What's good
- Excellent viewing angles
- Sturdy build quality
- No lag when performing standard activities
- Battery lasts 7 hours with intensive use
What's bad
- Only 4GB of onboard storage
- Dimensions difficult for one-handed use
When compared to its predecessor, the Optimus L7, critics are quick to note that the LG Optimus L9 offers a higher quality experience. Phonescoop praises the build and manufacturing of the phone stating, "Nothing about the L9 is creaky or loose." Design-wise reviewers point out the attractive albeit somewhat generic rectangular slab. It measures in at 5.2" x 2.7" x 0.36 inches and weighs 122 grams. While most critics found these dimensions easy to handle for long periods of time without fatigue, PCMag had difficulty using it one-handed.
The viewing experience on the L9 is also a step up from the L7. The 4.5" LCD display offers a qHD resolution of 540 pixels. While the resolution isn't as good as more high-end devices, reviewers agree that it offers crisp, bright images, good viewing angles and excellent bright light legibility. In order to prevent scratches, a layer of Gorilla Glass 2 protects the display.
In terms of specs, the phone offers an adequate 1 GHz dual core processor and 1GB of RAM. GSM Arena benchmark tests put the device solidly in middle. After performing some real world tests, critics did not experience any lag when performing normal activities or when playing less graphics intensive games. Battery life exceeded expectation lasting over 7 hours in Laptop Mag's battery test. Unfortunately, the one drawback of the phone is its 4GB storage. While there is an expandable microSD slot, the space is only usable for images and videos not apps.
For a budget handset, experts were fairly impressed with the overall quality. Although the phone doesn't offer the best hardware or display out there, TMO News states, "if you just want a nice little Android phone, don't care about the most recent updates and just want something that'll power you through the day, the L9 is a great choice."
What the Critics Are Saying...
- GSMArena team, GSMArenaSo, it turns out there's quite a lot to like about the LG Optimus L9. Its key selling point is the big screen, which is rather hard to come by in this price range. Retina levels of pixel density were out of the question - should we say, budget - but qHD doesn't look too bad. The reasonably powerful...
- Blake Stimac, IntoMobileIt's not the most powerful handset in the world, but what it does do, it does nicely.
- AndroidGuys Team, Android GuysIf you’re new to smartphones and are considering T-Mobile as your carrier, the Optimus L9 is easy to recommend. At only $80 with a two-year plan, there are far worse things you can do with your money. The 4.5-inch qHD display is one of the better looking screens you can get for that kind of ca...
- Eric Abent, SlashGearIn no way is the phone the best, but its sleek design, nice screen, and the fact that it runs so smooth with have you thinking otherwise. Be sure that you consider the options before you pick one up, however, because while the Optimus L9 is good enough to be worthy of a recommendation here in 2012,...
- Nicole Lee, EngadgetThe Optimus L9 isn't totally without merit. We appreciate its boxy yet dapper design and its sharp, colorful display. And while the performance didn't blow us away, it's more than good enough for everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking email and playing the occasional game. We also enjoyed th...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the LG Optimus L9 user manual here.
LG backs up the Optimus L9 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Optimus L9 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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Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- LG Optimus L9 Manual (PDF)
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