It is easy to use, with access to all of the main screens such as the dial screen, text messages and the web browser via the launcher menu located at the bottom of the phone. The phone comes with an in-car cradle, so when it is combined with one of the latest android sat nav apps it operates as your own sat nav. GPS signals are acquired easily and with Google Maps pre-installed this is a great feature.

Music support for the phone is great as well, with a variety of files supported such as MP3, WMA and M4A. A 3.5mm jack also means you can use your favourite headphones. 

Compared to some of the latest phones, it is not the most attractive mobile. The camera is also only three megapixels and is not equipped with a flash.  Sound quality can also be problematic occasionally, but the price means this phone remains good value for money. The battery life is reasonable, being equipped with a 1500 mAh battery. If you are in need of a sat nav device and a music player then you can’t go wrong with this phone.

For this model, LG has pushed its NOVA display, which it claims not only provides better screen visibility in sunlight, but also saves up to 50% of battery consumption.  While the quality of resolution is not quite as good as super AMOLED displays found on many other models, the NOVA technology means colour appears more natural on the LG Optimus Black than with many competitors.

The phone arrives with 1GB of internal memory storage although an expansion of up to 32GB is available via the MicroSD™ slot.  The 4-inch screen of the Optimus Black means that video calls are superb thanks to the 2-megapixel front-facing camera.  While the rear-facing camera is of an average 5 megapixels, LG has pushed video calling with a front camera that beats many rivals.

With regards to battery life, the huge 1500mAh battery and NOVA display means that the Optimus Black will require a lot less charging than some smartphones of a similar price range.  While the Optimus Black cannot claim to be the biggest or the best, LG has built a sturdy, reliable phone that will not let you down.

Strengths
There is a basic Android User Interface that allows easy accessibility and navigation, making the phone extremely user-friendly.  The features are accessible from any section of the phone because they are visible at the bottom on each screen.  These include the text menu, internet browser, dialler and phonebook.  Other features can be accessed through their shortcuts when the “Menu” button is pressed.  This makes the screens more organized and the overall appearance neater.

A big advantage for on the go users is the possibility of creating their own internet hotspot or dongle due to its built-in WI-FI and USB tethering, also the satellite navigation systems works well.  Avid music listeners love that it accommodates WMA, MP3 and M4A files, as well as a variety of headphones due to its 3.5mm jack. 

Weaknesses
The general user opinion classifies the LG Optimus One as a good product for the money, but some individuals find the 3-megapixel-camera quality rather poor.  Poor call quality has also been reported in some instances, with calls sounding muffled.  Tech reviewers have considered poor camera quality, and the absence of flash that limits when and where it can be used, as a major drawback.  The touchscreen’s resistance that hampers browsing, taking pictures and making selections is also noted.

Take a look at how five of the networks compare when it comes to offering deals on the phone. These are the lowest prices found per network. The basic prices given tend to cover 24-month plans but some will vary based on the deal at the time. Extra minutes or data will inevitably result in higher charges.

O2:
Monthly Cost: £31
Cost phone: Free
Minutes: 600 anytime/anywhere   
Text: unlimited
Data: none
Free gifts: 9 months half off, a free PlayStation move or £30 auto cash back.

Vodafone:
Monthly Cost: £30
Cost phone: Free
Minutes: 300 any network/anytime
Text: unlimited
Data: 500MB
Free gifts: 5 months free or £10 auto cash back
Other: Vodafone passport

Orange:
Monthly Cost: £25
Cost phone: Free
Minutes: 300 for any network at any time
Text: unlimited
Data: 500MB
Free gifts: 11 months at ½ price.

T-Mobile:
Monthly Cost: £30.64
Cost phone: Free
Minutes: 900 for anytime and anywhere usage
Data: unlimited web browsing
Free gifts: 6 months at ½ price or £20 auto cash.

Remember that deals are always changing, hence they can end or be modified at any time. New ones are also added, so always make a point of checking for deals before committing to any particular contract.

Design

Featuring a sleek black design with a rubberized back, the LG Optimus 2X competes well with other handset models.  While it offers a ‘safe’ design, it is solidly constructed and few buyers will complain.  At the top of the phone is the power button, a 3.5 mm jack and an HDMI mini.  The micro USB port is at the base, and the volume controls are down the side.

Screen

The LG Optimus screen is a generous 4-inchs with 800 x 480 resolution.  There is a pink tint to the screen, but perhaps this is to enhance off-angle viewing.  There are seven home screens with custom options, and the launch page contains Messaging, Contact and Application keys.

Camera

Users can take quality photos with an 8-megapixel camera with plenty of features to enhance the picture.  The camcorder shoots full HD videos at 1920 x 1080, which is impressive for any handset.  Results are excellent even when played back on an oversized flat screen TV.

Battery

The handset features a 1500mAh removable battery, sufficient for all day use for those who stick to phone and email functions.

Interface

The interface on the LG Optimus 2X is the Android 2.2.  However, LG is offering an upgrade to Android 2.3 in the near future.  Still, it comes with an NVIDIA GeForce-class GPU and an ARM Cortex Ap CPU.  There are any number of widgets including Social Feeds to sync with Facebook or Twitter, account status update, LG App Advisor, Voice Command, a fully functional Webkit browser and GPS navigation.

Finally, LG presents a mobile phone with Android for the budget-conscious consumer without all the irritating features that marred previous models.  LG Optimus One deals offer a touch screen and numerous apps in this newest of the company’s handsets.

Design

Although the chassis of the phone is not the top-of-the-line with plastic components and a slightly chunky feel, it is not enough to make consumers walk away.

Screen

The 3.2-inch screen is HVGA, which can cause some pixilation when surfing the web, but the Zoom function helps improve the quality in short order.  The screen is sufficient for normal functions and presents a sharp, clear viewing screen.

Camera

LG downscaled camera specs to help battle costs.  The 3-megapixel camera takes photos quickly, but there is no flash.  Users can turn on the autofocus to eliminate most issues with poor picture quality.  The LG Optima One video camcorder is about the same quality as the camera, but the excellent VGA resolution offsets what would otherwise be a poor video component.

Battery

LG did not skimp on the battery and it is longer lasting than some far more expensive models.  The 1500mAh battery offers greater functionality with a bigger power pack and keeps the screen from moving into a resistive mode.

Interface

The LG Optims One runs on the Android 2.2 platform and it more than makes up for the cost-cutting measures LG took to install the interface on this handset.  With customizable icons and complementary widgets, LG has finally brought Android to the general masses who will be delighted with the handset and with the price.

Vodafone customers who are happy locking into an 18 month deal can expect to pay between £20 and £42 per month for a reasonable amount of internet usage, plus there are several benefits to agreeing to this length of contract.  These deals offer a free handset and the number of free call minutes included generally range between 100 to 750 per month.  The number of monthly free texts range from 250 per month to unlimited text.  Monthly internet downloads also range from 250MB to 500MB of internet data.  If you are prepared to pay up to £66 per month or more, you can enjoy several thousand call minutes and internet data in the region of 1GB per month. 

As this phone is not widely available on every network, you will need to assess your online needs very closely.   If you wish to access the internet regularly from your phone, you might want to look at one of the mid-range deals that give you that little bit of extra usage. 

Remember – going over your set usage can cost a lot in the long run, so consider how often you will be using the internet while on the move – weigh up the costs of accessing the internet with the monthly contract and decide which is more cost effective for you.

Amongst the LG Optimus 2X’s impressive features is a full HD video recorder that enables you to capture quality videos. The large screen enables you to easily find your way around the phone, and the home screen is customisable, allowing you to add your favourite widgets for quicker access.

The LG Optimus 2X comes with a number of apps, and you can easily gain access to hundreds more at the Android Market.  The phone’s processor offers faster downloads, enabling you to quickly download apps.  Additionally, the large display and excellent graphics makes this phone ideal for users who like to download games.

Available with Android 2.2, the LG Optimus 2X can easily be upgraded to Android 2.3, which will allow you to get the most out of Android’s latest features.  Although this phone is only available with 8 GB of memory, you can easily add more storage capacity with the phone’s MicroSD card, which is ideal for those that need space for photos and videos.

The camera has 5 megapixels, which means that the user can take good quality photographs.  Menus and interface are easy to use, making the phone a good choice for those who are new to smartphone usage.  The phone has the additional feature of Play to DLNA, which lets you send music and video directly to a TV, computer, or Xbox.  Access to the internet is via Wi-Fi, and browsing the web is easy with the apps that allow you to access sites such as Facebook and Twitter, from your home page.  Apps can be added easily, if you need to. 

As with all LG mobile phones, the LG Optimus 7 feels as though it is built to last and can take a little bit of wear and tear with a solid casing and strong buttons.  Menus are easy to navigate and users who are new to smartphone use will find that this phone suits them.

The phone is equipped with Wi-Fi and HSDPA for easy access to the internet and email applications and there is also a five megapixel camera complete with flash. The phone has the ability to take video images and edit them later.  The LG Prada 2 KF900 is ideal for those who want a stylish camera phone and who are perhaps new to the world of the smartphone as all functions are easy to use. 

For the latest mobile phones, the internet is a good place to start.  Reading mobile phone reviews and comparing the deals that are on offer is essential, particularly when you are looking for a smartphone.  Different mobile service providers will give different contract lengths and tariffs on each of their phones depending upon the commitment you are prepared to make, so it is worth shopping around.

For cheap mobile phones you cannot get much cheaper than free.  Mobile phone companies are happy to provide a handset free of charge if you agree to a fixed term contract and you can generally upgrade your handset when the contract comes to an end.