LG G Vista Review

LG G Vista Review: A Mid-Range Phablet with a Big Screen

Released in 2014, the LG G Vista is a mid-range phablet aimed at users who want a large display and solid battery life without paying flagship prices. While it doesn’t pack the same punch as high-end models, it offers a good balance of performance, display, and features for its price range.

Design & Build

  • Large and Lightweight: The LG G Vista features a 5.7-inch display, making it one of the larger devices in its class. Despite the big screen, it remains fairly lightweight at 168g and is 9.1mm thick, giving it a comfortable feel in hand for a phablet-sized device. Its plastic body has a smooth matte finish, similar to other LG phones from that era, offering decent grip but lacking the premium feel of metal or glass.
  • Rear Button Layout: Like other LG phones, the G Vista has its power and volume buttons on the back, which can take some getting used to but ultimately keeps the sides of the device clean and sleek.

Display

  • 5.7-inch IPS Display: The G Vista sports a 5.7-inch qHD (960×540) IPS display, offering a low 234 ppi pixel density. The display is large, but the resolution is noticeably lower than what you’d expect on a phone this size, resulting in less sharpness. Colors are accurate and bright, but text and images might appear softer compared to higher-resolution screens, especially on a large display like this.

Performance

  • Snapdragon 400 Processor: The LG G Vista is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor and 1.5GB of RAM, which is sufficient for basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and light multitasking. However, it struggles with more demanding apps and games, so it’s not ideal for heavy multitaskers or mobile gamers.
  • Storage: The phone comes with 8GB of internal storage, which is fairly limited, but it does support expandable storage via microSD up to 64GB.

Camera

  • 8MP Rear Camera: The G Vista features an 8MP rear camera with LED flash, which performs well in good lighting conditions but is less impressive in low light. It includes useful features like autofocus, HDR, and panorama mode. The camera can record video at 1080p, but the overall image quality is mid-tier compared to other smartphones from 2014.
  • 1.3MP Front Camera: The front-facing camera is a basic 1.3MP shooter, which is fine for video calls but lacks the quality needed for crisp selfies.

Battery Life

  • 3200mAh Battery: One of the strongest aspects of the LG G Vista is its 3200mAh battery, which provides excellent battery life. Thanks to the lower resolution display and efficient Snapdragon 400 processor, the G Vista can easily last a full day or more with moderate use. It’s an ideal device for users who prioritize battery life over performance.

Software & Features

  • Android 4.4.2 KitKat: The LG G Vista runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat with LG’s custom UI. The user interface is clean and includes several of LG’s signature features, such as Knock Code (a customizable tap pattern to unlock the phone), QSlide (for multitasking with floating apps), and Dual Window (allowing you to run two apps side by side). These features help boost productivity and make good use of the large screen.
  • Rear Buttons & Customization: The rear button layout, while unique, is intuitive once users get accustomed to it. Additionally, LG’s software features add usability, making the phone feel more customizable and functional.

Connectivity

  • The G Vista supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC for wireless payments and data transfers. It also has a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and syncing data.

Conclusion

The LG G Vista is a budget-friendly phablet that offers a large screen, excellent battery life, and LG’s intuitive software features. However, its low display resolution and average performance make it better suited for users who prioritize screen size and battery life over power and display sharpness. It’s ideal for casual users who want a big phone for browsing, media, and simple tasks without needing the speed or features of a high-end device.

Pros:

  • Large 5.7-inch display for media and browsing
  • Excellent battery life with a 3200mAh battery
  • LG’s software features like Knock Code and Dual Window
  • Expandable storage via microSD

Cons:

  • Low-resolution display (qHD) for its size
  • Limited internal storage (8GB)
  • Average performance due to Snapdragon 400 and 1.5GB of RAM
  • Camera performance is subpar in low light

Overall, the LG G Vista is a solid choice for users looking for an affordable, large-screen device with long battery life, but those who value sharper displays and faster performance might want to consider higher-end alternatives.