For an entry-level Android Smartphone, the LG Optimus One is a good choice.
HARDWARE
Build quality is surprisingly good. Although generally made of rubberized plastic, the phone doesn't feel cheap and flimsy. Design-wise, it doesn't look bad either.
SOFTWARE
When it came out, it was the first entry-level smartphone to run Android 2.2 (a.k.a Froyo) out of the box. Like every Android smartphone that's not a Nexus, it comes with a custom manufacturer skin. LG exercised restraint and did some minimal skinning. It's a relief because LG isn't particularly good at skinning Android.
DISPLAY
The phone has a 3.2" LCD screen. Compared to most low-end Android smartphones, it's a pretty decent screen. Unlike high-end Android smartphones, the screen isn't gorilla glass so be sure to get a screen protector if you can't stand scratches.
BATTERY
The Optimus One is bundled with a 1500 mAh battery. At the time of its release, batteries rated at 1500 mAh were mostly reserved for high-end smartphones.
PERFORMANCE
It can run most apps and majority of the games in the Android market decently. Multi-tasking isn't much of a problem but isn't its strong suit either.
CAMERA
It comes with a 3 megapixel camera which is good enough.
OVERALL
For its price and class, the LG Optimus One is king of the hill. Just don't expect it to play with the big boys. To use sports metaphors: It's good enough to be one of the better players in the NBA D-League but not good enough to actually land a contract in the NBA.
BONUS
In September 2011, LG rolled out the Gingerbread update for LG Optimus One smartphones.
The Breakdown
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Design
7
-
Display
6
-
Camera(s)
6
-
Reception / call quality
7
-
Performance
6
-
Software
6
-
Battery life
7
-
Ecosystem
6
Show the rest of this review and the breakdown
