Hardware and software
Talk about a spitting image of the LG Optimus 3D. Don't get us wrong, we were expecting the Thrill 4G to be incredibly similar to its global counterpart, of course -- we just didn't believe it would be that close. We expect US carriers to take a handset popular in other parts of the world, tweak its design, change the UI and essentially turn it into a completely different phone. Interestingly enough, we found it difficult to find any significant variations at all between the twins aside from a few minor adjustments.
On the outside, the only distinguishable difference is the AT&T logo printed on the back. Nothing else. Nada. Zilch. Even after swimming all the way across the pond, the device remains just as chunky as ever, weighing in at 5.93 ounces (168g), and its dimensions size up at 5.07 x 2.68 x 0.47 inches (128.8 x 68 x 11.9mm). Both versions of the Optimus 3D offer the same 4.3-inch 800 x 480 display, indistinguishable hardware buttons and ports, identical camera placement... the list goes on. The internals of the Thrill are carbon-copied as well: they both run off the same 1GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4430 CPU, 512MB of RAM, and a 1,500mAh battery, and pair of 5MP rear cameras for 3D capture (with 1.3MP front-facing).
B1000 Android 2.2
The Thrill's software doesn't stray too far from its lookalike, either. Unfortunately, that includes the firmware -- despite AT&T's promise to bump every member of its 2011 Android lineup to Gingerbread, this one is shipping with Froyo (Android 2.2) installed. We're sure a forthcoming update is in the works -- in fact, we're counting on it -- but in the meantime customers will be committing themselves to a brand new device with an antiquated OS. The carrier's also chosen to Rethink Possible by throwing in bloatware and a small handful of UI tweaks so tiny that they're only noticeable when doing a direct side-by-side comparison.
As for the distinct qualities this Froyo-based phone may possess apart from the Optimus 3D, there are a small few we could see. As we alluded to, the Thrill 4G doesn't skimp on the preloaded apps -- the usual suite of AT&T services apply, as well as Kindle, YPmobile, Polaris Office, Qik Lite and Let's Golf 2 (we have a strong suspicion that nobody's actually played the first game in the series). The device also offers the stock Android keyboard in addition to LG's customized version.
An in-depth look at the global edition's hardware and software can be found in our Optimus 3D review, so head over to see all the extra details.
N8 Smartphone
Performance
Nevermind for a moment that the Thrill feels like a gimmick with its 3D capabilities. Forget -- just for a little while -- that its 2D and video qualities are somewhat lacking, and that the phone's running on software in desperate need of being updated. The device is a powerhouse, thanks primarily to its 1GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4430 CPU and 512MB of dual-channel RAM. Seldom did we have any issues with the system lagging or delaying as a result of our multitasking, which involves emails, Twitter, using the browser with Flash, playing games and so on. It was incredibly responsive and didn't crash a single time during our tests.
Of the above benchmarks, there's one in particular that stands out the most: the Thrill 4G's Sunspider speeds zoomed right past the HTC EVO 3D and didn't bother waving goodbye. In fact, we typically don't see devices register a score beneath 4,000 when using the stock Android browser -- a feat we saw the Droid Bionic achieve-- yet this device consistently passed that milestone. Additionally, Quadrant and Nenamark also cranked out very respectable results, with Linpack and Neocore ranking not far behind.
Its stellar performance is great news, of course, until we consider the phone's battery life. It may perform like a top-notch handset, but you can't enjoy it for very long. The Thrill lasted barely over four hours in our video rundown test, and we weren't able to get much more than ten with moderate usage (emailing, social networking, occasionally calling and taking 2D / 3D pictures and videos). Needless to say, you'll want to become good friends with the task manager and pay it a visit regularly.
Lastly, the call and audio quality was very similar to the Optimus 3D, with reception almost consistently one bar above an iPhone 3GS tested on the same network. Voices, much like its lookalike, were loud though slightly tinny, and calls were pleasant otherwise.
Wrap-up
Reviewing the Thrill 4G was essentially a complete rehash of the LG Optimus 3D, with the obvious exception of AT&T branding and price ($100 with a two-year commitment). While we didn't notice a large improvement over the global model to rate it a different score, we're willing to give major brownie points since it's a high-performance phone offered at a reasonable cost. This is one of the least expensive dual-core handsets on the market, and its overall performance is outstanding for the price point. Sadly, the phone's still a small step behind the EVO in 3D capturing abilities but it's not a disappointment by any means. We were, however, let down by its miserable battery life.
HB63M WCDMA+GSM
You may be tempted to consider the Thrill a niche product, and rightfully so. After all, there's no mistaking that it is -- first and foremost -- a 3D camera hunkered inside a phone. But in exchange for a Benjamin, you're getting a decent dual-core device that uses good (but not great) components throughout the remainder of the phone. Whether or not you approve of this pioneer's adventure into unexplored territories, you could do far worse than the Thrill 4G.