LG Thrive Prepaid Android GoPhone (AT&T) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)June 24, 2011
** Please read the comments section for information from reviewers if you're interested in moving your standard GO Phone SIM card to this phone.
June 23, 2011:
** Added simpler/easier instructions for installing the Amazon App Store and Amazon Apps on this phone without Side Loading software courtesy of Brad in the comments section. (Thanks Brad. BTW Brad has a great review of this phone in the review section.)
June 18, 2011:
** Added advice about the screen and scratching.
June 9, 2011:
** Added a separate section on my experience with rooting the phone
1] Phone Review
This phone is like having an iPod Touch that can leave your WiFi network when necessary. It is exactly what I was looking for. I work from home, travel every 2 months, and could not justify paying $70+ a month for a phone that I'll barely use off of a wireless network. My only regret is buying this from the AT&T store when I could have gotten it a bit cheaper on Amazon.com.
The graphics looks great and the touch screen is very responsive. ** The screen can scratch after some use though, so I would suggest using a screen protector. I have not bought one myself yet so I cannot currently recommend one. I have a small 1-2cm portion of my screen that has several small scratches in it that is distracting in sunlight. I wish I had purchased a screen protector when I bought the phone. Now I am going to try some tricks I found online such as using toothpaste to slowly blend out the scratches.
The sound quality through the speaker is a bit weak but a set of headphones sounds great especially with Pandora or Audible audio books. I've seen other professional reviewers state the phone is not overly attractive but I think it looks nice. The screen cleans easily and every button is where you would expect it to be on an Android phone.
So far the phone has been powerful enough to run every app I've thrown at it even though it only has a 600mhz processor. I've seen Angry Birds Rio and Plants vs Zombies slow down when the graphics/physics get very intense on a complicated map but it has not impeded my game.
The camera is average and what I expected. I haven't used it too much but have not been disappointed in the quality of the pictures or videos. I did not expect high resolution images/video and the quality is not horrible. The audio quality on videos is a bit poor.
The battery life has been what I expected. I can actively play Words with Friends, pirate games, air traffic control games (intermittently letting the phone rest while I watch tv) for about 4-5 hours before it starts to get low on battery. Otherwise in standby mode with WiFi, Skype, Facebook, and email apps running it tends to stay almost full all day long. I believe actively interacting with the screen is what drains the power the fastest. Streaming music, or some other passive actions tends to drain it slowly.
One other reviewer suggested turning off unnecessary features such as Bluetooth when not in use and I whole heartedly agree.
I would recommend this phone to anyone who has been looking for a reasonably priced prepaid Android phone or someone who has wanted an Android version of an iPOD.
(That being said the AT&T salesperson that I purchased the phone from mentioned that I could likely use the same GO plan with any Android phone in their store. Though I would never purchase a $500 phone for any reason, I am wondering if it would be possible to buy a used/unlocked more powerful phone from the Web and use the SIM card from this phone in it.
2] Android
The interface is not an iPhone interface but it looks great. The operating system runs fairly smooth and has a small learning curve. What I like most about the Android interface is its flexibility. You can easily download new keyboards, animated backgrounds, new widgets, and a host of other features not included in the original install. The voice to text feature in the included Android Keyboard is just excellent. Being able to talk my searches/updates has been an awesome experience.
One of the greatest values of this phone is its built in GPS and software. The Google Navigator software allows you to download a route via your wireless network and drive that route without need of a data connection. If you get a little off your route the navigator can even get you back on course without having to download new maps. If the navigator doesn't give you enough assurance for a few dollars you can download some offline GPS applications and use the device just like you would a Garmin/TomTom. (If you did this you would likely need to buy a bigger SD card than the included 2GB card.)
3] Data Plans/Usage
You do not have to pay a regular monthly fee for data but purchased data does expire after 30 days. If you add more data before the 30 days expires then your existing data gets extended for another 30 days. Money you have placed on your account expires at a different rate based on the amount of cash you have put down. For instance, I put down $25 and it is good for 90 days.
One key to curtailing data usage is to turn off 3G/Edge access (when not needed). By default there is indeed a widget labeled 3G that when toggled will turn on/off 3G/Edge access. (Thanks to Brad for reminding me of this in the comments section. I had uninstalled all of my widgets while cleaning up and had forgotten to re-enable this one) This can also be accomplished by going to Settings > Wireless & networks > Mobile Networks > Data enabled. This gives you the assurance your phone is not using paid data time without your permission.
The problem is that when the mobile data network is enabled you have no inherit way to control which running applications access the network and how much data they use. Worse still is that when using the built-in task manager killing some apps (such as Skype) only causes them to re-spawn into memory. So you can't just easily kill all the data hogging apps out of memory.
There are various task managers you can download that will allow you to do a Force/Stop on Skype and other re-spawning applications to keep them from running. I am currently using Task Manager from the Marketplace to kill those apps. Just remember that some applications spawn themselves as soon as data access is detected so you may need to use the Task Manager to kill them after you turn on mobile data access.
An application called 3G Watchdog can be used to monitor your data usage over time, and the AT&T Mobile Care software will tell you how much data you have remaining on your plan.
The flaw of the Task Manager and the fact that there is no built in firewall are inherit deficiencies of Android and should not be singled out in this phone.
4] Rooting the Phone
** I take no responsibility if you use these sparse instructions to somehow damage your phone or void your warranty. Rooting the phone is a risky undertaking.**
I found an app called DroidWall that appears to be exactly what prepaid Android phone users need. It allows the user to specify which applications have data access. It also allows one to specify whether a particular application has access to the Wifi Network, the mobile data network, or both. The problem is the application requires root access to your phone.
Root access refers to the security access running applications have to your phone. By "rooting" your phone you give certain applications access to features of your phone previously protected by the operating system. In the case of DroidWall, rooting the phone gives the application access to native Linux settings that make the firewall operation possible.
There is some risk in rooting a phone. Some online have said that rooting the phone voids the warranty and prevents you from getting future updates. Others claim you only lose future updates if you uninstall the stock software from the device. It is definitely not something that can be done by the average phone user. (This is despite the fact that PC applications exist that can root the phone in one click. That's because the initial setup can be a bit daunting.)
A few weeks ago I took the plunge, followed a tutorial online using SuperOneClick, and was able to gain permanent root access to the phone. Getting SuperOneClick to work was a bit difficult as I had to find an old version of the application that contained a hack that would work. That particular version of superOneClick also set off alarms in my virus scanner because the hack itself is indeed virus-like behavior. (It breaks into the Android Linux OS and gains top security access.) After using SuperOneClick I had to download the BusyBox installer from the app store and that is how I gained permanent root access.
Overall I am very glad I rooted the phone. The DroidWall program works well and has probably saved me several MB of data while on the 3G network. In order to get web access to work with the firewall you do have to give network access to more apps than just "web". I'm still uncertain of the exact combination but I think it requires you also give the Linux kernel and the LG software 3G access before the browser will work.
Rooting the phone also allowed me to easily install the Amazon App Store, but as you'll see there is an easy workaround that will allow you to install the Amazon App Store within seconds without rooting your phone.
The only thing I have not been able to do is overclock the processor. Apparently the included Linux kernel on this phone does not allow the processor to be overclocked to 800mhz. I've found that I would need to upgrade the...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: LG Thrive Prepaid Android GoPhone (AT&T)


The LG Thrive smartphone is the perfect balance of functionality and affordability, with the flexibility of a prepaid plan. It feature whip-fast processing on the Android 2.2 platform, PC-like browsing, and access to email, contacts, and calendar that sync with your web accounts and PC. The LG Thrive lets you have your world, your way.

Boost your data connection with WiFi and connect free to thosuands of AT&T WiFi HotSpots nationwide or share your mobile broadband connection with up to 5 other devices by creating a password-protected personal hotspot. The Thrive gives you the power you need to run the most demanding Android applications and games available on Android Market. Stay in the know with quick access to social networking with Facebook and Twitter and shoot sharp photos and video with Thrive's 3.2 megapixel camera--which you can easily upload to Picasa or YouTube.

The LG Thrive operates on AT&T's Tri-Band UMTS/HSDPA 7.2Mbps and Quad-Band EDGE networks. Its 600MHz application processor has the power you need to multitask on the 3.2" HVGA full touchscreen. Enjoy PC-like web browsing with the built-in WebKit 2.3-based browser. Read your work email with Gmail, POP3/IMAP, and MS Exchange support, and get more done with ThinkFree Office which lets you view and edit Microsoft Office files and attachments.

Keep in touch with social networking like Facebook and Twitter, or just entertain yourself with preloaded AT&T apps such as AT&T Radio, AT&T Navigator, AT&T U-verse Live TV, AT&T FamilyMap, YPmobile, and more.

Enabled for use on AT&T's lightning quick HSPDA 3G network, you'll be able to easily access the Internet as well as quickly download video, music, and more. Additionally, with AT&T's 3G network, you can make a call while simultaneously receiving picture/text messages and e-mail or viewing Web pages. This GPS-enabled phone can access the AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions.

Google Integration
The Thrive has voice commands and speech-to-text capability, with compatibility for Google Voice Actions. It has integrated Google account syncing for compatible Google apps such as Contacts, Gmail, Gtalk, Google Calendar, Picasa and Android Market.

Vital Statistics
The LG Thrive weighs 3.2 ounces and measures 4.47 x 2.32 x 0.53 inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7.5 hours of talk time, and up to 20 days of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T's 3G UMTS 850/1800/2100 HSDPA network.
What's in the Box
LG Thrive smartphone, battery, USB cable, wall charger, CD with user manual and Flash tutorial, quick start guide.

Android Operating System
The LG Thrive runs the Android operating system--OS 2.2 (aka Froyo)--which provides a faster overall Android experience as well as greater multitasking capabilities. You'll be able to receive notifications, listen to music, and even record GPS data without keeping the application open. And it features a plethora of new enhancements, including an improved onscreen QWERTY keyboard, full push corporate e-mail, and support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 for access to the full Web. It also offers enhanced Exchange support, with Calendar syncing, Global Address Lookup, improved security, auto-discovery, and more.

With integrated Google technology, the LG Thrive brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, GTalk instant messaging (with presence capabilities), YouTube, and Picasa. The LG Thrive also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. And through Android Market, you'll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets, and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day.

AT&T GoPhone Service
AT&T's pay-as-you-go GoPhone plans are wireless plans made easy, simply pay in advance for what you need. No long-term contracts, credit checks, or surprise bills--just all the benefits of wireless, with no complications. In addition, AT&T's Rollover Balance feature lets you carry over your unused account balance when you purchase refill minutes before your balance expires.



$2 Unlimited Daily Talk & Text is charged ONLY on the days the phone is used to make or receive unlimited nationwide calls or text IM or picture messages, plus text to Mexico and over 100 countries worldwide. It's good plan for those who do not use their phone every day, and data packages can be added.




$60 Monthly Unlimited Talk & Text provides nationwide calling, text, IM and picture messaging plus text and IM to Mexico and over 100 countries worldwide. (Data usage is charged at $0.01/kb.)




$75 Monthly Unlimited Talk & Text Plus 200 MB Data is for the person who wants all of the benefits of the Unlimited plans, plus ability to frequently check e-mail, surf the web, and more. (Additional data usage is charged at $0.01/kb after the initial 200 MB is used.)




Simple Rate Plan enables you to make phone calls at just 10¢ a minute--perfect for those looking to use their phone very infrequently or for emergencies. You can add data and messaging packages as needed.



Learn more about AT&T GoPhone plans from this handy chart, plus check out AT&T's nationwide coverage map.

Other great GoPhone features include no long distance or roaming fees across AT&T's national service area, the ability to track usage via text messages with an updated balance after each call, and the ability to refill your minutes 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. You can also cancel any time without penalty.

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about LG Thrive Prepaid Android GoPhone (AT&T)