LG Optimus Black: First Impressions
This article cannot be considered a full review. At CES I had several hours to work with LG Optimus Black and would like to cover major changes in the model in comparison with current handsets.
At the exhibition LG Optimus Black was showcased with Android 2.2 with the promise to update it to 2.3 by the time of release. Despite the fact that in the About menu we could see version 2.2 in fact several samples featured Android 2.4 (without interface additions, which could not be ready and will take some time to evolve). Surprisingly, someone noticed Android 2.4. in Sony Ericsson Arc, but the situation was the opposite as this phone had 2.2 installed. You can write whatever you want in the About menu, but we have to think if a particular handset has any features of 2.4 indeed or it is only a mistake
The design of the model is standard with good plastic and impeccable build. Until recently LG smartphones often lost out to rivals due to lower quality plastic. In LG Optimus Black it is not an issue. The back cover is matte and the phone fits a hand well.
The speed of operation is decent as the model is built on OMAP3630 (coupled with PowerVR SGX530, if I am not mistaken). This solution offers high performance. It is not the fastest, but overall specifications are quite intriguing.
First conclusions
The phone will go on sale in April for €350. The price is right for this balanced solution. To my mind the handset can be easily compared with HTC models. Moreover, it has its interesting innovations. Luckily, LG added utilities to a standard package and Optimus 2.0 UI is nice as well.
I had very positive feelings from the phone. I was pleasantly surprised by such a successful offering from LG. When we get official samples the full review will be published. So far I have just highlighted key changes from the current crop of models.
At the exhibition LG Optimus Black was showcased with Android 2.2 with the promise to update it to 2.3 by the time of release. Despite the fact that in the About menu we could see version 2.2 in fact several samples featured Android 2.4 (without interface additions, which could not be ready and will take some time to evolve). Surprisingly, someone noticed Android 2.4. in Sony Ericsson Arc, but the situation was the opposite as this phone had 2.2 installed. You can write whatever you want in the About menu, but we have to think if a particular handset has any features of 2.4 indeed or it is only a mistake
The design of the model is standard with good plastic and impeccable build. Until recently LG smartphones often lost out to rivals due to lower quality plastic. In LG Optimus Black it is not an issue. The back cover is matte and the phone fits a hand well.
The speed of operation is decent as the model is built on OMAP3630 (coupled with PowerVR SGX530, if I am not mistaken). This solution offers high performance. It is not the fastest, but overall specifications are quite intriguing.
First conclusions
The phone will go on sale in April for €350. The price is right for this balanced solution. To my mind the handset can be easily compared with HTC models. Moreover, it has its interesting innovations. Luckily, LG added utilities to a standard package and Optimus 2.0 UI is nice as well.
I had very positive feelings from the phone. I was pleasantly surprised by such a successful offering from LG. When we get official samples the full review will be published. So far I have just highlighted key changes from the current crop of models.