LG Exalt is a flip phone with style (pictures)

True, the LG Exalt from Verizon doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a modern smartphone, but for those who just need the basics, it will definitely satisfy. Especially since the device has a sleek design, features an amply-sized screen, and is currently free under contract.

The phone has a 3-inch WQVGA display with a 240x400-pixel resolution. For a clamshell device, that's quite a big screen. In addition, you can change the phone's UI using three design themes: modern, classic, and artistic (seen here).

Below the display is an alphanumeric keypad that is generously sized and spaced, and comfortable to press. The buttons are stylish too: they're flush with the rest of the handset's surface, which looks modern, and their shiny tile-like design is chic.

Once you press any of the handset's side buttons, moving LED lights will shine from underneath the device's external front surface and the time will appear (similar to the LG dLite of years past). The lights can show you when you have a missed call or get a text message. If you receive an incoming call from an unblocked number, the lights will also scroll the number, similar to a news ticker.

The Exalt can hold up to 1,000 contacts. Under each person, you can save up to five numbers, two e-mail addresses, and one street address. You can also assign a photo, a ringtone (there are 38 already included), and add a personal note to each contact.

Additional features include a 900 mAh battery, which has a reported talk time of 5.5 hours and a standby time of nearly 18 days, and up to 32GB of expandable storage space.

On the back is a 2-megapixel camera. Though it lacks a flash, it does record video. Some basic photo options include an exposure meter, a timer, and five white balances.

Compared to devices like the LG Envoy II and the Revere 2, the Exalt performs rather quickly. Opening up the Opera Mini Web browser (which takes an inordinate amount of time on the other devices), takes only about three seconds.