 Enjoy AT&T Mobile TV on the LG Vu's brilliantly colorful 3-inch interactive touchscreen. |
AT&T Service Options
This AT&T phone can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T's 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the dual-band UMTS/HSDPA 850/1900 MHz network (also known as WCDMA), making it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services with speeds up to 3.6 Mbps. It also gives AT&T the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services.
 The LG Vu also features Bluetooth stereo music streaming, MicroSD expansion (up to 4 GB), and an FM radio. |
With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access AT&T's Video Share service, which enables you to send a live, one-way video stream to another compatible phone during a standard voice call. The service also allows you to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call. (Customers must be in an area served by the company's 3G network and have a Video Share-enabled phone.)
You get access to AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the go, access the Napster and eMusic subscription music services, stream music video, discover what's playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what's hot with The Buzz music news portal. And it has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T's MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more.
Note that if you want to enjoy the full audio and video capabilities of your UMTS phone, be sure to select a MEdia Max service plan option during checkout. If you do not sign up for a MEdia Max service plan option, you will be paying per KB when you use the over-the-air UMTS audio and video features on your phone (upwards of $10 per minute).
 Choose from a wide assortment of channels from AT&T Mobile TV. |
 The intuitive navigation lets you quickly move from one function to another. |
This phone also shines as a mobile digital music player, with compatibility for MP3, WMA, AAC, and AAC+/eAAC+ files, customizable equalizer, playlist creation and management, and large capacity storage via MicroSD memory cards. Synchronize music from your PC (including music files from online services such as Napster and eMusic) via USB 2.0. The phone also offers USB mass storage capabilities for storing your most important documents and files.
This phone provides Bluetooth version 1.2 wireless connectivity, and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, object push, file transfer, and audio/video remote control. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server. Send contacts, calendar events, and pictures/videos/voice memos wirelessly. The phone stores up to 20 Bluetooth pairings.
 Lift the antenna for great TV entertainment. |
In addition to voice calls, text messaging, and MMS capability, the phone is also compatible with mobile email from services including Yahoo!, AOL, Windows Live, AT&T Yahoo!, and BellSouth, as well as instant messaging (IM) from AIM, Windows Live, and Yahoo!. The Vu also comes stock with a built-in web browser for downloads and mobile web browsing via MEdia Net (with WAP 2.0, WML, iHTML, xHTML, and WCSS compatibility). T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for entering text on handsets, is built into the unit--a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.
Other features include:
Vital Statistics
The LG Vu CU920 weighs 3.16 ounces and measures 4.25 x 2.16 x 0.51 inches. Its 1000 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3 hours of talk time, and up to 250 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T's 850/1900 MHz 3G frequencies (UMTS/HSDPA).
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Average Customer Review: based on 15 reviews
If you want an iPhone, get an iPhone
May 6, 2009
Reviewer: M. Hong (Virginia) -
I chose the Vu over the iPhone & a few other touchscreens--not b/c the Vu is better than or just as good as the iPhone, but because for my purposes, it makes more sense. I wanted a stylish-looking phone that was lightweight and easy to use, that could check email and get on the internet, that could handle a few apps, and that didn't cost much. I'm pretty happy with the Vu, even recognizing that I would prefer an iPhone if cost didn't matter. Here's how I decided:
1) After reading online reviews, narrowed my choices to iPhone, LG Vu, LG Xenon, & Samsung Eternity (I was already an AT&T customer). Visited the AT&T store to try out phones, and narrowed it further to iPhone or Vu based on ease of use and size/weight. In terms of functionality and ease of use, the iPhone wins; its touchscreen is superior to any brand, it supports the most apps, it does cool tricks (like that turning-on-the-side thing), and it's easiest to sync with my Mac. But the Vu was lightweight, fun, and intuitive to use.
2) Cost comparison. For me, iPhone's required data plan was more than I wanted to pay. The math: Vu over 2 years (life of contract) works out to about $1,590 ($6 phone/shipping + 450-minute plan + monthly taxes/fees + $15 unlimited data plan). iPhone, if I bought a refurbished 8GB (cheapest option), would be about $2,050 ($99 phone + cheapest iPhone plan + monthly taxes/fees). Difference = approx $460 over 2 yrs. So, were iPhone's advantages worth that much to me? Ultimately, no.
3) Things I like about Vu:
- Easy to use. Simple & quick to get on the internet, make calls, reach your apps, change settings, etc. The few physical buttons are convenient and easy to get used to.
- It is a really sweet-looking phone. Love the wine color.
- Screen is bright, crisp & easy to read.
- Lightweight & compact compared to other touchscreens. iPhone is bigger (won't fit in a pocket as well) and significantly heavier.
- Can't comment on Mobile TV since I don't get service in my area. That would not have been an important feature to me.
- Voice dialing works great.
- It's a bargain and accessories are cheap.
4) Drawbacks of Vu:
- Limited ability to download and use apps unless you're a pretty proficient hacker/programmer (see #5 below).
- Generally, touchscreen works fine but scrolling can be tricky. The screen simply isn't as responsive and accurate as the iPhone. But we all knew that, right? It's fine for dialing. For text, you can use the dialpad or a QWERTY keyboard. QWERTY keys are quite small so I do make mistakes; this is a problem with all touchscreen phones. A stylus might help. I wouldn't write a thesis on the phone, but I do update my facebook status, check email, run searches, send text msgs, no problem.
- Lack of Gmail or POP/IMAP support. You can use the phone's email software for Yahoo, Hotmail, a few others, but not Gmail. You can download Gmail's user-friendly app which works great except...see #5.
- Fingerprints like you wouldn't believe. It's ok, though. No one's looking that closely.
- Limited # of bookmarks allowed. Irritating since AT&T forces some useless ones on you that you can't delete.
5) About apps. One thing I love about iPhone is the ability to download a gazillion useful apps. For Vu, there are a few apps available, all with monthly subscription fees, from AT&T. Bleh. Here's the thing. The Vu has a lot of untapped programming potential. It supports Java, which theoretically could give you functionality pretty close to an iPhone's; you can find non-iPhone mobile apps all over the internet. But AT&T, no doubt to protect the iPhone's market position & higher-priced plan, has placed an annoying Java security feature on the Vu so that when you run a 3rd-party app (i.e., one AT&T didn't sell you), you get an annoying permission screen at every turn. If you go to www.lg-vu.com, you can find detailed instructions (even video) for how to hack your Vu to get rid of this feature, as well as delete all the trial version apps and other nonsense that are on the phone. I'm working on this--haven't succeeded yet, but others have, so I'm hopeful I'll eventually get it. Meantime, I downloaded gmail and googlemaps (free apps) and I put up with the security feature. Doesn't prevent me from using the apps; it's just annoying. Happily, there are lots of mobile websites optimized for phone use, everything from shopping to news to lolcats, so you can do quite a bit even without apps. You do not need an app to use facebook or twitter or to look up movie times, gas prices, or weather, or watch youtube (it's blurry).
So if you really want an iPhone, get an iPhone. If you know the limitations of the Vu and nevertheless think it meets your needs--esp. if you just want a good phone (no internet/apps)--I think you'll be very happy. This is a really nice device. Just don't expect it to be an iPhone.
Great substitute for the iphone
March 26, 2009
Reviewer: Kunal Vijayakar "Kunal" (Washington DC) -
If you dont care of the status symbol that the iphone brings then this is a great phone. The interface, the buttons and touch screen are all very user friendly and easy to navigate. The phone has all the features i required like internet browsing, google maps, a decent camera. Ultimately its a phone and functions perfect as a phone. As long as you do not expect it to be a computer or a camera then you shud be happy. The only complaint I have is that it shuts itself off if I leave the memory card inside. Not sure why and read on the forums that a lot of people had the same problem. So I leave the card out as I was not intending to use it as an mp3 player anyways.
Overall I am quite satisfied. May be my expectations were not too high anyways from this phone.
Unresponsive Key Problems
June 29, 2009
Reviewer: Jessica L. Cabler "dogmom" (Alabama, AL, USA) -
I purchased the LG CU920 and loved it originally. The keys became unresponsive and the phone impossible to use after a few months (I could accept calls, but do little else.) ATT warranty services was very helpful and shipped me a replacement phone. All replacement phones are refurbs. So, within four weeks my touchscreen was once again unresponsive. When I attempt to make a call and push the phone icon, it connects to mobile tv. Needless to say, not very helpful. It will temporarily work correctly for a few minutes after removing the battery and powering back on. However, I don't feel compelled to remove my battery and restart my phone every minute. So, I am waiting on my third phone in this model.
The phone is gem when the touchscreen is working. I prefer it to the iphone thanks to the ability to send and receive picture and video messages directly. The qwerty keyboard makes texting far easier. However, given the fact that I have had 2 replacements in less than 9 months, I don't feel that these phones are very sturdy or reliable long-term.
Once again ATT warranty services was very helpful. If you need them, call 1-800-801-1101.
GREAT, BEAUTIFUL PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 15, 2009
Reviewer: Audiophile (Seattle) -
After having used this phone for 6 months, I have yet to encounter the "unresponsive touchscreen problems" that some of the reviewers have stated. The touchscreen is as responsive as ever. It's really a beautiful phone and its size is just right - not too big or small. The only thing I wish it'd have is wifi, which I knew it didn't before I got it. Oh, another thing I'd wish for is a longer-lasting battery. The bright and clear large LCD takes a lot of juice from the battery.
I miss it!
March 8, 2010
Reviewer: Abigail Darnell "Abby" (Lawrence, KS USA) -
I got this phone in May of last year and i had it and loved it until i dropped it in the toilet at walmart and the toilet flushed automatically and it was gone. :( I've had two different phones since and I really miss the LG Vu. It worked really well for the 6 months I had it, even with my really bad habbit of dropping it all the time.
DONT BUY THIS PHONE IF YOU TEXT A LOT
February 17, 2010
Reviewer: kenneth
I GOT THIS PHONE FROM MY STEPDAUGHTER AFTER SHE TRADED HER MOM FOR A BLACKBERRY AND IT WORK GOOD AS A PHONE BUT TEXTING KEYBOARD IS SMALL AND WONT WORK WITH MY BIG FINGERS GAMES WORK OK AND TOUCHSCREEN NEVER FREEZES AND THE TV WORK IF YOU LIVE NEAR THE LARGER CITIES DOESNT WORK AWAY FROM METROPLEX MY SUGGESTION IS BUY AN IPHONE IF YOU GOT 30 BUCKS EXTRA TO SPEND EVERY MONTH IF NOT BUY A IPOD AND THIS PHONE BUT IT ONLY WORKS FOR TEXTING IF YOU GOT LITTLE FINGERS IM GETTING AN IPHONE AS SOON AS MY TWO YEAR CONTRACT IS UP THIS PHONE JUST AINT A MANS PHONE
Freezes with SD card in it.
January 3, 2010
Reviewer: Stacy Blackburn (TEXAS) -
My wife and I chose these phones after looking at the CNET review, and because they were basically free with a new 2yr ATT contract. I purchased (2) 2gb Micro SD cards to extend the memory. When I put the card in my phone it would freeze up after a few minutes. I tried both cards with the same result. My wife's phone worked fine with it. So I called ATT and got a replacement. It worked fine for about 2 weeks. Now it's doing the same thing. My wife's phone is still working fine. So there are 2 things going on here. LG is making an inferior product and I'm losing the phone lottery! Maybe the 3rd phone will work...
Horrible phone
December 28, 2009
Reviewer: Robert Baker (Arizona) -
First off, i don't understand these reviews, they must of used the phone to 3 hours then reviewed it. This is not a substitute for the iPhone. This is far from it, if you want an iPhone get one or get the Droid. This phone has little to no apps and they require subscriptions. You can't just swipe your finger up or down to scroll, you actually have to keep your finger on the scrollbar.
My brother has had this phone replaced 2 times. You can't customize the menu order or the homescreen icons. My brother doesn't want the data pack and doesn't want the TV, but when he tries to hit the menu button the TV app starts and at&t starts charging. at&t's solution, block data, but then you can't have pic messaging.
Love it
November 29, 2009
Reviewer: Jess Kay
I've had this phone for over a year now, and I have had ZERO problems with it, which I think is pretty rare. I've had many other phones, all which become pretty crappy after a while, even with good care. This phone is easy to use, nice to look at, and very durable. I've taken pretty good care of it, with a screen protector and a case for the outside, and I haven't had any problems with the screen being unresponsive or any of the hard keys, either.
I think if you take good care of the phone and don't seriously scratch up the screen, you'll avoid these problems. Worked for me, anyway. I love my phone and I'd definitely recommend it! Especially at such a low price right now ($.01!!!) it's definitely worth it. I paid about $100 for mine, plus activation, and I still think it was worth it.
NOOOOO
August 14, 2009
Reviewer: AttyRN "RN, LLB" (CT, USA) -
this is an attractive phone. pretty to LOOK at, nice to hold, and it's lightweight.
BUT it freezes all the time, the picture quality is blurry and it sends messages slowly.
do not get this.