LG Optimus T: Android on a Compact Entry Level Phone

With every day that passes, Android powered mobile phones continue to grow in popularity. However, as high-end phones can often be a bit pricey, they aren't always in everyone's financial reach. If a budget conscious smartphone powered by the Google OS is on the "wish list," LG's new Optimus T available through T-Mobile might just be the must have device.

The new LG Optimus T is truly an entry level phone. Priced at around $30 from T-Mobile (with a contract), the device is powered by Google's currently available Android 2.2 operating system. Additionally, with a form factor that places a much smaller unit in user's hands (as most modern smartphones traditionally become larger), the Optimus T also delivers something much simpler than the norm in size.

With a typical budget phone, there is usually some give and take. This doesn't always mean, however, that the standard and essential bells and whistles have to be missing.

The phone's attractive candybar design is fairly simple and follows the same formula that most modern devices use. As a touch device that measures 4.47" x 2.32" x 0.52" (113.5 x 59 x 13.3 mm), single handed operation is easy, and only a few simple buttons appear on the face for common menu options including Home, Search, and Menu. The power/lock and volume buttons line the sides of the phone as does the volume controls, and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. The phone also sports a 3.2 non-flash megapixel camera, T-Mobile's required SIM slot for network functionality, and a MicroSDHC slot that allows for up to 32GB of additional expansion space (a 2GB card ships with the phone). In order keep cost relatively low, the Optimus T foregoes a modern and snazzy AMOLED display with glass screen, and features a 3.2-inch HVGA capacitive (320 x 480 resolution) display with a plastic layered touchscreen.

Other standard hardware features that make the Optimus T a well-rounded phone worth considering include an internal GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, modern multi-touch capabilities, and a proximity sensor for conveniences such as keyboard protection during a call. Games and higher end media do suffer due to poor video acceleration, yet a respectable 600 MHz processor sufficiently drives application performance. Users planning to carry the phone for any extended period of time can expect a typical 6.5 hours of talk time with around 430 hours for stand-by.

infosyncworld.com: LG Optimus Review

phoneArena.com: LG Optimus specs