Introduction

The LG VX8360 is a bit like its predecessor, the VX8350, with a facelift. The camera quality -- 1.3-megapixel -- on both phones is the same. Each phone has access to email, instant messaging, and enhanced, multimedia and short text messaging services. Their gray and silver coating and rectangular shape are about the same too. Users of the VX8360's previous models may not see much difference in this phone at all on first blush. If they look closely, though, they will see a few improvements.

LG VX8360

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The VX8360, for one, looks better. Its main screen has better image quality, going from 256K-colors and 170 x 220 px resolution on the VX8350 to 262K colors and 240 x 320 px resolution on the VX8360.

Its sheen black face and matte gray and silver finish with discreet external music keys and a well-sized external screen give the VX8360 a more modern and professional finish than similar models that came before it.

The phone lasts longer without a charge, too -- about 90 minutes longer while in use and more than 400 hours longer on standby.

The old VX8350 only uses Mobile Web 2.0, which constricts where users can gain access to the Web to service areas in the United States. The new VX8360 connects to the Internet through any nearby Wi-Fi network, which makes it easier -- and cheaper -- to access the Internet all over the world.

It has a bold set of Internet features for a lightweight clamshell and maintains a reputation as a noteworthy music downloading and playing device. But a lack of memory storage and a corresponding need to buy a memory card in order to take the phone's entertainment features to their full potential could steer some shoppers to a different phone.

Design

Weighing in at 3.35 ounces and measuring just 3.65 inches long, 1.91 inches across and 0.78 inches thick, the sleek and lightweight VX8360 is drop-in-the-pocket-friendly and fits discreetly in the palm of the hand. The clamshell design has rounded edges, no external antenna, and flips open and closed more smoothly than some of the VX8360's predecessors.

The matte black and gray face and dark gray back cover keep the phone incognito, while a silver lining on the phone's sides gives it a little flash.

A battery is tucked into the back of the phone, while the face of the phone features a 1.17-inch screen with camera lens above the screen and music forward, reverse, play and pause keys below. One glaringly absent feature is a button to lock or unlock the music keys, which means they can get bumped on accident and beep.

The right side of the phone includes a key that activates the VX8360's 1.3-megapixel camera and a microSD memory card port. A headset jack, volume control keys and one-touch voice command button reside on the left side of the phone. A USB port is located on the bottom of the phone.

Flipped open, the phone reveals a silver interior with a two-inch, black-framed screen and silver multi-tap keypad with raised speaker, send, end, clear and navigation keys.

Slick and compact, the VX8360 has a simple yet stylish design, but wouldn't be the ideal buy for someone seeking a more colorful or flashy phone.

Out of the box, the LG VX8360 comes with a standard Li-Polymer battery, wall charger, user guide and quick reference manual.

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