Unveiling the LG Optimus Elite LS696 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Network and Connectivity

The LG Optimus Elite LS696 utilizes CDMA and EVDO technologies, providing reliable connectivity options for users. It supports both 2G bands (CDMA 800 / 1900) and 3G bands (CDMA2000 1xEV-DO), allowing users to access network services at varying speeds. The device supports a maximum speed of EV-DO Rev.A at 3.1 Mbps, which was competitive at the time of its release.

Launch and Availability

Announced in May 2012 and released shortly thereafter, the LG Optimus Elite LS696 was available for a period before being discontinued. This release followed a period during which many manufacturers were working to improve smartphone technology and accessibility. Although it is no longer available in new condition, it can still be found through secondary markets and as refurbished units.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 117 x 63 x 10 mm and a weight of 120 grams, the LG Optimus Elite LS696 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and handle. It utilizes a Mini-SIM card and is available in silver and white colors. The device's physical design reflects the typical smartphone aesthetic of the early 2010s, prioritizing functionality and simplicity.

Display Features

The device features a 3.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio. This resolution provides a pixel density of approximately 165 ppi, offering clear and sharp visuals for its time. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 49.5%, which is indicative of the standard design in smartphones from that era, emphasizing a balance between screen size and overall device size.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the LG Optimus Elite LS696 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon S2 chipset and an 800 MHz CPU. The GPU used is the Adreno 205, adequate for basic graphics processing and casual gaming of its time. Additionally, the device comes with 512MB of RAM, which was sufficient for running basic applications and multitasking with reasonable performance back in 2012.

Storage and Memory

The smartphone offers 4GB of internal storage, combined with 512MB RAM. However, it provides the option to expand storage using a microSDHC card, allowing users to store more multimedia content and apps beyond the internal storage capability.

Camera Specifications

The LG Optimus Elite LS696 is equipped with a 5 MP autofocus rear camera, complemented by an LED flash for improved low-light photography. The camera setup provides basic photography functions, capturing images suitable for social media sharing and casual photography. Video recording is also supported, though specific video resolution details are not specified.

Audio and Sound

The device features a loudspeaker for audio playback and is equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack, maintaining the traditional audio connectivity options popular at the time. This setup ensures users can easily use a wide variety of headphones and audio devices without needing an adapter.

Communication and Interfaces

In terms of communication capabilities, the LG Optimus Elite LS696 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and can function as a hotspot. It also includes Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, GPS, A-GPS, and NFC, ensuring ample options for connectivity and data transfer. Notably, the device does not include an FM radio function, which some users may find limiting. The smartphone uses a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data synchronisation.

Sensors and Additional Features

It includes an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, assisting with navigation and various applications requiring motion detection. These sensors enhance the user experience by enabling features like screen auto-rotation and location services.

Battery Life

The LG Optimus Elite LS696 is powered by a removable 1520 mAh Li-Ion battery, offering up to 7 hours and 20 minutes of talk time. While modern devices significantly surpass this capacity, it was common for such specifications to suffice daily usage with appropriate power management in 2012.

Price and Market Positioning

At launch, the device was priced at approximately 110 EUR, positioning it as an affordable smartphone option in its market segment. This pricing aimed to attract budget-conscious consumers seeking reasonable performance and connectivity options without the higher cost associated with flagship models.

Conclusion

The LG Optimus Elite LS696, at the time of its release, offered a balanced combination of features, performance, and price. While it may seem outdated by contemporary standards, it served its role well in providing accessible smartphone technology to a broad audience. Its support for essential connectivity, expandable storage, and basic multimedia features made it a practical choice for many users in its time.