Conversation between myself and an LG representative at Mobile World Congress 2012 (although the picture below probably says it all).

Me: “What screen size is this?”

LG: “5 inches. But its 4:3 aspect ratio makes it appear quite wide.”

Me: “It doesn’t appear quite wide..it is quite wide. Are you sure it’s not a tablet?”

LG: “No, it’s a smartphone.”

Me: “Ergghh, no it’s not.”

LG: “It is.”

Me: “If it makes me look stupid when I hold it to my ear – you can’t call it a phone.”

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I mean, just look at the size of the thing. I fail to see how this offers any benefit over a smaller (4 / 4.5″ device) or a 7″ tablet.

It’s the LG Optimus Vu.

Am I missing something? Is there a place for this form factor?

The representative did mention that he thought a European launch unlikely at this time.