Dec 04, 2011 11:25 AM
4360 Views
(Updated Dec 06, 2011 12:03 AM)
The prelude
Switching from a leading smart phone(BLA#B#Y) to an android was what I finally endured after a lot of contemplation, speculation and thorough online research. Though there were several brands available in the Android cell phone space eg. Samsung, Sony Xperia, HTC etc I finally zeroed in on the LG Optimus P690 which was released in India exactly during the time when I was confident of purchasing my first Android. I had conducted a lot of online / word of mouth research about the LG Optimus one(P-500) which has earned reputation of a super hit android phone for almost a year.
LG Optimus Net - P690 Vs LG Optimus One P-500
The Optimus Net is similarly upgraded version of the Optimus one, with the Android 2.3 Gingerbread in the former obviously being the key distinguishing factor. Now let me get into detail and tell you more about the features, benefits and advantages of the Optimus Net.
==1) Overall Performance ==
a) Touch experience: Possessing the Android 2.3 Gingerbread software with an 800 MHZ processor, as against the 600 MHZ processor in Optimus one the touch is very smooth in the Optimus Net. However the phone book and caller id tend to get a little sluggish at times because of the LG user interface software that has not been upgraded to an extent to meet the new version androids. Also getting used to the touch screen of a qwerty android key board is a challenge in itself if your not used to a qwerty touch phone. The phone comes with a pinch to zoom or unzoom option and also a copy paste facility for selection of text used in emails / sms / on the internet. Gaming on the device and touch experience is fairly good. Have downloaded low capacity games like angry birds and advanced snake and the work perfectly fine.
b) Battery lifeis decent however if you are a big time net freak and background data is on throughout the day there are chances you might have to recharge the phone probably twice in a day or perhaps the battery life will reach its bare minimum during late hours of the evening
c) Camera(3.15 Megapixel)performance is slightly above average considering the fact that the phone comes without any flash. It works perfectly fine though if there is sufficient amount of light in the room and if your clicking outdoors. The video camera offers similar performance. The LG Optimus one does not provide a front(videocalling) camera considering the price range.
d) Messaging and push email facilities for the LG Optimus net is pretty neat. The SMS is systematically organized in a thread format so you do not have to go back and forth to find previously sent or received SMSs. The push email interface is good and quiet receptive however there are a few limitations in terms of number of email inboxes that can be set up. This can be countered by downloading the K-9 software available in the android market. You can not most certainly not compare the one-of-its-kind push email interface that Blackberry offers to any android phone in the market.
e) Sound /Video and voice clarity:The speaker sound and the ringtones of an LG optimus is awesome obviously not as perfect as a Sony which dominates the sort of offerings. The video clarity for MPEG, MP4 etc is sharp enough. The headphone / handsfree however is not the best in its class as it offers very limited sound reception and you would have to literally physically hold the mike net to your mouth for the other person to gather what your saying.
f) Widgets and shortcutsare excellent with the phone and the same can be tailored as per your requirements.
2) Design and aesthetics
All though the Optimus net is in an upgraded version of the Optimus one it is surprising why LG compromised on the appearance of the product. The plastic made Optimus Net body is more rounded as compared to its former counterpart and is not the best in its class in design. This type of design also compromises on the grip factor and poses a threat of the phone slipping out of your hand more frequently. Though it did slip out of my palm a couple of times fortunately I managed to grip it in time
3) Internet Browsing and Android Market
a) Internetbrowsing is smooth on the LG Optimus through advanced GPRS and smoother off-course if you are using Wi-fi for browsing. There is also an option for multiple windows when your surfing.
b) Android Market market offers you a host(thousands) of utility and entertainment softwares. It is almost like a google where you think about a feature that could enhance your userfriendliness or other add ons just for fun and you'v got it. Most of these softwares are not just free but also virus protected.
My take on this make of LG Optimus
All in all I can strongly recommend that the LG Optimus Net P-690 offers you true value for money at a retail price of Rs. 9500 /-(with one year warranty and bill) as of December 2011. All though there were many friends and colleagues who questioned me on why I opted for an LG and not Samsung. I opined that there are superior functions available with an LG phone which you'd have to shell out much more to buy a Samsung phone with such offerings. And LG as a brand has a class of its own.
Buy an LG Optimus Net if:
Your a android starter and looking for a device
You have a budget within 10k INR and looking for a phone that offers true value for money
You desire a phone for primarily sms, email, radio, music and less frequent browsing
Do not buy the phone if:
You are a hardcore internet / gaming freak
You use your phone for clicking / getting clicked more than anything else
Your looking for a classy / sleek business styled device
