LG Optimus 3D: Pros and Cons

As 3-D stereoscopic technology is unquestionably the next big area of technological growth, it is only natural that manufacturers of popular smartphones will take full advantage of this new technology. Case in point, Korean electronics giant LG recently unveiled a new smartphone model called Optimus 3D, which is billed as the first true 3-D mobile phone on the market. LG is hoping that Optimus 3D, with its unique capabilities, will clearly distinguish itself in a crowded smartphone market. But does this new phone have what it takes to gain favor with consumers? This article discusses the pros and cons of Optimus 3D and examines its main features.

With so many different brands of smartphones available, a new phone model entering the market won't achieve success unless it offers something drastically new. LG has apparently realized this. The company's new phone model, the Optimus 3D, will be the first smartphone to offer users the ability to view 3-D content. The device also includes a high-quality camera that takes 3-D photos as well as videos. Moreover, one will be able to view 3-D content without wearing specially designed glasses. Nintendo's portable gaming device 3DS is the only other gadget currently on the market that allows glasses-free 3-D viewing. This is undoubtedly one of the biggest pros of Optimus 3D.

Another Optimus 3D's drawing card is the fact that this smartphone was designed with portable gaming in mind. The device will offer both 3-D and traditional 2-D gaming. According to Gamertell, the phone will even come preloaded with Gameloft's trio of 3-D titles (Asphalt 6: Adrenaline, Let's Golf 2, and Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance). Users can also switch back to 2-D mode from 3-D and vice versa. These features really show LG's commitment to making this a gaming device.

With LG putting a lot of focus on 3-D capabilities, one may wonder if other features of Optimus 3D will suffer because of it. Fortunately, the multi-touch smartphone should still perform other essential functions well thanks to its powerful duo-core processor. Optimus, powered by Android OS, is set to support multitasking, Flash-enabled web browsing and Android Marketplace. Aside from the 3-D technology, LG Optimus 3D is very much indistinguishable from other top smartphones currently on the market.

Is there any con or downside to Optimus 3D? The device is expected to face many of the common problems associated with 3-D content viewing. Watching things through a stereoscopic lens is relatively novel; people will need time to properly adjust their eyesight to fully enjoy this technology. Consequently, it is highly probable that some health problems may arise from viewing 3-D content. Due to this risk, Nintendo has already warned parents not to allow their young kids to watch 3-D content on their 3DS. LG is expected to do the same for Optimus 3D. Additionally, 3-D technology on a portable system is still in its infancy. This technology is sure to have some serious shortcomings and imperfections.

Another big problem for LG Optimus 3D is the fact it will have to compete with two other devices that were designed with a similar objective. Sony is set to release a new mobile phone called Xperia Play, which is billed as the first true gaming smartphone. Although this phone does not deliver 3-D stereoscopic gaming, it is equipped with many advanced gaming features. Xperia Play even includes a gaming pad for the hardcore gamers.

Another competitor of Optimus 3D is the Nintendo 3DS. While 3DS is not a phone, the device is set to possess many of the non-calling features of a smartphone. At the same time, the gaming gadget also offers users the ability to watch 3-D content glasses-free. According to CNET, the 3DS is better at providing 3-D content viewing than Optimus 3D. All in all, the road ahead for LG's new smartphone won't be a smooth one.

Sources:
1) Jeremy Hill. Gameloft bringing 3D games to the LG Optimus 3D. Gamertell
2) Luke Westaway. LG Optimus 3D vs. Nintendo 3DS in 3D display destruction derby. CNET