LG Optimus 2 AS680 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The LG Optimus 2 AS680 features a compact and sleek design that was typical for smartphones released in the early 2010s. With dimensions of 111.8 x 58.9 x 11.9 mm and a weight of 124.7 g, it was designed to easily fit in the hand or pocket, making it ideal for users who prefer smaller devices. The use of a Mini-SIM card was standard during that era, and the phone was available in classic black.

Display

The device is equipped with a TFT display, capable of showing 256K colors. The screen size is 3.2 inches with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, maintaining a 3:2 aspect ratio and approximately 180 ppi pixel density. While this screen resolution is considered low by today's standards, it was fairly standard for budget-friendly smartphones at the time of its release.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), the LG Optimus 2 AS680 was powered by an 800 MHz processor. This combination offered a functional experience for basic smartphone tasks and provided users with access to a wide variety of apps available on the Android Market (now Google Play Store). Although the performance may not handle today's heavy apps or multitasking demands, it was adequate for basic calling, texting, and internet browsing.

Memory and Storage

The phone comes with 179MB of internal storage, which can seem limited. However, it includes a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to expand their storage capacity. A 2GB microSD card was typically included, and users could upgrade to a larger capacity card to store more apps, photos, and music, crucial for overcoming the limited built-in storage limitation.

Camera

The LG Optimus 2 AS680 is equipped with a single 3.15 MP camera capable of auto-focus and video recording. While not designed for high-resolution photos or videos, it was suitable for casual photography under favorable lighting conditions. The phone does not feature a front camera, which reflects the trend of its release period when selfies were not as prevalent.

Connectivity

The device supports various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with hotspot capability, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and EDR, GPS with A-GPS, and a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging. The range of connectivity options ensures that users can remain connected and transfer data with ease, despite the device's age.

Network

Supporting CDMA and EVDO technology, the LG Optimus 2 AS680 was built to operate on 2G and 3G networks, specifically CDMA 800/1900 and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO bands. It provided an EV-DO Rev.A data speed of up to 3.1 Mbps, ensuring a reasonable browsing and download experience for users at the time.

Sound and Audio

For audio, the device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering versatility in sound output options, whether through headphones or the built-in speaker. The inclusion of a standard audio jack made it compatible with a wide range of audio accessories available on the market.

Sensors

The Optimus 2 AS680 comes with a set of basic sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors facilitated essential functionalities like auto-rotation of the screen and navigation features, which were crucial for enhancing the overall mobile experience.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery, the device was able to offer up to 168 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time. The removable battery feature allowed users to carry extra batteries or replace them easily if needed, a feature not commonly found in more modern smartphone designs.

Price and Market Position

Upon release, the LG Optimus 2 AS680 was priced at about 90 EUR, making it an affordable option for many consumers seeking a smartphone experience without a high-end price tag. Its features positioned it well within the entry-level market, appealing to first-time smartphone users or those who needed a secondary device.

Conclusion

Though the LG Optimus 2 AS680 might appear outdated compared to today's smartphone standards, it served as a competent option for its time, offering essential features for communication and connectivity. Its design, operating system, and price point made it accessible to a broad audience, reflecting the rapid evolution of mobile technology.