LG GW620 InTouch Max Review

Rating: 3.5

It’s hard to imagine that it was only a year ago when the T-Mobile G1 was the only Google Android smartphone out there. Now, with many companies thinking about second generation devices, the arrival of the first LG handset in the form of the LG GW620 InTouch Max should bring a new slant on the market place. But how does the LG GW620 InTouch Max stack up to the competition, find out with our review…

The first time you pick up the LG GW620 InTouch Max you’ll realise that the Korean manufacturer clearly has the entry-level market in mind. The feel is solid in the hand but the use of the materials used lack the feel of devices like the Apple iPhone or Palm Pre.

It’s a compact handset, largely due to the inclusion of a 3-inch screen that has a rather standard 320 x 48-pixel resolution, which is starting to look a little small and compact compared to the likes of the Google Nexus One and similar 3.7-inch devices. It uses resistive technology, which helps to keep the price down, and we found navigation to be pretty smooth considering the size restraints.

Given the limited size of the LG GW620 InTouch Max, we were impressed to find a slide-out QWERTY keyboard attached as it doesn’t add to the bulk of the device too noticeably. The five-line QWERTY keyboard slides out from the back of the device and is rather reminiscent of the LG Etna. It makes messaging and social networking a whole lot easier.

The LG GW620 InTouch Max may be running the Google Android OS but you’ll find it’s Version 1.5, which is fine but once again, it’s not exactly the most up-to-date, the Nexus One comes with Version 2.1 for instance. This is because it’s also running a variation of LG’s own interface, which can only be updated by them. Still, we found it worked well and you can personalise the Homescreen with your favourite apps with ease.

Features include a 5-Megapixel camera, Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio jack and a microSD slot that can support up to 16GB of memory. The battery proved to be effective for a god day’s usage out and about, so if you’re heavy on the messaging you may find yourself recharging on a daily basis.

Verdict
The LG GW620 InTouch Max may lack the performance chops to go up against some of the more high-end Android smartphones on the market but if you’re a first-time user, or simply looking for a cost-effective Android handset, there is plenty to find appealing here.

Best features
Good keyboard
Appealing price

Not so good
Small screen
Not latest OS version