NEW DELHI: LG was the first one to come with a dual-core phone ( LG Optimus 2X), a 3D phone (Optimus 3D) and a phone with super bright yet energy efficient display ( Optimus Black). Continuing the tradition, they have launched the Optimus Sol, the first phone to feature an Ultra AMOLED display.
The 3.8-inch ultra amoled display on the front is very impressive and stands neck to neck with Samsung' Super AMOLED display. It outputs rich colors with outstanding black levels and top-notch clarity. Even under direct sunlight, content is clearly readable and visible on the screen.
Adding to the good things of the phone is its multimedia performance. Superb audio output in the headphones as well as in voice calls. The video player played a 720p HD file without any glitch as well. Moreover, the rear 5MP camera took surprisingly remarkable shots – both in day light and indoors. Even the videos (720p HD in MP4 format) recorded from the camera are impressive.
Under the hood, the phone features a 1Ghz processor, 512MB RAM and 1GB inbuilt storage (expandable via microSD cards). It also comes with Wi-Fi direct along with Bluetooth 3.0 and Wi-FI tethering support. It runs Android 2.3 with the Optimus UI on top and combined with the hardware, the phone did not show any sign of slowdown or sluggishness during day-to-day usage. Even the battery life came to a day and half – thanks to the power efficient ultra amoled display.
However, the Optimus Sol has its share of issues as well. The all glossy plastic body is prone to scratches and the volume/power keys are too small for comfort. The external loudspeaker's audio output is shockingly low – even at maximum volume, it was barely audible in a small room.
At a price of Rs 19,000, the Optimus Sol skips on features that even lower priced android phones offer (camera flash, TV-out,). In the same price, Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V has almost the same hardware but comes with a camera flash, HDMI out as well as a planned upgrade to Android 4.0.
Specifications: 3.8-inch ultra amoled screen, 1Ghz processor, 512MB RAM, 1GB storage, 5MP rear/VGA front cam
Positives: Fantastic display, good camera, above average battery life, great multimedia performance
Negatives: All-plastic construction, glossy, prone to scratches, no camera flash, no TV-out, low loudspeaker volume.