The LG Optimus One or the LG-P500 is one of the few handsets in the country to have come in flaunting not just the Google tag on its back but also the latest version of the Android operating system, 2.2 (or Froyo as many call it). Add to those two factors, the fact that at Rs 13000, it remains by far most affordable Froyo device in the country, and you can see why we are SO interested in LG’s latest Android handset “in the Indian market”. We got our hands on the device and here is our first look at it.
The phone comes packed in a small colourful cardboard box showing snapshots of the phone and mentioning it’s features. The pack we got was a little stained, but hey, it is its contents that we are interested in. All in all, its a slightly ordinary pack – a far cry from the packaging of the likes of the Viewty.
Opening the box reveals the handset covered in a plastic cover laid sideways on a thin cardboard sheet separating it from the usual accessories. Or are we going to see something unusual? Let’s unpack further.
Pulling the inner cardboard layer shows the battery,headset, USB cable, a two pin charger and an instruction manual packed tightly. This sure is one compact box…
…which we have now totally unpacked. So here you have it, the Optimus One with its essentials.
Battery matters in an Android handset, given all the social networks and mail it is connected to. The Optimus One packs in a 1500mAH battery. Pretty good, we think.
And now to the handset itself. The Optimus One is sleek and fits into one hand comfortably. It has a smooth finish, round edges, rubberised back and a thin shiny metal strip running around it. The front shows the LG logo, a 3.2 inch capacitive touchscreen, a menu button on the left next to home and back key laid in the center, and on the right lies the search button, all placed well between the screen and edge of the phone. Our first impressions: we think it’s a sleek and good looking handset.
The famous GOOGLE tag on back of the handset is most noticeable thing on its smooth rubberised back. A 3.0 megapixel camera will have to be tested in due time. You can also see the USB charging port on the lower part of the handset.
The right side panel of the phone has two volume keys that blend well into the design without sticking out.
The left side panel is rather plain in comparison. No buttons here. Which makes it look good, but hey, it also means no dedicated camera button
A 3.5mm audio jack and the power ON/OFF button are placed on top of the handset. All in all, not a very crowded top this is
So there you have it, the LG Optimus One, the handset that many feel has brought LG right back into the cellphone business with sales of over a million units. Judging by its looks, its price and what it offers, it should do pretty well in India too. Of course, you will learn more when we do a detailed review.
packaging is always an issue (thirdclass) for LG PHONES……
I know. I just wish they would go back to the slick packaging we had seen in the Black Label series. But the phone is a terrific one.
INQ Chat 3G has such amazing packing.. colouful,truly. Most impressive. This one was seriously dull.
good review. i like my new optimus. touch screen is responsive, processor is faster than my old phone. the apps are great for me and the kids and the keys on the bottom are easy to push. the email and gps are great for my business and they are way better than my old unlocked cell phones i hate qwerty phones now that i used this. it has a good feel and fits in my pocket well. web browser is good for my fantasy football team and games keep me occupied on long rides. also got my lg unlocking and cell phone unlock codes for free! got my last couple lg’s at unlockthatphone.com 2 thumbs way up