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LG Optimus Vu: Samsung Galaxy Note rival confirmed for Europe

Initially exclusive to the South Korean and Japanese markets, LG has finally seen fit to release the LG Vu, it’s Samsung Galaxy Note rival to the rest of the world, with a US and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) launch coming in September. 

Samsung initially looked to have the monopoly in the strange ‘phablet’ space, until at MWC earlier this year, LG produced the Vu: a device featuring a 5-inch display utilising an unusual 4:3 aspect ratio and stylus input.

LG Optimus Vu

According to Android Central the decision to release it worldwide appears to be the result of the phablet selling over 500,000 units and what’s more, this new revision of the Vu is set to feature a more powerful quad-core processor, to bring it up to date, possibly in an effort to tackle the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 2, which we’re expecting to be unveiled next week at IFA.

What are the main features of the LG Optimus Vu?

Predominantly the Vu will remain unchanged from the South Korean/Japanese revision, save for a faster processor and that same 5-inch 4:3 display.

  • 5-inch HD-IPS LCD 4:3 (768×1024 pixels)
  • Quad-core Tegra 3 processor
  • 1GB of RAM
  • 32GB onboard storage
  • 8-megapixel camera with 1080p HD video recording at 30fps
  • 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera
  • Wi-Fi with hotspot functionality
  • 3G(/LTE in select markets) connectivity
  • Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP
  • 2080 mAh battery

What operating system does the LG Optimus Vu run?

Although the timing surrounding the original launch of the Vu meant that it arrived running Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread, the re-release for the international quad-core variant is set to feature the newer Android Ice Cream Sandwich out-the-box.

What are the alternatives?

LG has used the Vu to take a bite out of the Samsung Galaxy Note’s rather unique market share and as such the Note or the forthcoming Note 2 should both be comparable alternatives with respect to usability.

At the same time, if budgetary constraints mean that a new device like the Note or the Vu is out of the question, the older HTC Flyer with its stylus and HTC Scribe technology may be a more dated option, or if Android isn’t your thing at all, then perhaps investing in an iPad with a capacitive stylus is the answer.

How much will the LG Optimus Vu cost?

Unlocked versions of the dual-core iteration of the Vu are retailing for around £350 online so expect the new Vu, with its Tegra 3 chip to demand a higher price-tag, maybe within the region of £450-£500 at launch.

Where will the LG Optimus Vu be available?

LG has stated that the Vu will now be coming to the US, key European (including the UK), Middle East and African markets.

When will the LG Optimus Vu launch?

Availability is scheduled for sometime in September, however there is no fixed release date for any specific market yet. We’ll keep you updated with news when we get it.

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