The focus of Android is now shifting from just utility to looks. Riding on the success of the Optimus and the well-applauded Optimus 2x, LG is now following the trend by introducing the Optimus Black. Not a part of the Black Label series known for having some of the best looking phones, the Black, nevertheless, manages to score in the looks department. It is a complete touch device with a solid build but feels like a smooth piece of plastic. However, LG is busy boasting about the 4-inch Nova display as the brightest display ever in a smart-phone.

In our opinion, the phone has a bright display but it isn’t something that needs to be tom-tommed. Indeed, when on full brightness, the phone even worked as a flash light. Operating on Android v2.2 when all the latest devices are on v2.3 is a letdown. It did allowed us to configure Gmail account, Gtalk, search the web, watch videos, download apps, stay connected to social world but the overall performance was a bit slow. Even while searching the phonebook, the contacts appeared only when we finished typing out the full name. The 5 MP camera on-board managed to capture decent images but there was a huge shutter lag. And the battery hardly managed to last a day with average use.

Verdict: Average performer. Faces competition from Motorola Defy and HTC Desire S.

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