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LG Optimus Black review

6.6/10 AVG.
RATING
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LG Optimus Black
LG Optimus Black
LG Optimus Black
LG Optimus Black
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6.6/10
Informr score
The LG Optimus Black currently has an Informr score of 6.6 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 15 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The LG Optimus Black is a candybar smartphone featuring a 4-inch, 400 x 800 pixel resolution touchscreen display, a 5MP camera with LED flash and an additional 2MP front-facing camera (for video calling), video record, MP3 player, along with native apps for Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

The LG Optimus Black offers A-GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, DLNA and a 3.5mm headset jack. The Optimus Black runs on Android OS 2.2 (upgradable to 2.3), and has expandable memory via microSD up to 32GB.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
4"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


GSMArena
GSMArena

It would be unfair to compare the Optimus Black to the new generation dual core phones. But it’s not a phone to write off either. It gives LG a boost in confidence and that’s more than welcome, considering the highly competitive bracket it falls in. Both HTC and Sony Ericsson have recent...

- GSMArena Team, GSMArena
Softpedia
Softpedia

If you're attached to the LG brand and don't have the budget to purchase the Optimus 2X, the Optimus Black is a decent alternative. In fact, it's the only alternative for the moment, if you don't prefer Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 platform. The Optimus Black is an all-rounder with some pluses for th...

- Cosmin Vasile, Softpedia
MobileBurn
MobileBurn

The LG Optimus Black is a fantastic device. It has the best non-AMOLED display available on an Android device, it features and attractive and functional design, and it runs both quickly and smoothly. I also really love how unbulky the phone feels, and really like the user interface work that LG has...

- Michael Oryl , MobileBurn
TechRadar
TechRadar

If you're both a fan of the black bar aesthetic that seems to be the current go-to design of smartphones, and a fan of lightweight machinery that does exactly what it ought to, then the LG Optimus Black will suit you great.While its only truly outstanding feature is the NOVA display screen, it perfo...

- Laura Tosney, TechRadar
Digital Versus
Digital Versus

The LG Optimus Black combines a sleek design with an ultra-light handset to make what is certainly one of the best Android smartphones currently available. It might not pack the same punch as its rivals, but it's affordable enough to be a hit with a wide range of users who don't need a super-powerfu...

- Florence Legrand , Digital Versus


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


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


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


If your Optimus Black 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
4"

The LG Optimus Black's screen size is 4 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera useful for video chat and self portraits.

Storage
2 GB

Internal memory is 2 GB. 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 7 days standby time.

Optimus Black Specs

Overview
Release Date April 9, 2011
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor 1 GHz
Internal Storage 2 GB
RAM No
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.27 W/kg
Body: 1.43 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Headset, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
EDGE, HSDPA 7.2, HSUPA
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
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
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
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
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Geotagging
Video Recording Formats
3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
2 Mpx
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 4 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, 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 Unknown
Standby Time Up to 7 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.2 x 6.4 x 0.9 cm (4.8 x 2.5 x 0.4 in)
Weight 109 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, eAAC, AAC+, AAC, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: -
Games: Downloadable
Apps: No
Included Software / Apps: Document Viewer
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): LG B, LG Optimus Black Skype Edition

HDMI port
Skype edition available for Telus, comes with 60 minutes of Skype international calling credits
Related Links Manual (PDF)
LG Optimus Black Reviews
Where to buy LG Optimus Black
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