How the LG Incite Compares with the IPhone

Can LG's touch screen phone, the Incite, compete with Apple's iPhone 3G? Well, almost. While LG has come out with a phone comparable and even better than the iPhone on many levels, it has yet to master the art of the touch screen keyboard. Here is how the phones size up against each other.

Screen Size

The iPhone's screen is a little bigger than Incite's at 3.5 inches. The Incite's screen is 3 inches and has been problematic for many users who complain that they can only see one line of text when typing out a message.

Operating System

While the iPhone features the innovative operating system that only Apple can provide, the Incite uses Windows Mobile. This gives the Incite the advantage of more functionality, with the ability to edit and save files. However, many users find Windows to be less user-friendly and intuitive that Apple's operating system. Some found it difficult to perform basic functions even after reading the users guide.

Memory

With the iPhone, you can get up to 16GB-disk memory, but it is only usable for photos and music. The Incite is the best competitor in this category, offering up to 32GB storage with use of a microSD card. When coupled with Windows Mobile, this offers the abilities of a laptop with the convenience of a handy device that fits in your pocket.

Wi-Fi, Blue Tooth, Voice Plans and Pricing

The iPhone and Incite are both Wi-Fi and Blue Tooth compatible. Because both phones are on AT&T's blazing fast 3G network, the phones perform at about the same speed for internet and voice functions. Both plans cost about the same, except for the GPS navigation offered by the Incite, which will cost you a little more. For cost, LG wins at $200 less! This is an incredible savings given how well the Incite's features compete with iPhone. Consider that a 32GB microSD will run you about $125 and a 16GB will cost you about $45. If you are comparing with the 8GB iPhone, you will save $100, but will have to add back in the $40 cost of an 8GB microSD; still a considerable savings.

GPS Navigation

The iPhone includes a simple GPS navigation feature that allows you to search an address, much like MapQuest, and then route to your destination. Apple offers on-screen turn-by-turn directions and moving maps, all free. The Incite features AT&T Navigator, which is powered by TeleNav. This service offers the same turn-by-turn directions and similar moving maps to the iPhone, but has the added benefit of voice directions. Navigator also gives you traffic alerts, alternate routes plus more location-based services. These bonuses will cost you, though. The Incite's navigation plan costs $9.99 per month.

Battery Life

The LG has beat the iPhone on battery life offering almost 4 hours more talk time and 9 more days of standby time.

Camera

The Incite has the better camera, beating out the iPhone's 2-megapixel still camera with a 3-megapixel video camera.

Weight

The LG incite has also given Apple a run for its money in the weight category. It is the lightest touch screen phone available at 4.3 oz. The iPhone weighs 4.8 oz. Still, LG might be paying for the lighter weight in the user experience. Some have reported the phone feels cheap and makes a plastic "squeaking" noise when the screen is pressed hard.

Input

The keyboard is the most important feature when it comes to user satisfaction for the iPhone. The touch screen keyboard is intuitive, easy to use and easily registers keystrokes. Because the Incite's keyboard is slow to respond and will often fail to register keystrokes, it loses badly to the iPhone. Many users who tried the Incite because of the cost savings ended up returning it for the iPhone anyway. When it comes to a device you use every day, it needs to run smoothly and easily. The Incite's keyboard problems may simply be a matter of user calibration.

The Incite offers something the iPhone can't: handwriting recognition with the stylus. While this feature is sure to please many, the fact that the stylus hangs off the phone, rather than being encased in a slot, is sure to annoy.

Not Quite

The Incite offers many useful features. LG has done a great job designing this phone. The Incite may be a viable competitor to the Blackberry Storm, offering similar features at a cheaper price and on a faster network. However, the LG Incite cannot compete with the iPhone for usability and fun. It is a more complex device, running on Windows Mobile. If you are using your phone for business, you would be wise to choose the Incite. The rest of us will have a better time with the iPhone.