LG announced two new Android phones early this morning (at least in the USA) in a digital press conference. Presenting the Optimus One and the Optimus Chic, both shipping with Android OS 2.2 (Froyo) goodness. Let’s get down to details.
The Optimus One (LG-P500)
From the 600 MHz processor, this appears to be a mid-range phone, but starting off with the most up-to-date Android OS out there. The Optimus One features a3.2-inch 320 x 480 capacitive touchscreen, a 3 megapixel camera with autofocus that has “face tracking” and “smile shot” modes and video ability. It has 170 MB (yes that’s megabytes) of internal storage, an included 2 GB microSD card (can expand to 32 GB) and a very generously-sized 1500 mAh battery that should keep you talking and surfing longer than most phones of this class.
The One also features the usual wireless goodies: HSDPA 7.2 3G, WiFi 802.11b/g (no 802.11 n despite Froyo’s ability to handle it) A-GPS, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and FM radio. Dimensions are 113.5mm x 59mm x 13.3mm (4.4in x 2.3in x .52in) and weight 129g (4.5oz). Despite the GPS there is no accelerometer.
About the 600 MHz processor: there’s a bit of a riddle to what chipset is powering the One. The specs clearly say 600 MHz, but several July announcements for the phone mentioned the TI OMAP 3630, running at 720 MHz. So the question is, was this CPU underclocked for better battery life, or did LG change the chipset to match the Chic’s CPU?
The Optimus One will launch first, possibly in October, in the European market. Asia-Pacific and the mid-East and African markets will follow. Eventually it will be available in 90 countries, through over 120 partners.
The Optimus Chic (LG-E720)
This Froyo out-of-the-box smartphone has several things in common with the Optimus One, but the feature mix is a little different. Smaller battery (1250 mAh), bigger camera images (5 megapixel), less storage (150 MB). In addition to the HSDPA 7.2 3G capability it also has HSUPA 2.0 for faster upload speed as well. Dimensions are slightly different at 112.5mm x 57.9mm x 12.9mm (4.4in x 2.2in x .5in) and weighing in at 132g (4.6oz). The chipset is the Qualcomm MSM7227, definitely reported at 600 MHz.
With a name like “Chic” let’s see if this phone is marketed more toward women. Given that there is a white model available, clearly this handset is emphasizing looks.
The Optimus Chic doesn’t have a proposed launch window yet, but it won’t be before November. It will also premier in Europe first and then Asia-Pacific and surrounding regions.
More photos of both phones follow. The spec sheets are from Engadget.
No pricing is available for either of the new phones, nor has carrier availability been provided yet.
Full press release on both phones follows:
LG LAUNCHES NEW OPTIMUS SMARTPHONES WITH LATEST ANDROID PLATFORM FOR UNIVERSAL APPEAL
LG Optimus One and LG Optimus Chic Deliver Winning Blend of Optimal Performance, Latest in Google Mobile Technology and Stylish DesignSEOUL, Sep. 14, 2010 – LG Electronics (LG) today launched LG Optimus One and LG Optimus Chic, two smartphones from the company’s Optimus series of smart devices. Powered by Android 2.2 (Froyo) and optimized for Google Mobile Services, the handsets will deliver the ultimate smartphone experience while offering easier accessibility for the growing number of consumers looking to purchase their first smartphone.
LG Optimus One and LG Optimus Chic are among the earliest smartphones to launch with Android 2.2, Froyo, the latest version of the Android platform, which allows for two to three times faster and smoother internet browsing, web-page loading, application pop-ups and multi-tasking.
The devices also enable professionals to easily sync with Outlook Calendar for improved productivity, while offering portable Wi-Fi hotspots to easily share a single 3G connection. The devices are optimized for popular Google Mobile Services including Google Voice Searchâ„¢, Google Voice Actionsâ„¢, Google Gogglesâ„¢, Google Shopperâ„¢ and Google Mapsâ„¢ with Navigation, and also offer access to Android Market with more than 80,000 applications.
LG Optimus One and LG Optimus Chic are developed based on consumer insight that first-time smartphone users have strong needs for obtaining information and handy application services. As a result, these two devices focused on offering instant information search and versatile application packages including Google Mobile Service and even quality application advising functions.
“LG is offering the gateway into the smartphone world with the LG Optimus One and the LG Optimus Chic that offer the distinctive benefits of smartphones, in intuitive, approachable packages,” said Skott Ahn, CEO and president of LG Mobile Communications Company. “LG has a vision of helping people access information fast and easily, no matter where they are. We believe the Optimus series will play a significant role in accomplishing our vision.”
LG Optimus One: Building a Newer, Better Smartphone Experience
In creating the LG Optimus One “with Googleâ„¢”, a team of R&D experts at LG incorporated and optimized the device for the Froyo platform and Google Mobile Services. What transpired is a smartphone that blends superb design and with ease of use, making it the perfect entry point for prospective smartphone owners.
Featuring a fun, user-friendly user interface, LG Optimus One also includes the exclusive LG App Advisor, which recommends 10 highly rated applications every two weeks. The uniquely designed LG UI (user interface) and sleek new accessories such as carkit cradle offer users easier and more intuitive ways to enjoy all the benefits of the brand-new Froyo.
The phone also features a camera with face tracking and smile shot, a 3.2″ wide HVGA screen and a long-lasting 1500mAh capacity battery.
LG Optimus Chic: Best Smartphone for Style-Conscious Buyers
LG Optimus Chic’s, curved lines provide a solid grip and the two-color variants make the smartphone as stylish as the person carrying it. LG Optimus Chic’s touch-sensitive buttons complete the device’s sleek and minimalist look.
LG Optimus Chic also offers a unique on-screen phone feature which allows users to remotely control the device from their PCs. Plus, via LG Air Sync, it keeps users up-to-date with its ability to wirelessly sync contacts, photos and other vital information with computer and cloud database. Compatible with DLNAâ„¢ (Digital Living Network Alliance), multimedia content can easily be shared with other DLNA certified devices such as TVs, AV systems and laptop computers.
To announce the launch of LG Optimus One and LG Optimus Chic, LG hosted a unique interactive virtual news conference from Seoul. The video of the event can be viewed at both the LG Mobile Global Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/LGMobileHQ) LG Mobile Global YouTube Page (http://www.youtube.com/LGMobileHQ).
LG Optimus One will be available in over 90 countries via 120 partners. It will arrive in most of Europe in October followed by other EMEA and Asia-Pacific countries. LG Optimus Chic will be available in Europe starting in November with other markets in Asia-Pacific to follow soon after.