LG Optimus One in India for Rs. 13500! [Review]

LG Optimus is LG’s third Android phone for India. Priced at Rs. 13500, Optimus One runs Android’s Froyo (2.2) operating system. It is the first phone to be launched in India which runs Android 2.2.

Optimus One enters the crowded price range of 10K-15K (50% of Android phones are in this range). It has to compete with other Android phones like Motorola Charm, Videocon Zeus, Acer beTouch, Motorola Quench and Dell XCD28. LG Optimus One is priced slightly higher than LG’s previous Android phones LG GT540 Optimus and LG GW620. Optimus One is the first capacitive touch screen to be launched by LG. Both GT540 and GW620 have resistive touch screen.

LG Optimus One is LG’s first capacitive touch screen Android phone. Optimus One is probably LG’s serious attempt at the 3G-Android-Touch screen segment.

Processor and Memory

Qualcomm’s MSM7227 600MHz  power Optimus One, which provides a much better and faster user experience. It has a 170 MB internal memory and comes loaded with a 2GB microSD card. The card slot can read up to to 32 GB. 419 MB is allocated to RAM.

Audio and Video

Optimus One is loaded with a 3.2 megapixel camera and video recorder which can capture at 18 fps. It has a FM Radio, music player and video player which plays all popular video formats.

Connectivity and Battery

Optimus One is loaded with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Mini USB and of course, 3G. The real impressive feature of Optimus One is its  seven and half hours of talk time and 23 days of standby time. This is probably the best in class talk time and standby time.

Apps

In addition to the rich Android market place, LG Optimus One comes pre-loaded with many India centric apps like AG Indian Newspaper, Bollywoodji and PNR Status Checker. It has the standard staple of social media apps like facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Pros : Impressive talk time (7.5 hours) for a smartphone, Android Froyo (2.2) and Qualcomm’s 600 MHz processor.

Cons : Nothing much if compared with 15 other Android phones in the 10K-15K range. If I have to pick one, I might pick the 3 megapixel camera. Videocon Zeus and Spice Mi 300 have 5 megapixel camera and cost less than 11K.

Verdict : No spectacular features to entice you but, LG Optimus One looks like a value for money phone. It got the basics right, including the price. Running Android’s latest OS, Froyo should give Optimus One an edge.