It's always on, so if you have your phone lying next to you, everything is just a glance away. When the primary display is off, the second screen serves basically one purpose: it shows the date/time, battery, and notification tray. In that respect, I have to give it to LG - it would've been so easy to keep the customization simple, but you can pretty much configure every aspect of the second screen, which I love. You can even organize the order in which they show up. Each of these things will only show up when the display is on (settings for when the main screen is off are different), and each one is completely customizable and/or can be turned off on a individual basis. Other than notifications, the second screen can show a variety of info: signature, app shortcuts, recent apps, quick contacts, upcoming calendar events, and music player controls. My initial reaction was to start swiping the second screen, since swiping the notification is the default Android action, so it took a bit of adjustment when using the V10. I've grown to really love this aspect of the second screen, though I will admit that at first it's a little disorienting since the notifications show up above the bar. In fact, I think it enhances it for one main reason: this is where heads-up and scrolling notifications show up, instead of popping up on top of whatever you're looking at on the display or in the status bar. While it's easy to dismiss the second display as nothing more than a gimmick (even I was guilty of this before using the phone), I've actually grown to enjoy it! I mean, I don't think this is a reason in itself to buy the phone, but it definitely doesn't detract from the phone's overall use, either. Like trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist - something just to compete with Samsung's (arguably sillier) "edge" stuff. I don't really see it as a big deal, but I'd be remiss not to at least mention it.Īt first blush, this little 160x1040 section of screen seems silly. Since the back is removable, there is a little bit more flex in it than you'd see on phones with non-removable backs, especially around the power button/volume rocker. Like I mentioned earlier, the stainless steel side pieces are fantastic and really go a long way in making the phone feel like a tank. ![]() It seems incredibly durable (though I'm not willing to test its limits), and exceptionally well-built. I guess I can see that as being a true statement (some of the time anyway), but the V10 feels solid to me. The only argument I can ever see being made here is that phones with removable backs aren't as robust as phones without. So yeah, I like that this is here, even if I probably wouldn't take advantage of it. The same can't be said for the other side - you'll never see "non-removable battery and no expandable storage" on a list of pros for any device. Having these things in a phone definitely don't make me think less of it if someone wants to be able to swap their phone battery, then they should be able to. Personally, I don't really have an opinion one way or another about removable batteries and SD card slots, but I do know this: more options are generally better. The layout here is awesome, and I love the murdered-out look of my black review unit. ![]() Really, the only thing you see when looking at the front of the phone is the dual front cameras, and of course the second display. The front of the device is also understated and clean, with basically non-existent side bezels and a blacked-out LG logo. I didn't realize how much I'd like this till I started using the V10. Since the volume rocker and power button are found on the back, the sides are completely clean. They feel and look great, and give this phone a very "finished" look. The stainless steel bars on either side of the handset are also another one of my favorite things about this phone from a design standpoint. Everything on my review unit is super stealthy and sleek, and I think the segmented back gives it a nice standout look that's still subtle enough to keep it from being over the top. I think the textured back feels and looks incredible, especially in black. From what I've seen, the overall look of the phone is a bit polarizing - most people either love it or hate it.
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