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LG Optimus One review

7.2/10 AVG.
RATING
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LG Optimus One
LG Optimus One
LG Optimus One
LG Optimus One
LG Optimus One
LG Optimus One
...


7.2/10
Informr score
The LG Optimus One currently has an Informr score of 7.2 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 25 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

While range-topping dual core Android phones can last less than a day on full charge with moderate usage, budget rivals like the Optimus One have a greater chance of giving you more time between trips to the plug socket.

What's good

  • 1500mAh battery means you can get 48 hours of use from the phone before it needs recharging
  • Option to upgrade the software from Android 2.2 to 2.3 will please many users because other budget handsets are often stuck with older iterations of the platform indefinitely

The LG Optimus One is described by LG as a great choice for first-time smartphone users. In this writer's opinion, the Optimus One deserves a better lead than that. Let's break it down.

The LG Optimus One is an Android-powered candybar that offers a 3.2 inch, 320 x 480 pixel capacitive display which, while not top tier, is certainly capable, large and easy on the eyes.

Add a 3MP camera with auto-focus, video record, MP3 player, FM radio, full internet browser and native YouTube player, and you have a phone that can keep pace with the diverse and immediate needs of many users.

The Optimus One also features location-based services including navigation via A-GPS, memory expansion via microSD (Up to 32GB), Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm headset jack and more.

With a talk time of up to five hours and a standby time of up to 450 hours, the LG Optimus One is a great choice for first time smartphone shoppers, and then some.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
600 MHz
Processor
Processor
600 MHz
3.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.2"
3+ MP
Camera
Camera
3+ MP
1500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


GSMArena
GSMArena

The Optimus One is a low-end Android but it performs very well in its price bracket. LG’s main goal with this one is pull people away from feature phones by offering more functionality than even the most high-end feature phone.Feature phones usually offer a better screen and a better camera bu...

- GSMArena Team, GSMArena
T3
T3

Don’t look at the specs when buying the LG Optimus One, as that’s not what it’s about. Instead realise that the few tradeoffs you have to make are necessary to get a cutting edge Android phone for less money than it takes to replace a cracked iPhone screen. LG looks to have got the...

- Gareth Beavis, T3
Stuff
Stuff

The camera isn’t much to crow about. Unlike some budget smartphones, though, you have a reasonable chance of recognising something you’ve taken a picture or a video of – even if it is a little murky and jerky in 18fps VGA. 170MB of storage on the phone itself is supplemented by the microSD slot. Wit...

- Stuff Team, Stuff
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

A budget smartphone that offers some great features, the LG Optimus One P500 is well worth a second look. Unlike some other cheap handsets, it runs Android 2.2 Froyo rather than 2.1 Eclair.

- Rosemary Hattersley , Tech Advisor
TrustedReviews
TrustedReviews

The LG Optimus One is quite simply some phone. As a budget smartphone, it more than gets the job done and if you can find it on a good deal, there's no reason for you to avoid it. However, equally there's little to really make us recommend it. Frankly, the Orange San Francisco still stands out as th...

- Edward Chester , TrustedReviews


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the LG Optimus One user manual here.


LG backs up the Optimus One with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Optimus One has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact LG support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find LG's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Screen Size
3.2"

The LG Optimus One's screen size is 3.2 inches with 320 x 480 pixels resolution.

Processor
600 MHz

There is a 600 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 2.2 Froyo (Update Available: 2.3.3 Gingerbread) operating system (OS).

Camera
3+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 3+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
170 MB

Internal memory is 170 MB. An external, MicroSD (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1500mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1500 mAh battery. LG's performance ratings are 480 minutes.

Optimus One Specs

Overview
Release Date November 3, 2010
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System Android 2.2 Froyo (Update Available: 2.3.3 Gingerbread)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor 600 MHz
Internal Storage 170 MB
RAM Unknown
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.927 W/kg
Body: 0.699 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery, Headset, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
HSDPA 7.2
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 2.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, DUN, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
3+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Brightness control, Geotagging, Panorama, Smile detection, White balance
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP
Video Recording Parameters
VGA (640 x 480 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 262k
Resolution 320 x 480 pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.2 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1500 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 480 minutes
Standby Time Up to 29 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black, Blue, Silver, Purple, Soft Pink
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.3 x 5.9 x 1.3 cm (4.5 x 2.3 x 0.5 in)
Weight 129 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Unknown
Home Key Unknown
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, IM, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Any Key Answer: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Contact List Capacity: 1000
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: AAC, AAC+, MP3, WMA
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM)
Wi-fi Encryption: WPA/WPA2
Viewable document types: XLS, RTF, PPT, JPG, DOC, PDF, TXT, HTML
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Weather, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): LG P500

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Related Links Manual (PDF)
LG Optimus One Reviews
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