Noah's Bark - Podcasts that don't put you to sleep! Listen online or take it on the road...

LG VX-8100 Cell Phone

LG VX-8100

User rating 4.0
Read reviews | Add review
LG has captured attention with this entertainment phone. With streaming video and music on demand from Verizon Wireless’ VCAST, you always have great content at hand to keep you informed and entertained. And, the VX8100 has a built-in MP3 player with stereo sound so you can really enjoy music. Plus the 1.3 Megapixel camera lets you shoot and share print-quality photos, or 15 second video clips. If you’re ready for the next generation in mobile technology, try the VX8100.

In-Depth Review

The LG VX8100 is a stellar dual-band CDMA mobile phone with a plethora of features crammed into its sleek frame. Visually, it is a vast improvement over its rather blocky predecessor, the VX8000, and features like its 1.3 Megapixel camera, expandable memory slot, Bluetooth compatibility, and stereo sound put it in the top tier of full-service cellular phones.

The new streamlined design of the VX8100 is very appealing, with graceful, stylized curves and a subtle, abbreviated antenna. The unobtrusive silver and slate blue exterior evokes a professional, yet personable style, which is an apt description of the phone overall. It's a great multi-use phone, with the functionality for high-powered business transactions and the media capabilities for discerning technophiles.

By today's standards of pancake-thin, micro-sized phones, this clamshell phone is a hefty unit, but its size (3.58" h x 1.92" w x 1.03" d) and weight (4.16 oz) are put to good use in this feature-packed phone. Personally, I like having a phone with a little substance; it's easier to use the features when the phone fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.

The VX8100 has a large external screen with stunningly vibrant colors that is diminished only by the clarity of the internal screen, which fills the top half of the phone when you flip it open. The bottom half of the phone includes a navigation panel with four useful shortcuts (Web 2.0, Get Flix and Pix, Calender, and Get It Now) and the OK key. Two additional keys flank the navigation pane, and underneath that are all the standard buttons, as well as a camera and video shortcut key. The front of the phone features buttons that allow you to access the MP3 player with ease, the left side of the phone features volume control buttons and the Voice Command/Voice Memo key, and the right side of the phone features a camera and video key (for self-portraits) and a miniSD expandable memory slot.

LG VX-8100 ButtonsI consider the quality of the buttons on a phone to be a deal-breaking feature, since buttons that are flush with the surface of the phone can be difficult to use if your fingernails extend beyond your fingertips. The VX8100 has raised, silver buttons with blue backlighting that distinctly depress when you use them. (You know you've done something when you push one of these buttons.) Plus, the width of the phone allows it to fit in the average-sized hand and still give you access to the entire keypad with your thumb. My only complaint is that the "OK" button in the center of the navigation panel is difficult to use without hitting the keys that surround it, which means I often end up in an entirely different menu when I meant to confirm a command. The best work-around I've found is to use the tip of my nail instead of the pad of my finger; not the greatest solution, and one that might not be viable for someone with larger hands than mine.

Our fancy algorithm says this stuff is related...

Add a comment

There are two easy ways to submit your comment
  1. Sign in if you are already a member, or join PhoneDog for a free account- this way you won't have to re-enter your information on subsequent comment posts. Additionally you'll receive all these great benefits of being a PhoneDog community member.
    Or,
  2. Submit your comment without registering by using the form below
LG VX-8100 Introduction & Design

LG VX-8100 in-depth review - Introduction & Design

The LG VX8100 is a stellar dual-band CDMA mobile phone with a plethora of features crammed into its sleek frame. Visually, it is a vast improvement over its rather blocky predecessor, the VX8000, and features like its 1.3 Megapixel camera, expandable memory slot, Bluetooth compatibility, and stereo sound put it in the top tier of full-service cellular phones. The new streamlined design of the VX8100 is very appealing, with graceful, stylized...
LG VX-8100 Features

LG VX-8100 in-depth review - Features

The VX8100 is a digital dual-band CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) phone that operates in the 1900 MHz and 800 MHz bands, which means you can't use it outside of North America, although CDMA technology uses its available bandwidth more efficiently, which results in faster data transfer. If you need a phone that works throughout the world, this isn't the phone for you, but it's an outstanding choice for dedicated North American use. This...
LG VX-8100 Display, Audio, and Camera

LG VX-8100 in-depth review - Display, Audio, and Camera

The interior screen provides a 262,000 color display at 176 x 220 pixels. This relatively large TFT screen has outstanding resolution (the primary advantage of TFT technology), for a crystal-clear display that is visible at most angles, even in the sunlight. The external screen is a large 128 x 128 pixels with a 65,000 color TFT display. One minor frustration with this phone is that you have to click a button to activate the external screen....
LG VX-8100 Messaging, Internet, & Connectivity

LG VX-8100 in-depth review - Messaging, Internet, & Connectivity

MessagingThe messaging capabilities of this phone are quite extensive, although Verizon has added some barriers that limit what you can send to other people. The VX8100 supports MMS, EMS, and standard messaging protocols. The MMS protocol allows you to send and receive messages containing any reasonably-sized combination of text, images, sounds, and video, while the EMS protocol allows you to send text messages with sounds and graphics. Keep in...
LG VX-8100 Conclusion

LG VX-8100 in-depth review - Conclusion

The LG VX8100 is a powerful phone for business users and media junkies alike. It provides excellent functionality in all the basics, an intuitive user interface, and a classy, user-friendly design. The VX8100 also boasts a wide variety of features that allow you to maximize your cell phone experience. From its expandable memory slot and robust internet capabilities to its quality MP3 player and superior camera, this is an excellent phone that...

LG 8100 Great Phone

Overall Rating:
4.3 out of 5
By: Andrew Botticelli on Tuesday, March 13, 2007
From: Brick, NJ (United States)
Experience: 2 Years
Pros: Easy dialing, Great reception, functional menu.

Cons: Battery life is 2-3 days still not bad

Summary: Overall a great phone and very durable. I've had for almost two years with no problems

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful

Great Phone..

Overall Rating:
4.2 out of 5
By: Chris Howard on Friday, November 03, 2006
From: Mesa, AZ (United States)
Experience: 18 Months
Pros: MP3 player, hey its an LG! superb camera

Cons: Buttons get warm after a while, sluggish internet browser, 15second videos

Summary: After owning the phone for at least a year and a half now, there has not been any problems. Ok, so thats part of it, as the first time I owned the non-VCAST version, the cam-pics started to dissapear. Otherwise I still own the phone and is great at school, with a great camera and that "flashlight" from the flash is great for the power failure we had a month ago. Just don't expect the battery to last much longer than 4-6 days of casual use. EV-DO service from Verizon Wireless is speedy, and the text capability is good, though that golden background makes it hard to read SMS. Oh, by the way, after the camera pics started to dissapear, I returned the phone and recieved a VCAST version. Great phone, and it is a LG phone, so reliability is subpar.

7 out of 16 people found this review helpful

Love it

Overall Rating:
4 out of 5
By: Lynsee Shade on Thursday, October 19, 2006
From: Kenhorst, PA (United States)
Experience: 6 Months
Pros: MP3 player, speakerphone (great for in the car), camera, simple menu,
easy to use

Cons: none

Summary: I love my phone wouldn't pick anything other than LG. MP3 player is nice for those that just want music every now and then and don't have a need for ipod.

14 out of 19 people found this review helpful

LG VX 8100 is great

Overall Rating:
5 out of 5
By: Sandra Stepp on Saturday, October 07, 2006
From: Waverly Hall, GA (United States)
Experience: 3 Months
Pros: Sound is awesome and all the features are well worth the price

Cons: Can't use the front display screen for much. That would be better

Summary: I bought my phone used off Ebay and haven't regreted it at all. I have a friend that uses something to create ringtones from CD's and they sound fantastic on my phone. I also have really good reception even when others don't even though we have the same service.

8 out of 11 people found this review helpful

Not the best

Overall Rating:
3.3 out of 5
By: L HILL on Saturday, October 07, 2006
From: WASHINGTON, IL (United States)
Experience: 9 Months
Pros: MP3 player, bluetooth, camera

Cons: People cant hear me most of the time

Summary: I have had problems with this phone since I received it. People are contantly haveing problems hearing me talk to them. "Can you hear me now" is a phrase I utter way too often with this phone! ITs not the service because i havefull signal strength on my phone while talking. I still have my warrenty .... so I guess I will make another trip to Verizon to gigure out the problem.

6 out of 7 people found this review helpful
All LG VX-8100 user reviews

Buying choices

Check availability - enter your zip
With new service Click here for help
This item is not being sold with a service plan by any online merchant.
With pre-paid service Click here for help
This item is not being sold with a pre-paid service service plan by any online merchant.
Purchase phone only Click here for help
or try ebay
price varies
Accessories Click here for help
Purchase compatible accessories for this phone
Ringtones & Media
Shop for compatible mobile content for this phone

Latest Videos & Reviews

Check out the latest cell phone videos and in-depth reviews from Noah and our other expert editors
  • BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Review Part 2
    BlackBerry Flip 8220 pt 2Part 2 of Noah's 2-part review of the BlackBerry 8220. The first-ever BlackBerry flip phone hides
  • BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Review Part 1
    BlackBerry Flip 8220 pt 1Part 1 of Noah's 2-part review of the BlackBerry 8220. The first-ever BlackBerry flip phone hides
  • BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Unboxing & First Look
    BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220If only my BlackBerry would flip shut! Hey, it does! Noah unboxes the new BB Pearl Flip 8220 for
  • LG Lotus (Sprint) Unboxing
    LG Lotus (Sprint) UnboxingFierce! It's the unique new LG Lotus for Sprint - a square-shaped clamshell with a full QWERTY
  • Samsung a837 Rugby (AT&T) - Dropped From a Crane! Sorta
    Samsung a837 Rugby VideoIt's the ruggedized Samsung a837 "Rugby" for AT&T. It's the Crane of Death in downtown Berkeley,
  • Samsung a637 (AT&T) - Unboxing and Hands-On
    Samsung a637 (AT&T)Out of the box! It's the newest AT&T 3G phone, the pearly white Samsung a637. Low-end means
  • Inside the T-Mobile G1
    T-Mobile G1 HardwareDuring the live demo at the T-Mobile / HTC / Google Android launch event, Doug got a chance to take
  • Sprint Touch Diamond - Full Review Part 2
    Sprint Touch Diamond Pt 2Part 2 of Noah's review of the first CDMA Touch Diamond - Sprint's version. Is it a diamond or just
  • Sprint Touch Diamond - Full Review Part 1
    Sprint Touch Diamond Pt 1Noah goes in-depth with Sprint's version of the HTC Touch Diamond. Is this the best Windows Mobile
  • Touch HD video:
    Touch HD videoSeriously. In the video it says so: Touch HD is where "your wildest fantasies come to life." I
  • Samsung i900-Omnia
    Samsung i900-OmniaWhat’s Good: Universal landscape mode and universal landscape QWERTY; optically-enhanced action
  • HTC Touch-Diamond
    HTC Touch-DiamondWhat’s Good: Stunning hardware design and elegant software user interface; front panel is subdued,
  • LG Dare
    LG DareWhat’s Good: Attractive, highly customizable UI with home screen shortcuts; Compact design with
  • Samsung Instinct-M800
    Samsung Instinct-M800What’s Good: Supports every feature Sprint offers; EV-DO Rev. A data speeds; Good touchscreen
  • LG enV2
    LG enV2What’s Good: Sleeker and smaller than the original EnV. Comfortable QWERTY keyboard and QVGA
  • Motorola Z9
    Motorola Z9What’s Good: Great voice quality; fast 3G data speeds; good GPS system; mobiTV compatibility;
  • Samsung Glyde
    Samsung GlydeWhat’s Good: Touchscreen and Full QWERTY Keyboard in Compact Body; Clean Menus and “Croix” User
  • Nokia N82
    Nokia N82What’s Good: Incredible Camera w/Xenon Flash; Full VGA Video Capture; Excellent Web Browser; WiFi;
  • BlackBerry Pearl-8120 Titanium
    BlackBerry Pearl-8120 TitaniumWhat’s Good: Integrated WiFi for Web, Email, and HotSpot@Home UMA Calling; Trackball is easy to
  • LG Venus
    LG VenusWhat’s Good: Beautiful display; Context-sensitive menus; Extensive feature set; VZ Navigation works

New & coming soon phones

Hot off the presses... here's what's available now and expected to come to market soon!
  • Samsung SGH-A637
    Samsung SGH-A637Carrier: AT&T
    Retail Price: $99.99 or via ebay
    Contract Price: $49.99 or via Let's Talk
    Hot Feature: Video capture
  • Motorola MOTO-ACTV-W450 Orange
    Motorola MOTO-ACTV-W450 OrangeCarrier: T-Mobile
    Retail Price: $159.99 or via ebay
    Contract Price: $29.99 or via Let's Talk
    Hot Feature: Music Player
  • LG Rhythm-AX585 Black
    LG Rhythm-AX585 BlackCarrier: Alltel Wireless
    Retail Price: $299.99 or via ebay
    Contract Price: $119.99
    Hot Feature: Great music phone
  • Samsung Rugby A837-Black
    Samsung Rugby A837-BlackCarrier: AT&T Wireless
    Retail Price: $279.99
    Contract Price: $179.99
    Hot Feature: Rugged to military specs
  • Samsung SGH A237-Red
    Samsung SGH A237-RedCarrier: AT&T
    Contract Price: $49.99
    Hot Features: Bluetooth technology, WAP browser, VGA camera
  • Sony Ericsson TM506-Green
    Sony Ericsson TM506-GreenCarrier: T-Mobile
    Contract Price: $129.99 with instant rebate
    Hot Feature: Quad band, Live TV
  • Motorola Q9 Global - Slate Gray
    Motorola Q9 Global - Slate GrayCarrier: AT&T
    Contract Price: $249.99 before mail-bate
    Hot Feature: 3G, Qwerty Keyboard
  • Samsung Knack
    Samsung KnackCarrier: Verixon Wireless
    Contract Price: $39.99
    Hot Feature: Simple stylish flip
  • UTStarcom Blitz
    UTStarcom BlitzCarrier: Verizon Wireless
    Contract Price: $69.99
    Hot Feature: Kids texting machine
  • LG Voyager-Titanium
    LG Voyager-TitaniumCarrier: Verizon Wireless
    Contract Price: $149.99
    Hot Feature: New color

Latest phone images

Krave-ZN4KF900-PradaQ-11Matrix-C740SGH-A637StormC610SCH-u430 BlackMOTO-ACTV-W450 OrangeMOTO-ACTV-W450 YellowRhythm-AX585 WhiteRhythm-AX585 BlackG1w580i Red5800-XpressMusic BlueChocolate-3-VX8560 Blue

Latest winner

October 6, 2008 - Cogratulations to Omar Flores of TX.  He is our week 17 winner of a brand new Motorola Q9m.  "It feels good to know i won, I really did not expect for me to win, it came of great shock to me, thank you phonedog.com for the awesome phone!"
Don't forget to enter »

Fetch PhoneDog via Rss

Subscribe & use your favorite news reader to get: