Introduction

Bluetooth capabilities give the new LG VX5300 a leg up on its forerunner, last year's LG VX5200. Released by Verizon Wireless, the lighter VX5300 phone features a built-in VGA camera with flash, one-touch speaker phone and speaker independent voice recognition, all within LG's signature clamshell design.

The VX5300 seems to be a solid follow-up to the VX5200, with attributes including a comprehensive list of voice-activated commands, user-friendly camera and strong battery life.

The VX5300 supports Bluetooth-powered headsets (up to 30 feet or 10 meters), permitting hands-free, dial-up networking, serial ports and object-push profile for vCard. With a Bluetooth-compatible headset, you can make calls, without fumbling for the phone that can instead be kept in your pocket or carrying case while you talk. The added convenience is bound to generate wide appeal for on-the-go business types or anyone with an active lifestyle. And despite a lack of top tier multimedia capabilities like video capturing, the VX5300 will also suit the no-frills consumer type who can stick to the basics.

Its list of features is satisfactory, but not at the top of its class. Targeting consumers who want functionality over form, the VX5300 is best suited for users focused on essential applications and reception while valuing an affordable price.

Design

The LG VX5300's classic clamshell look is a deviation from the trendy, ultra-thin models that have gained much mainstream attention. Some users might find the design boring, but the VX5300 will be the right fit for the conservative consumer who values traditional form and functionality.

The look of this sleek LG phone doesn't waver much from its VX5200 predecessor. Headset jack, command keys for volume control and voice recording are positioned on the phone's left side, opposite from the camera control key. The phone charges from a port on the bottom side of the handset.

The top front of the silver-toned clamshell reveals the built-in VGA camera with flash that can take photos up to 640 x 480 px. Beneath the camera is a 65K-color OLED LCD screen that provides the usual functions of an external screen while also standing in as the camera's view finder when the phone's self-portrait mode is activated. The phone's speaker is also located on its top exterior.

The smooth numeric keypad is paired alongside a circular control button that gives access to the phone's calendar, Verizon's mobile Web, Get It Now and Get PIX services. The 23-key keypad is easy-to-read and accentuated by a calming blue back light. At the center of it all is the convenient, one-touch speakerphone button.

The phone weighs 3.28 ounces - almost an ounce lighter than the VX5200 - and measures in at 3.5" x 1.9" x 0.9". While the VX5300 is a lightweight, its 1.0-inch antenna can make the VX5300 feel awkward when carried in a pocket. Moreover, there are no carrying holes on this phone for the user to attach a hand strap or other such device.

Aesthetically speaking, the VX5300 bears the classic design of an easy-to-maneuver flip phone. VX5300 users won't have to worry about being caught dead in last season's pinks and magenta hues. With its timeless gray exterior, this is a phone that won't be going out of style anytime soon.

Out of the box, the LG VX5300 includes a Standard 1100 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Home Charger, and User Manual.

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