Android and Me

LG Optimus Black headed to Europe this month, then to North America and Asia

Posted: 08 May 2011 09:58 AM PDT

Gingerbread and dual-core phones have been taking the stage since CES, stealing all the attention from other devices that do not seem as impressive, but still compete. Such is the LG Optimus Black, which we have seen at CES and MWC (Mobile World Congress) along with all the big brothers.

LG has just announced that the LG Optimus Black will be released in Europe this month, followed by North America and Asia soon afterward. Specific dates are not given, but it should not be long until this device hits the U.S. According to LG, the Optimus Black has been pre-ordered by 56 network carriers in 50 countries, and will be available globally across six continents.

Though lacking that juicy dual-core power, the LG Optimus Black does have a 1 GHz Texas Instruments OMAP3 processor, which is more than enough power to satisfy most consumers. This device is also only 9.2 mm thin, which is something that could be very attractive to many of you, but it could also give it a fragile feeling. Other important specs include a 4-inch NOVA display, a 5 MP rear-facing camera, a 2 MP front-facing camera, and Android 2.2 Froyo.

If you want to see more details on the performance of this device, check out our hands-on article and video for the LG Optimus Black, made by our friend Russell Holly. There is also a press release after the break. As always, we like to hear your opinions, so please do share some comments with us. Will you be purchasing one of these?

Show Press Release

SEOUL, May 8, 2011 – The LG Optimus Black, the stylishly slim and lightweight Android smartphone featuring the unique NOVA display, will make its international debut in Europe later this month.

Following successful unveilings at the Consumer Electronics Show and the Mobile World Congress, the LG Optimus Black has attracted pre-orders from 56 network carriers in 50 different countries. The phone will be available globally across six continents beginning in Europe before heading to North America and Asia.

"For smartphone users who appreciate both style and substance, the LG Optimus Black offers beauty, performance and mobility in one smart package," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "LG Optimus Black is a significant addition to our global Optimus portfolio and we think it'll prove to be one of our most popular phones."

Introducing LG's new NOVA display technology, the LG Optimus Black provides optimal brightness and clarity that allows for enhanced readability. With higher levels of brightness and true blacks and whites for ideal handset viewing, the NOVA screen provides a more natural experience for web browsing while reducing power consumption by 50 percent during general indoor use compared to conventional LCDs.

The sleek design of the phone is accentuated by the flush finish of the seamless 4-inch display to offer a smooth, undisrupted surface. This is complemented by the slim 9.2mm body and its unparalleled weight of only 109g.

The black version of LG Optimus Black will be available first followed by white and pink versions which will be introduced next month.

For more information and product images, please visit www.lgnewsroom.com.

Key Specifications:

4-inch NOVA Display (700 nits brightness)
Dimensions:122 x 64 x 9.2mm
Weight: 109g
1GHz processor (Texas Instruments OMAP3)
Wi-Fi Direct
5MP Rear Camera / 2MP Front Facing Camera
Gesture UI powered by Gyro-sensor
2GB Internal Memory and Micro SD up to 32GB
1,500 mAh Battery

Related content:

Nexus S 4G finally available from Sprint at $199.99 on-contract

Posted: 08 May 2011 09:34 AM PDT

Last month, we were treated with the announcement that Sprint’s Nexus S 4G would be releasing on May 8 (today), and surely, the Sprint version of Google’s phone is now available for purchase. As expected, the device is going for $199.99 on a two-year contract, or $549.99 without. This is $100 more than T-Mobile’s Nexus S, but Sprint’s Google phone does have 4G. Best Buy is actually offering it for $149.99 on a two-year contract, taking it a bit easier on your wallet.

Whether 4G radios are worth $100 (or $50) to you or not, it does not take away from the fact that it is nice to have a Nexus device available for more carriers. Though the GSM Nexus S is unlocked, 3G speeds were only possible through T-Mobile, which meant that AT&T customers were stuck on edge. Just the fact that the Nexus S made the jump to CDMA is a big step, and it is always good to have options, even though some may seem unfair.

There you go, Sprint users, the Nexus S 4G is finally here. Who is going for the "pure Google experience"?

No related content found.