I was invited for an intimate sit-down earlier today to learn more about LG’s first and upcoming Android smartphone, the LG Optimus (GT450). Here are my initial impressions with this new LG phone.
It’s not your typical high-end smartphone. The reasonably priced LG Optimus (Php12,900) is geared towards those who want to start experimenting with smartphones without having to spend a lot. They are trying to follow the success of their first LG Cookie which was the cheapest touchscreen phone back then.
The LG Optimus is a casual smartphone that is defined by its playful looks and will benefit those who are huge fans of social networking sites. It comes in four colors: black, silver, white (brushed finish look) and the pink one which has a quilted pattern that resembles a lady’s handbag. LG reps are quick to mention that the white one won’t be arriving in our shores.
LG opted for the same TFT resistive touchscreen for the Optimus which is the same thing they used on their Cookie line. It takes a bit of familiarity to navigate for those who are used to the capacitive screen found in typical smartphones (HTC, iPhone, Galaxy S, etc.) but LG Cookie fans will feel at home. This takes out the multi-touch, pinch-to-zoom functionality that some Android apps may require though but at least you can use it with your gloved hands.
Inside the GT450 is a Qualcomm 600MHz processor that runs on Android 1.6 (Donut) although there will be a provision to upgrade to 2.1 (Eclair) before the year ends. LG also incorporated their own UI on top of Android’s own interface. This makes it easier for users to customize their homescreen (up to 7) to access frequently used widgets.
Here’s a video clip of LG Optimus’ UI:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y2jLOhul28
The biggest feature first-time Android users will enjoy is the automatic account synchronization of Google mobile services. There’s also the enhanced social networking functions and same multimedia capability such as DivX video support and camera with video recording capability.
To sum LG Optimus up, LG can’t say it any better:
“œThis is a device that was designed for regular people who want to jump into the smartphone experience but have been hesitant to do so because of the learning curve. With the simplicity of the LG Optimus, coupled with a great design and highly attractive and affordable price tag, we hope to see more users enjoy the benefits of using smartphones.”
Specs:
- 3.0-inch resistive touchscreen @ 320×480 pixels
- Qualcomm MSM7227 600MHz CPU
- 130MB internal storage
- up to 32GB via (2GB included)
- 3G/HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
- WiFi 802.11 b/g
- Bluetooth 2.1
- 3.15MP autofocus camera
- FM Radio w/ RDS
- GPS w/ aGPS support
- Android 1.6
- Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery
- Price: Php12,900
The LG Optimus will be available by the second week of August.