We just wanted to give a shoutout to the LG Optimus Vu. Why? Because it may very well be the chunkiest, blockiest phone ever. And we’re still not sure as to whether or not that’s a good thing.

The LG Optimus Vu is only available in Korea as of the moment. It’s an Android beast with a 5-inch screen. And while you may argue that the Samsung Galaxy Note has a bigger screen at 5.3 inches, what makes the Vu so chunky/blocky is its screen’s aspect ratio: while the Galaxy Note sports a 1280×800 screen which gives it a normal-looking 1.6:1 landscape aspect ratio, the Optimus Vu has a 1024×768 screen.

Does that resolution sound familiar? If it does, that’s because that used to be the standard for old fashioned CRT monitors and laptops (a.k.a. XGA) prior to widescreen displays. It’s a 1.3:1 ratio that makes it look squarish. And chunky.

The Korean market is way into huge phones these days though, so it looks as if they’re okay with this. And if the huge popularity of the Samsung Galaxy Note is any indication, then maybe the LG Optimus Vu may become a big seller as well.

Well, that is if its specs are up to par. As it stands, the specs aren’t exactly world-changing:

• Dual-core 1.5GHz processor
• Android 2.3.5. Gingerbread operating system (not Ice Cream Sandwich yet)
• 1GB RAM, 32GB storage
• 8MP camera with autofocus and LED flash
• LTE capable
• TV tuner built in (!)

Oh, by the way. Here’s what sucks about this unit: It comes with a stylus, but it won’t slip into a holding slot in the unit. Why? Because that space is taken up by a TV antenna.

Art

Art is a long-time editor for a number of technology publications. He is a Palanca-winning writer whose day job is to try to be as serious as possible while being a management consultant and lecturer. His favorite noodles: chapchae.

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