LG Optimus 2X review
Another day, another dual-core smartphone, this time from LG. Julian Prokaza puts it through its Android paces.
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.
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.
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
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
-
Is ChatGPT making us dumber? A new MIT study claims using AI tools causes cognitive issues, and it’s not the first – Microsoft has already warned about ‘diminished independent problem-solving’
News A recent study from MIT suggests that using AI tools impacts brain activity, with frequent users underperforming compared to their counterparts.
By Ross Kelly Published
-
Hackers are using Microsoft 365 features to bombard enterprises with phishing emails – and they’ve already hit more than 70 organizations
News A new phishing campaign uncovered by researchers at Varonis shows threat actors are abusing Microsoft 365's Direct Send feature to launch phishing attacks.
By Emma Woollacott Published
-
Plans announced to resurrect former steelworks as a ‘green’ data center
News Plans have been put forward to transform the former Ravenscraig steelworks in Scotland into a green AI data center.
By Ross Kelly Published