LG Optimus LTE Tag Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of LG Optimus LTE Tag

The LG Optimus LTE Tag is a smartphone that made its debut in February 2012, and was released later in that year in Q3. It entered the market during a transitional time in the smartphone industry, offering features that highlighted the shift towards 4G connectivity and larger displays. Although it has since been discontinued, the Optimus LTE Tag remains an interesting case study for examining the evolution of mobile technology during this period.

Design and Build

The LG Optimus LTE Tag features a sleek design that measures 126.5 x 67.9 x 9.5 mm, making it compact enough for easy handling, yet large enough to enjoy multimedia content. Weighing 141.7 grams, the device is also comfortable to carry around, striking a good balance between portability and functionality.

The phone comes in two color options: black and white, catering to both traditional and modern tastes. The use of durable materials in its construction gives the device a sturdy feel, while the inclusion of a mini-SIM slot ensures compatibility with a wide range of networks.

Display

The LG Optimus LTE Tag boasts a 4.3-inch HD-IPS LCD display that offers vibrant colors and clarity. With a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 217 ppi, the screen delivers decent visual quality for its time. The display size, which covers about 61.3% of the front body, allows for a satisfactory viewing experience whether browsing the web, watching videos, or engaging with apps.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the LG Optimus LTE Tag is powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, providing sufficient power for multitasking and running basic applications smoothly. It originally runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) but is upgradable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), granting users access to improved performance and features available in the upgraded OS version.

Accompanied by 1GB of RAM, the device delivers a reasonable level of performance tailored to the needs of average smartphone users during its release period. The internal storage of 16GB, which can be expanded via a microSDHC card, offers ample space for apps, photos, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

The LG Optimus LTE Tag is equipped with a 5 MP autofocus rear camera with an LED flash, suitable for casual photography. The camera’s features allow users to capture images with reasonable quality for social media sharing and personal use. Video recording is also supported, enabling the creation of video content on the go.

For selfies and video calls, the phone includes a 1.3 MP front-facing camera, which, while basic by today’s standards, served its purpose effectively during the device's prime.

Battery Life and Performance

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, which provides up to 300 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time. This battery specification was fairly standard for smartphones at the time and allowed for moderate daily use without frequent recharging. The removable nature of the battery also meant that users could carry a spare and swap it out when necessary, extending the device’s usability during long days.

Network and Connectivity

The Optimus LTE Tag supports a variety of network technologies, including CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and notably LTE, marking the phone's capability to handle faster data speeds that were becoming more prevalent at the time. With a focus on connectivity, the phone includes features such as Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities, ensuring users can connect to the internet in multiple ways.

Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS support, and NFC technology further enhance the device’s connectivity options, allowing easy file sharing, navigation, and interaction with NFC tags and accessories. Although the device lacks a built-in radio, it compensates with rich communication features.

Sound and Multimedia

The presence of a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack on the LG Optimus LTE Tag ensures that users can enjoy audio content conveniently. The sound quality delivered is standard for its generation, providing clear audio output for calls, music, and video playback.

The multimedia experience is further supported by its HD-IPS display and storage capabilities, making the device suitable for media consumption on the go.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device is equipped with a suite of sensors that enhance user interaction, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enable features such as auto-rotate, interactive gaming, and direction-based apps, contributing to an enriched user experience.

Price and Market Position

At its launch, the LG Optimus LTE Tag was priced at around 130 Euros, positioning it as an affordable option in the mid-range smartphone market. Its competitive pricing, paired with 4G LTE capabilities, made it an attractive choice for consumers seeking modern connectivity without a premium price tag.

The discontinuation of the device has not diminished its role in showcasing the technological advances occurring in the early 2010s, marking an era where smartphones began to fully integrate high-speed data and larger screens into everyday use.

Conclusion

The LG Optimus LTE Tag stands as a representative of a transformative period in smartphone history. With its blend of 4G LTE connectivity, IPS display technology, and dual-core processing power, it provided users with a glimpse of the future of mobile devices. Despite being discontinued, the Optimus LTE Tag serves as a reminder of the rapid advancement in mobile technology and the continuous push towards enhanced connectivity and multimedia capabilities.