LG Optimus 3D Max

This phone performs well in 2D, but will disappoint 3D sophisticates

LG’s second 3D phone, Optimus 3D Max, is thinner, lighter, faster and smarter looking than its first avatar, Optimus 3D, but the 3D functions have not improved much, and not having a physical slider button to adjust 3D depth does have its own disadvantages.

So what all can one do with its 3D capability? Besides playing 3D games, one can shoot 3D images using its dual 5 megapixel cameras, though the image is of 3 megapixel resolution in case of 3D, and of 5 megapixel in 2D mode. The 3D image options include a focus mode that could be set to ‘Border’ or ‘Center’. There is also a front-facing VGA camera for video calling. One can also record videos at 1080p in 2D, and at 720p in 3D. Its outdoor camera performance—both for videos and for stills—is decent enough, but indoor results are not satisfactory. Also, adjusting the phone’s angle to view its 3D effect takes time getting used to. But if you turn off the 3D mode, the Optimus 3D Max is a very capable 2D phone.

This smartphone runs on Android 2.3 operating system, has a Dual Core processor, 1 GB RAM, 8 GB memory on board and a micro SD slot that can be accessed by removing the back cover, which exposes another downside of the phone—the cover feels flimsy and may eventually break while removing or replacing it. But then, in practice I do not see people opening their phones too often, so this drawback is not that much of a worry.

My suggestion is: in case you are willing to pay for a good Dual Core 2D phone and wouldn’t mind 3D capabilities as a bonus (shooting, viewing, etcetera) then the Optimus 3D Max is a good option. But if you are looking at replacing a Nintendo 3DS for gaming, this 3D phone is likely to be a disappointment.

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