When the HTC Sensation and LG Optimus 3D collide, who will be left to pick up the pieces? Us, of course. We’ve tested these two heavyweights to destruction and we’re here to give you the results. Read on to discover who wins in this epic battle of 2D verses 3D.
Further reading:
Screen
As its moniker suggests, the LG Optimus 3D is all about showing images in three dimensions. Like the Nintendo 3DS console, it uses an auto-stereoscopic display to present 3D pictures and video without the need for special glasses. It’s a pretty striking experience, and one that could potentially revolutionse the way we interact with our mobiles – but there are caveats.
First, the ‘sweet spot’ is very tight. Even the slightest movement breaks the 3D illusion, and when you’re using your phone on a bumpy bus or fast-moving train, that’s hardly ideal. The other big issue is that the 3D effect is very demanding on the phone’s battery.
Thankfully, even with the 3D effect switched off, the LG Optimus 3D has a fantastic IPS screen with bold colours and contrast. The plain old HTC Sensation’s Super LCD screen ends up looking a bit drab, although its size (4.3-inches – the same as the screen on LG’s handset) means that it’s great for surfing the web and viewing videos regardless.
Operating System
HTC has always prided itself as being a leader in the Android sector, and it should come as no surprise to learn that the HTC Sensation is running Android 2.3, the latest flavour of the popular smartphone OS. The phone is also gifted with the excellent Sense UI skin, which adds in exclusive applications and widgets to further enrich the user experience.
In comparison, the LG Optimus 3D is saddled with Android 2.2 – the OS equivalent of last year’s must-have pair of trainers. To be honest the differences between the two are negligible and you’ve got to be a serious tech-head to really spot them, but it feels a bit cheeky putting out-dated software in what is supposed to be a top-flight phone.
Under the hood
With a 1GHz dual-core processor, the LG Optimus 3D is certainly quick enough to handle all the videos, games and apps you can throw at it. It also comes with a cool 5 megapixel twin-camera setup, which allows you to take 3D photos and record 3D video. Like so:
The HTC Sensation may lack such 3D trickery, but its 8 megapixel snapper takes better quality shots and its 1.2GHz dual-core CPU gives it the edge in terms of pure power.
Both phones are capable of recording 1080p high definition video, and both can link to your TV to display your handiwork, but only the LG Optimus 3D has dedicated HDMI port – the HTC Sensation requires a MHL adapter to achieve the same result.
Storage for music, photos, videos and apps is an area where the HTC Sensation struggles somewhat. It has 1GB built-in and support for MicroSD cards (you get an 8GB one in the box) but the LG Optimus 3D has 8GB internal memory, as well as a MicroSD card slot. If you’re concerned about space, then you may wish to consider LG’s challenger.
Verdict
Although the LG Optimus 3D’s unique selling point is something of a gimmick, it’s nice to have the option to view images, videos and even games in three dimensions. The phone is also great if you want plenty of internal storage to mess about with, as well as the option to add in more memory with MicroSD cards.
However, with its 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 8 megapixel camera, slick Sense UI and gorgeous looks, the HTC Sensation manages to overshadow LG’s 3D wonder. We’re sure that LG will succeed in creating a market-beating Android phone soon, but the Optimus 3D fails to tick all the boxes, while the HTC Sensation arguably ranks as one of the firm’s best efforts to date.
