ChazzMatt
Android Enthusiast
Good review. My own comments are in blue. The LG Esteem is going to be the best LTE Android MetroPCS has for several months. There will be other LTE Androids introduced, but until at least March/April, this one is going to have the best specs. LOVE this phone!
LG Esteem for MetroPCS review - Reviews - Know Your Cell
LG Esteem for MetroPCS review - Reviews - Know Your Cell
LG Esteem for MetroPCS
LG's Esteem is MetroPCS' new top-of-the-line LTE/4G Android - and a darn good smartphone.
OCT. 21, 2011
At the beginning of this calendar a phone like the LG Esteem would have been considered nearly “State-of-the-Art” when it came to Android smartphones.
Just look at the stats: a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, a 5MP camera on the back and 1.3MP on the front, 720p video, Dolby multi-channel audio and it all runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) via a 4G/LTE network..
But, it's almost the holiday shopping season – and the LG Esteem is just making its debut on MetroPCS.
In case you are not impressed – I'm here to tell you that you should be. This is one terrific phone.
The phone comes loaded. There is all sorts of software that included as standard equipment. Think in terms of their own GPS and Web browsing software, Loopt (a GPS friend finder), SmartShare (play and share media files through the phone), Swype (super-fast keyboard typing system) and PocketExpress (up-to-the-minute information at your fingertips).
They even throw in free, unlimited Rhapsody music downloads for the first 90 days.
In addition, there are a lot more hardware features than the ones I've already mentioned – including GPS, LED flash for the camera and an HDMI output jack. Not bad.
So here's what you don't get. You don;t get a slim, sleek smartphone. Not that the Esteem is overly large – but it IS a good-sized phone which is not necessarily made of super-lightweight plastics.
(Actually I like some heft to my phone. Many have said the the Indulge feels a little cheap. Whereas the Esteem has some metal.)
There is a metal rim around the outside of the phone which had little doors to protect the HDMI and micro-USB charging jacks. All of that adds some weight to the mix.
And even though the Esteem operates on MetroPCS' 4G, LTE data network – Metro's LTE isn't as fast as Verizon's (or most anyone else's)
That's because their LTE network is smaller (at the moment) and they spread-out the bandwidth so that everyone can (sort of) drink the Kool-Aid. MetroPCS' LTE delivers uploads and downloads in the neighborhood of 1-4Mbps. And, it's a very solid network.
The other thing you don't get with this – or any other MetroPCS phone is a two-year contract. MetroPCS sells their handsets for a set price. That makes their monthly prices a lot lower than other cellular carriers. Mainly because you're not paying the real price of the phone up front but in installments over the life of the contract.
So, the LG Esteem is currently selling for $249 (plus tax) with no contract. That's really $349 plus a mail-in rebate of $100. They give you two-day shipping for free.
As for their 4G service, they have two plans for the Esteem – either $50 (for most everything you want or need for your Android smartphone) or $60 (for every feature they offer – plus, the kitchen sink).
Don't forget – these monthly charges are the full cost you have to pay. That means $50 or $60 including all taxes and fees. That makes a big difference.
Is MetroPCS for you? Go to their Website and check out their service maps. If you're lucky enough to be in a 4G area then you should check-out their LG Esteem.
It's a terrific smartphone -- the best Android MetroPCS has ever offered.
(All the specs are excellent except that 1500 mAh battery should be an 1800 mAh battery, like this one. Most new LTE phones now have bigger batteries, but LG used the same battery from the CDMA-only LG Optimus. Other than that, which is easily fixed, I couldn't ask for much else, especially at this price point and no contract.)
LG Esteem info
Typical price: $249.99 (after rebate)
Pros:
Fast processor
Loaded with terrific hardware, software
4G LTE data connectivity
No contract needed
Cons:
Slightly heavier than competition
Verdict: Best MetroPCS Androids to date.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
More info: MetroPCS Website