The LG Vu series was known for its unique, wider display format. But how do the LG Optimus Vu II and LG Vu 3 stack up against each other? This comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide which one was the better choice back in their day.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The LG Vu 3 (F300L) is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 800 chipset and quad-core processor offer significantly better performance than the Vu II's dual-core processor. While both offer a unique display, the Vu 3's overall improvements make it the superior device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE 800 | LTE 800 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev. A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps |
| Technology | CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, September. Released 2012, Q4 | 2013, September. Released 2013, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 132.2 x 85.6 x 9.4 mm (5.20 x 3.37 x 0.37 in) | - |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 159 g (5.61 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| Resolution | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~256 ppi density) | 960 x 1280 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~308 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 77.4 cm2 (~68.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 83.7 cm2 |
| Type | HD-IPS LCD | True HD-IPS + LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait | Quad-core 2.26 GHz Krait 400 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus | Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 225 | Adreno 330 |
| OS | Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to 4.1 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@60fps, HDR, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | 2.1 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | T-DMB TV tuner
MP4/H.264/WMV/DviX player
MP3/WMA/WAV/FLAC/eAAC+ player
True HD movie editor
Document viewer/editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h | Up to 775 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 20 min | Up to 13 h 20 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 2150 mAh battery | Li-Ion 2610 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Pink | Black, White |
| Models | F200L | - |
| Price | About 180 EUR | - |
| SAR | - | 0.50 W/kg (head) 0.69 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.41 W/kg (head) 0.47 W/kg (body) |
LG Optimus Vu II F200
- Larger screen for media consumption
- Unique wide aspect ratio
- Relatively compact for its screen size
- Outdated processor
- Lower resolution display
- Limited app compatibility
- Smaller battery
LG Vu 3 F300L
- Significantly faster processor
- Higher resolution display
- Better camera
- Larger battery
- Improved performance
- Older device, harder to find in good condition
- Limited software updates
- Potential battery degradation
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 5-inch display, but the Vu 3 boasts a higher resolution (1080 x 1920 pixels) compared to the Vu II (1280 x 768 pixels). This results in a sharper and more detailed image on the Vu 3. Both have the signature Vu wide aspect ratio, ideal for multitasking and media.
Camera Comparison
The LG Vu 3 features a 13MP rear camera, a significant upgrade from the Vu II's 8MP camera. While image quality is also affected by software and processing, the Vu 3's higher resolution sensor generally produces more detailed and vibrant photos. Both have front-facing cameras, likely around 1.3MP, suitable for basic video calls.
Performance
This is where the Vu 3 truly shines. The Snapdragon 800 chipset with a 2.26 GHz quad-core Krait 400 processor provides a massive performance boost over the Vu II's Snapdragon S4 Plus with a 1.5 GHz dual-core Krait processor. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the Vu 3.
Battery Life
The LG Vu 3 has a larger 3000mAh battery compared to the Vu II's 2080mAh battery. This translates to noticeably better battery life on the Vu 3, especially considering its more powerful processor. Expect all-day battery life with moderate usage on the Vu 3, while the Vu II might require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
The LG Optimus Vu II F200 might appeal to someone seeking a large-screen device for media consumption on a tight budget, if they can find one. However, given its age, it's likely only for collectors or those needing a very specific, large-screen Android experience. The LG Vu 3 F300L is a better choice for anyone looking for a more capable and responsive smartphone, though finding one in good condition will be challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What year were these phones released?
The LG Optimus Vu II F200 was released in 2012, while the LG Vu 3 F300L was released in 2013.
❓ Are software updates available for either of these devices?
Due to their age, official software updates are highly unlikely for either device. You might find custom ROMs, but compatibility and stability are not guaranteed.
