 4G LTE is missing a vital component that makes up a good chunk of its entirety – a live and robust LTE network! No doubt, we dig its $100 on-contract price point, especially when it’s m...

- John V., PhoneArena
Engadget
Engadget

A 4G LTE phone for $100 on contract? It's hard to argue with that. No matter how unattractive the design or antiquated the software experience, the Viper is a wise buy for frugal consumers and Sprint loyalists alike. It's not as if the handset's internals aren't up to snuff -- they are -- and whenev...

- Joseph Volpe, Engadget
Android Community
Android Community

Our initial impressions were quite favorable, after using the new LG Viper 4G LTE for the week we still feel the same way. The Viper is a good mid-range device, and a perfect fit for a first time smartphone buyer or someone on a budget. If you are looking for the best, fastest, or prettiest this isn...

- Cory Gunther, Android Community
Laptop Mag
Laptop Mag

The LG Viper 4G LTE is the first phone to ride on Sprint's new network, but you're going to have to wait to enjoy that unlimited high-speed data.

- Michael A. Prospero, Laptop Mag
Cnet
Cnet

The LG Viper is ahead of its time -- literally, and not necessarily in a good way. Many of its most attractive features, like 4G LTE and Ice Cream Sandwich OS can't be used at the time of purchase. Aside from that, and a few disappointments with audio quality and processing speeds, the phone is soli...

- Lynn La , Cnet


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the LG Viper user manual here.


LG backs up the Viper with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Viper has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact LG support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find LG's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Screen Size
4"

The LG Viper's screen size is 4 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Dual-core 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera useful for video chat and self portraits.

Storage
No

Internal memory is No. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1700mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1700 mAh battery. LG's performance ratings are 12.5 days standby time.

LG Viper Specs

Overview
Release Date April 22, 2012
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Dual-core 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage No
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.05 W/kg
Body: 1.16 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
EV-DO Rev. A, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, BPP, DUN, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, ISO, Self-timer, White balance
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
VGA
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 4 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Multi-touch
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1700 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 12.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Unknown
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.7 x 6.2 x 1.2 cm (4.6 x 2.4 x 0.5 in)
Weight 142 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS
ROM: 4GB
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Swype
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: OTA
DLNA Support: Yes
ECML / Digital Wallet: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, MP4, eAAC+, WMA, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: WPA2
Viewable document types: DOC, DOCX, PDF, PPT, PPTX, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Weather, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): LG Viper 4G LTE, LG LS840

4GB Micro SD card included
Related Links Manual (PDF)
LG Viper Reviews
Where to buy LG Viper
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