LG Optimus One P500

amazon LG Optimus One P500 reviews

Starting with the GW620, then the Optimus GT540, but with Optimus One, LG really entered the competition with the name in the smartphone category.

LG Optimus One has appeared as a nasty opponent with Acer, Sony Ericsson, HTC … manufacturers also have Android phones in Price range.

In addition, the Optimus One is a good-looking Froyo mobile model, solid design and possesses full connectivity of many other high-end mobile models. In return, the small screen, moderate speed is the contraction of the machine to join the popular group.

Some notable features of the LG Optimus One P500.

3.2 inch screen, capacitive touch, multi-point, HVGA resolution 320 x 480 pixels, TFT LCD technology.

Quad band GSM support, 3G connectivity with HSDPA 7.2 Mbps

Processor speed 600MHz, 512MB RAM

Android 2.2 Froyo operating system

Connectivity: Wi-Fi b / g, built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, GPS with A-GPS

Digital compass

3 Megapixel camera with autofocus, face recognition, smile, geotagging

MicroUSB connector, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD card slot with 8GB card included

Support DivX / XviD video format

Design and Build Quality

The LG Optimus One P500 featured a design that was both practical and functional, reflecting its position as an entry-level smartphone. With dimensions of 113.5 x 59 x 13.3 mm and a weight of 129 grams, the device had a solid build that felt durable in hand. The design emphasized simplicity, with a clean and straightforward appearance that was characteristic of many early Android smartphones.

The front of the Optimus One was dominated by a 3.2-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. The screen size was modest by modern standards, but it was sufficient for basic smartphone functions. The display supported up to 256,000 colors, providing a decent level of clarity for text, images, and applications. While the screen was not particularly vibrant or sharp, it was functional for its intended purpose.

The device’s design included physical navigation buttons below the screen, including a call button, a home button, a back button, and a search button. These buttons were tactile and easy to use, providing a familiar navigation experience for users accustomed to physical buttons on mobile devices. The placement of the buttons was intuitive, allowing for easy access to core functions.

The rear of the LG Optimus One featured a 3.2-megapixel camera with a fixed focus lens and a small LED flash. The back cover of the device was removable, allowing access to the battery, SIM card slot, and microSD card slot. The battery cover had a textured finish, which helped with grip and added a touch of design refinement.

Overall, the build quality of the LG Optimus One was robust, and the design reflected its value-oriented positioning. The materials used in construction were primarily plastic, but the device felt solid and well-built for its price range.

Display and Touchscreen

The 3.2-inch TFT touchscreen of the LG Optimus One P500 was a key feature of the device, offering users a touchscreen interface at an affordable price point. The display had a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, which was adequate for basic smartphone tasks but lacked the sharpness and clarity of higher-resolution screens.

The touchscreen was capacitive, providing a responsive experience for navigation and interaction. While the screen size and resolution were modest, the touch interface was generally accurate and reliable for everyday use. The device supported basic gestures such as tapping, swiping, and scrolling, which enhanced the usability of the Android operating system.

However, the display’s visibility under direct sunlight was limited, and the screen could appear washed out in bright conditions. Additionally, the screen’s color reproduction and contrast were not as vibrant as more advanced displays, which affected the overall visual experience.

Despite these limitations, the display of the LG Optimus One was functional and suitable for the device’s target audience. The touchscreen provided a basic level of interaction that was consistent with other entry-level smartphones of its time.

Camera Performance

The LG Optimus One P500 featured a 3.2-megapixel rear camera, which was a standard offering for entry-level smartphones at the time. The camera had a fixed focus lens and lacked advanced features such as autofocus or optical image stabilization. The inclusion of an LED flash provided some assistance for low-light photography, but the overall performance was basic.

In well-lit conditions, the camera was capable of capturing reasonably decent photos with acceptable color accuracy and detail. However, the resolution and fixed focus limited the quality of images, and the level of detail was not comparable to higher-end devices. Low-light performance was less impressive, with photos often appearing noisy and lacking clarity.

The camera also supported video recording, but the quality was limited to standard definition resolution. The video recording capabilities were basic, with a low frame rate and limited resolution. While the camera was sufficient for casual photography and video recording, it did not offer the advanced features or quality found in more premium devices.

Overall, the camera performance of the LG Optimus One was in line with its entry-level positioning. The 3.2-megapixel camera provided basic functionality for users who needed a simple camera for everyday use, but it was not intended for more advanced photography or videography.

Multimedia Capabilities

The LG Optimus One P500 included a range of multimedia features designed to enhance the user experience. The device came with a built-in music player that supported various audio formats, including MP3, AAC, and WAV. The music player featured a straightforward interface with options for browsing music by artist, album, or genre, and the ability to create and manage playlists.

The audio quality of the Optimus One was acceptable for an entry-level device, with clear sound through the internal speaker. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack allowed users to connect their preferred headphones for an improved listening experience. Additionally, the device supported Bluetooth 2.1, enabling wireless audio streaming to Bluetooth headphones and speakers.

For video playback, the LG Optimus One supported several formats, including MP4 and 3GP. The 3.2-inch display provided a reasonable viewing experience for videos, although the resolution and screen size limited the overall quality. The video player included basic controls for playback, but the lack of advanced features or high-definition support constrained the multimedia capabilities.

The device also included an FM radio, which could be accessed through the music player application. The FM radio required wired headphones as an antenna and offered a simple interface for tuning into radio stations and saving presets.

Overall, the multimedia capabilities of the LG Optimus One were suitable for its target audience, providing basic music and video playback features along with the inclusion of an FM radio.

Connectivity and Network

The LG Optimus One P500 supported GSM networks on the 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands, providing compatibility with a wide range of carriers globally. The device also supported 3G connectivity on the 2100 MHz band, which allowed for faster data transfer and improved internet access compared to devices limited to 2G networks.

The inclusion of 3G support was a notable feature for an entry-level smartphone, as it provided users with faster internet speeds for web browsing, email, and other online activities. The device also featured GPRS and EDGE support, which complemented the 3G capabilities and ensured reliable connectivity in areas where 3G coverage was not available.

The LG Optimus One featured Bluetooth 2.1, which allowed for wireless file transfer and connectivity with Bluetooth accessories. The Bluetooth connection was stable and worked well for pairing with other devices, such as Bluetooth headphones and speakers.

The device also included a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. The micro-USB port enabled users to connect the phone to a computer for syncing music, photos, and other files. The inclusion of a microSD card slot allowed users to expand the device’s storage capacity, accommodating additional media files and applications.

Battery Life

The LG Optimus One P500 was equipped with a 1500 mAh removable lithium-ion battery, which provided a good balance between performance and battery longevity. The device’s efficient hardware and software optimization contributed to a battery life that was competitive for its time.

With moderate usage, including calls, messaging, web browsing, and occasional multimedia playback, the Optimus One could easily last a full day on a single charge. For users with lighter usage patterns, the battery life could extend to two days or more. The removable battery also offered the convenience of carrying a spare battery for extended trips or heavy usage days.

Charging the device was relatively quick, with the included charger capable of fully recharging the battery in a couple of hours. The battery life of the LG Optimus One was generally satisfactory, and the ability to swap out the battery added an extra layer of flexibility for users who relied on their phones throughout the day.

where can you get a LG Optimus One P500 online

Lg P500 Optimus One Android PDA 3.15 Camera Mobile Phone 2gb (Black) – International Version w/ No Warranty: Buy it now

LG P500 Optimus One Android PDA 3.15 Camera Mobile Phone 2GB (Blue Silver) – International Version w/ No Warranty: Buy it now

Software and User Interface

The LG Optimus One P500 ran on Android 2.2 Froyo, which was a relatively recent version of the Android operating system at the time of its release. Android 2.2 introduced several improvements and enhancements over previous versions, including support for Adobe Flash, improved performance, and better application management.

The user interface of the Optimus One was customized by LG, featuring a set of widgets and icons that provided a unique look and feel. The home screen featured a series of customizable widgets, including a weather widget, a clock widget, and shortcuts to frequently used applications. The interface was designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing for easy access to core functions and applications.

The device included a range of pre-installed applications, including a web browser, email client, calendar, and contacts manager. The web browser supported basic web browsing tasks and provided access to the Android Market (now Google Play Store) for downloading additional applications.

The Optimus One supported multitasking, allowing users to switch between applications and manage running processes. The inclusion of a task manager provided users with control over active applications and the ability to close apps that were no longer in use.

Overall, the software experience on the LG Optimus One was smooth and functional, providing users with access to a range of features and applications that were consistent with the Android operating system of its time.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Affordability: One of the standout features of the LG Optimus One was its price. It offered a comprehensive Android experience at a fraction of the cost of higher-end devices, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
• Android 2.2 Froyo: The inclusion of Android 2.2 provided users with a relatively recent version of the operating system, offering improved performance, better app management, and support for Adobe Flash.
• Battery Life: The 1500 mAh battery provided good longevity for an entry-level device, with the ability to last a full day on a single charge with moderate usage.
• Expandable Storage: The microSD card slot allowed users to expand the device’s storage capacity, accommodating additional media files and applications.

Weaknesses:

• Display Resolution: The 240 x 320 pixel resolution of the 3.2-inch display was relatively low by modern standards, resulting in less sharpness and clarity compared to higher-resolution screens.
• Camera Quality: The 3.2-megapixel fixed-focus camera was basic and lacked advanced features such as autofocus and higher resolution. This limited the camera’s performance, especially in low-light conditions.
• Limited Multitasking: While the Optimus One supported basic multitasking, it was not as smooth as higher-end devices. Users may have experienced performance issues when running multiple applications simultaneously.
• No 4G Support: The Optimus One did not support 4G LTE connectivity, which limited its data speeds compared to newer devices that offered faster network capabilities.

Conclusion

The LG Optimus One P500 was a noteworthy entry-level smartphone that successfully balanced affordability with essential features and performance. Its design, while not groundbreaking, was practical and functional, providing users with a reliable device for everyday use. The inclusion of Android 2.2 Froyo ensured that users had access to a modern operating system with improved performance and functionality.

As one of the early Android smartphones aimed at the budget segment, the Optimus One played a crucial role in expanding Android’s market presence and demonstrating that high-quality smartphone experiences could be delivered at lower price points. Its impact on the smartphone market was significant, influencing future budget devices and contributing to the widespread adoption of Android.

Overall, the LG Optimus One P500 was a well-executed entry-level smartphone that delivered a solid user experience for its time. While it may not have been the most advanced device available, it offered good value for money and laid the groundwork for future developments in the budget smartphone segment.