LG Optimus 2X review

Another day, another dual-core smartphone, this time from LG. Julian Prokaza puts it through its Android paces.

IT Pro Verdict

Although not quite as slick or stylish as the dual-core competition, the Optimus 2X is still an extremely capable Android smartphone. So, as long as LG updates the OS as promised, it’s a budget, if less desirable, alternative to the mighty Samsung Galaxy S II.

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The LG Optimus 2X

It's still a speedy performer though, and its score of 2556 in the Quadrant Standard combined CPU/GPU test isn't far behind the Galaxy S II's 2977. Its score in the SunSpider JavaScript browser test is similarly quick, where it scored 4014ms compared to the Samsung's 3423. Benchmarks aside, the Optimus 2X does feel nippy in use. Swiping between Home screens is smooth, web page scrolling is snappy and the mirrored HDMI output at 1080p is faultless.

When it comes to battery life, the LG Optimus 2X lasted for eight hours and 50 minutes for full-screen video playback in aircraft mode, although the inability to prevent the screen from reducing its brightness from 50% to something like 10% after a few minutes idle' time will have distorted this result somewhat.

The LG Optimus 2X is available from Expansys, unlocked, for 296 + VAT, making it 80 cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S II and 100 cheaper than the HTC Sensation. Pay monthly deals are also cheaper Vodafone, for example, offers it for nothing on its 25 per month, two-year contract, while a free Galaxy S II costs 30 per month on a slightly different tariff.

So, assuming that LG sorts out the Android 2.3 upgrade in due course and addresses those other minor OS glitches, the Optimus 2X is a solid choice for anyone who wants a powerful smartphone that costs less than the competition.

So what's our verdict?

Verdict

Although not quite as slick or stylish as the dual-core competition, the Optimus 2X is still an extremely capable Android smartphone. So, as long as LG updates the OS as promised, it’s a budget, if less desirable, alternative to the mighty Samsung Galaxy S II.

Connectivity: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, 3G 900/1700/1900/ 2100 Display: 480 x 800 pixels, 4 inches OS: Android 2.2.2 Froyo Camera: eight megapixels rear facing, 1.3 megapixels forward facing GPS: A-GPS Processor: NVIDIA Tegra 2 (1GHz ARM Cortex-A9 dual-core with ULP GeForce GPU) Bluetooth: 2.1+EDR Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n Storage: 8GB internal + micro SDHC slot RAM: 512MB Dimensions: 122 x 64 x 10mm Weight: 139g Battery: Lithium Ion 1500 mAh

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