LG Optimus Net Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of LG Optimus Net

The LG Optimus Net, released in July 2011, was a budget-friendly Android smartphone targeting users looking for essential smartphone functionalities without the premium price. Packed with a variety of features that were competitive at the time, it received attention for its compact design and user-friendly interface.

Design and Build

The LG Optimus Net features a compact and lightweight design, with dimensions of 113.5 x 59 x 12.1 mm and a weight of 129.2 g. This miniaturization made it a favored choice for users who preferred a smartphone that could easily fit into a pocket. The device uses a Mini-SIM and comes only in black, giving it a classic look that appealed to many users during its release period.

Display

This smartphone is equipped with a 3.2-inch TFT display, supporting 256K colors. The screen has a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels with a 3:2 aspect ratio, resulting in approximately 180 ppi density. Although not groundbreaking, this screen was adequate for basic smartphone activities such as browsing and viewing multimedia content.

Platform and Performance

The Optimus Net runs on Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread, an operating system known for its stability and reliability at the time. It is powered by a Qualcomm MSM7227T Snapdragon S1 chipset featuring an 800 MHz ARM 11 CPU and an Adreno 200 GPU. These hardware specifications enable users to perform everyday tasks smoothly, though being a budget phone, it shows its limitations under high-performance demands.

Memory and Storage

The device includes 512MB of RAM and 512MB of internal storage. Such storage capacity was considered modest even at the time of its release. However, LG provided a microSDHC slot, allowing for storage expansion, which comes with a 2 GB microSD card included in the package.

Camera

The LG Optimus Net features a single 3.15 MP rear camera with autofocus, capable of capturing videos at 480p@24fps. Debuting when smartphone photography was becoming increasingly important to consumers, the camera satisfied those requiring basic shooting capabilities. Notably, the smartphone lacks a front-facing camera, which reflects its focus away from video calls or selfies.

Sound and Connectivity

For audio, the phone includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, a staple for music lovers. In terms of connectivity, the device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot and DLNA capabilities, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS with A-GPS, and an FM radio feature. NFC was available exclusively to O2 UK consumers, offering them additional possibilities for contactless interaction.

Battery Life

The Optimus Net is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. This setup allows for up to 450 hours of standby time or up to 9 hours of talk time, reasonable for various daily activities without the need for frequent recharging. The removable battery also means users can replace it if necessary, extending the device's lifespan.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone comes with several sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These features enhance the usability of the device, allowing for functionalities like screen auto-rotation and location-based services. The inclusion of such sensors reflects the market trend toward more interactive smartphone experiences.

Market Position and Pricing

Upon its release, the LG Optimus Net was priced at approximately 80 EUR, targeting the entry-level market segment. It was seen as an accessible option for users migrating from feature phones to smartphones, providing essential smartphone capabilities without the higher cost.

Conclusion

The LG Optimus Net represented an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers in 2011, providing a solid mix of necessary smartphone functionalities with reliable performance. While it may not have boasted cutting-edge specifications or features typically found in higher-end models, its affordability, compact design, and practical features made it a worthwhile consideration for first-time smartphone buyers or those seeking a secondary device.