Venerable consumer reviews organisation Which? Mobile have awarded the Sim Free LG Optimus 3D, one of two smartphones with native 3D on the market, with their ‘Best Buy’ award. This award is given to “the very best products and services tested by Which?”. Unexpectedly, the award comes on the basis of the smartphone’s non-3D capabilities, with Which? Mobile calling it “great for ease of use and using the Internet.”
It’s a surprising verdict, as if you ignore the 3D capabilities of the phone then the handset is bigger, heavier, slower and has worse battery life than the Samsung Galaxy S2 or HTC Sensation. On that count, I’d give a slight edge to the unlocked HTC Evo 3D, which comes with a higher resolution screen and faster processor. Which? haven’t yet reviewed the Evo 3D; if they get around to it I wonder which 3D smartphone they’ll give the nod to.
The LG Optimus 3D
Still, both the unlocked LG Optimus 3D and Sim Free HTC Evo 3D are certainly flagship smartphones, and given the prospect of more 3D content in the future, could turn out to be wise investments. Even at the moment, you can use an HTC Evo 3D dock to transmit 3D movies you’ve recorded to your 3D HDTV, so there’s certainly some useful and unique features to play around with.
Personally, I’d rather have the Evo 3D and a few choice accessories to really set it apart from the Optimus 3D. Let’s have a look at what those would be.
The HTC Evo 3D
The most essential accessory for any smart phone is a good case, and the Evo 3D is no exception.
The HTC Evo 3D case that I would recommend is the ultra-protective Case-Mate Tough Case. As the Evo 3D (like the Optimus 3D) is quite bulky anyway, I’m not too concerned with ensuring that the phone is as slim as possible. Instead, going with the slightly bulky but incredibly damage-resistant Tough Case will provide unparalleled protection. The HTC Evo 3D cover has a dual layer system, with a silicone inner layer to deaden impacts and a tough outer layer to resist scratches. As always, an HTC Evo 3D screen protector will complete the protective package.
HTC EV0 3D Desktop Sync and Charge Cradle With HDMI Out
Another clever Evo 3D accessory which I mentioned earlier is the Evo 3D MHL Dock, which allows you to output that 3D content onto your 3D capable HDTV. While other HTC Evo 3D desktop stands include charging capabilities like the MHL dock, this one is the only that includes that useful HDMI out. It’s also possible to get an MHL to HDMI TV-Out Adapter that will accomplish the same goal, although I feel the convenience of the HTC Evo 3D dock is superior.
TrailBlazer Universal Car Charger and Holder
Other essential HTC Evo 3D accessories are car holders and other chargers. The best HTC Evo 3D car holder I’ve used is the TrailBlazer Universal Car Charger and Holder, which includes an adjustable holster and a HTC Evo 3D charger via USB. With these, we’ve got a pretty complete package that I’d say best takes advantage of the Evo 3D’s features.
What do you think?
Is the LG Optimus 3D or HTC Evo 3D deserving of a ‘Best Buy’ award? Is this a sign of more great 3D smartphones to come, or is the whole thing just a fad?
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