LG Spectrum

Update: LG just made official the Spectrum at CES, confirming the below list specs. It's a beast, baby!

Here's one monster product (spec-wise, at least) that you won't have to wait months after CES for. Previously rumored as the Revolution 2, Verizon is set to launch the LG Spectrum on January 19, with a display that might even give the Galaxy Nexus a run for its money:

  • 4.5″ True HD IPS display (1280x720 at 329DPI), protected by Gorilla Glass
  • 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S3 processor
  • 8MP rear camera, shoots 1080p video
  • 1.3MP front camera
  • 1GB of RAM
  • 4GB of on-board storage, 16GB micro SD card pre-installed
  • 4G LTE
  • Mobile hotspot shares up to 10 connections
  • Android 2.3
  • 1830mAh battery (optional 3000mAh extended battery available at launch)
  • Bluetooth 3.0
  • Swype
  • Dimensions: 5.33″ x 2.71″ x .41″
  • Weight: 4.99 oz.

Update x3: David went hands-on at CES with this Spectrum, which is essentially the LG Nitro for Big Red. Have a look:

The screen may even be better than it sounds - LG advertises the fact that it uses the Real Strip subpixel arrangement, which will evidently make the screen "denser and sharper" than those that use Pen-Tile, though at such a high pixel density that isn't so much of an issue. Solidifying the screen as a main selling point, the Spectrum will have access to some exclusive HD content: Netflix HD (much as the original Revolution was supposed to have Netflix first), Smartmovie HD video editing, and ESPN ScoreCenter with live 720p HD video.

At this point, just about the only information that hasn't been disclosed is pricing, though with such high-end specs we can only imagine it will be up there with Verizon's other top-tier phones, at around $299 on-contract. But with a release so imminent, such information should be official soon.

Update from CES: The Spectrum is going to be more affordable than we thought -- $199 with a two-year agreement, out on January 19th. Bam!

VERIZON WIRELESS AND LG MOBILE CONTINUE LEGACY OF INNOVATION BY OFFERING A TRUE HD MOBILE EXPERIENCE WITH SPECTRUM™ BY LG

Latest LG Smartphone Boasts True HD IPS Display, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE, Dual-Core Processor and ESPN ScoreCenter App with Exclusive HD Feed

LAS VEGAS and BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and LG Mobile today announced Spectrum™ by LG smartphone, exclusively for Verizon Wireless. Spectrum is the first smartphone for Verizon Wireless to feature a 4.5-inch True HD In-Plane Switching (IPS) display, the same display technology used in premium LG HD televisions. Intensifying its HD capabilities, Spectrum by LG will give customers exclusive HD access to the ESPN™ ScoreCenter application. Spectrum will be in the Verizon booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #30259) and LG booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall, Booth #8204).

ESPN’s ScoreCenter app is supported by an exclusive HD video feed, giving customers the exclusive access to ScoreCenter stats, images and videos in 720p HD. Scoreboards and live game details include in-game stats, news and video. Personalization features allow fans to customize their ScoreCenter experience by highlighting their favorite teams and leagues from around the world, all in crystal clear high-definition.

Showcasing LG’s True HD technology, Spectrum by LG supports 1280 x 720 resolution and offers one of the brightest and sharpest displays available on a mobile device. Spectrum’s 500-nit display luminance and Real-Stripe RGB pixels offer users clear viewing in direct sunlight and accurate true-to-life color rendering.

Spectrum also features a Qualcomm® 1.5 GHz dual-core processor combined with 4G LTE connectivity for robust power, multitasking and download speeds. Verizon Wireless leads the way in 4G with the fastest and most reliable 4G network in the United States, covering more than 200 million people in 190 markets.

Key features:

· 4.5-inch True HD IPS display provides natural colors and brilliant, undistorted HD images in 16:9 aspect ratio. Pictures and texts are incredibly sharp with 329 pixels per inch (PPI) screen density.

· Protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass, the True HD IPS display uses Real Stripe subpixel arrangement so images never get blurred.

· Android™ 2.3 Gingerbread (Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade available the first half of 2012); support for Google™ Mobile Services including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Talk™, Google Search™, Google Maps™ and access to more than 300,000 apps available to download from Android Market™.

· Preloaded Netflix app allows Netflix subscribers to stream the latest movies in high-definition quality.

· Qualcomm 1.5 GHz dual-core processor makes multitasking seamless. Customers can surf the Web, check email and update social networks effortlessly.

· ESPN’s ScoreCenter app offers the most comprehensive sports coverage available on an Android device whether you follow the NFL or Premier League, ICC Champions League or MLB™, NASCAR or Formula One™. Customers can follow teams from more than 500 leagues around the world with an exclusive 720p high-definition feed for Spectrum by LG while connected to the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network or Wi-Fi.

· Spectrum supports Dolby® Digital Plus, which allows users to maximize their HD multimedia experience. Dolby Digital Plus can stream up to 7.1 channels of surround sound through home entertainment systems.

Additional features:

· 8-megapixel rear-facing autofocus camera with LED flash to snap beautiful pictures and 1080p video capture

· Front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for video chat

· SmartMovie HD app—create and edit HD videos right on the Spectrum by LG

· Mobile Hotspot capability—share 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices

· Bluetooth® Version 3.0

· 16 GB microSD™ card pre-installed with support for up to 32 GB microSD card

· SmartShare—share media wirelessly to DLNA®-enabled devices

· HDMI mirroring capable via MHL

Pricing and availability:

· Spectrum by LG will be available on Jan. 19 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online atwww.verizonwireless.com

for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

· Customers who purchase a Spectrum by LG will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

Customers Can Score the Game Winner:

LG and ESPN are teaming up to give fans the chance to score an unbelievable sports weekend, including two tickets to ESPN The Magazine’s NEXT Party and a trip to the big game in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 5. Customers can visit www.SpectrumbyLg.com

or www.verizonwireless.com/spectrum

for official rules, details and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of sports history.