Manage updates with the Download AppLG Optimus S - charcoal (Sprint)
Manufacturer: LG Part number: LG670KIT
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The LG Optimus S is an affordable yet full-featured Android smartphone for Sprint, but we did wish the call quality were better.
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CNET editors' review
LG Optimus S - charcoal (Sprint) price range: $49.99 - $94.99
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 11/15/2010
The good: The LG Optimus S has an attractive, slim profile with features that include GPS, EV-DO Rev. A, and Wi-Fi with tethering capabilities. It also has a 3.2-megapixel camera and it ships with Android 2.2.
The bad: The LG Optimus S' slower processor means it doesn't have Flash video in the browser. The camera doesn't have HD video capture or an LED flash. Call quality was mixed.
The bottom line: The LG Optimus S is an affordable yet full-featured Android smartphone for Sprint, but we did wish the call quality were better.
User reviews
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Homerun for LG ~ Great entry into Andriod market
by then69 on November 7, 2010
Pros: Smaller and compact, yet still larger screen (3.2")
Solid feel, and good grip (unlike Zio and Intercept)
Quicker response screen (not as fast as Epic, yet better than most)
GREAT working home row keys (actual detent keys, not touch sensor ones)Cons: Being brand new on market, obvious lack of some accessories
Charcol only available color for Sprint customersSummary: After going through 3 Samsung Intecept phones in the last 3 weeks, I could not believe the numerous problems I was having with this phone (NEVER could get to return ...
Summary: After going through 3 Samsung Intecept phones in the last 3 weeks, I could not believe the numerous problems I was having with this phone (NEVER could get to return to home screen, froze constantly, had to remove battery everytime internet connection dropped in order to retrieve, wouldn't let me answer calls......). The other choice I had available was the Sanyo Zio. Luckily, I did some online research and forums browsing, along with Sprint's own Customer Reviews, to find out that this model was the ONLY Android phone rated lower! So, explaining this to my local Sprint customer rep, he showed me a new LG Optimus that was to be release in several days. After my last debacle with "new" phones, I said let me research and I'll get back to you. Since the Optimus technically had been released, there was limited info, but overseas the phone has been out for awhile and has great reviews. I took the chance and got hte new Optimus, and I am , for the first tim being with Sprint, totally satisfied with my phone. You can look up stats on this but here's a few that really helped turn my experience around.
- Android 2.2 (Not 2.1- be warned~ most customer rep think 2.1 phones can be upgraded and this is Not true!)
- Although processor is 600MHz instead of the 670 or 800 in other mid-level Andriod phones, this unit is faster!
- Actual depress keyes are used for home, settings, search, and back functions (great positive feel and response)
- Phone feels solid, and very much like the HTC Incredible size-wise
- Screen will auto-rotate in BOTH horizontal positions
Overall, while this phone is a great mid-level phone capable of doing most all tasks, it is certainly not an EVO or Iphone. Yet, I feel the majority of people will find this phone able to do what they need, and do it well, without the problems of many other similarly priced phones on market.13 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
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One of the Best Android phone I've used on Sprint
by fark_c on November 7, 2010
Pros: Android 2.2! Snappy (despite lower processor), easy to use, size, and it feels very solid, multi touch screen.
Cons: Missing flash for the camera, would love to have seen a physical qwerty keyboard or a swype keyboard, Sprint ID.
Summary: This is by far my favorite Android phone that sprint has to offer! I don't see the point to having a 4" screen, or paying an $10 for a ...
Summary: This is by far my favorite Android phone that sprint has to offer! I don't see the point to having a 4" screen, or paying an $10 for a service that is not in my area (yet). Plus I don't think that I will be using 4G all the time. I would have loved to have a physical QWERTY keyboard, or Swype on the device, I'm still getting used to thew whole touchscreen keyboard. Also flash for the camera would have been awesome! As for Sprint ID, I like where Sprint is going with this, but it would be a neat option to turn off Sprint ID. I am a season vet when it comes to Android, and I don't need to be told what apps I need for my lifestyle. It would be cool to opt out from having that Sprint ID's tab on the home screen, and be able to replace it with like a browser tab or with whatever I would like. Other than that the phone is pretty amazing! I believe the Optimus S has a slower processor than the Samsung Moment, and Transform and it blows those phones out of the water on how snappy and responsive it is.
I just wanted to add that I'm coming form the Samsung Moment to the Optimus S. The Moment would have been a cool phone... IF IT WORKED! I had to pull the battery on that phone almost daily because the data would freeze up! Plus the battery life was pretty bad. So far the Optimus S has not disappointed me. It's pretty much a good solid phone!
This is a great phone for new Android users, and for experienced users like myself that don't need a huge phone or who doesn't want to cough up the dough for 4G (come on sprint it should be free!)
I haven't used the phone as a mobile hotspot yet, there is a network error message that pops up every time I try to access it.
Updated on Nov 7, 20109 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Greater Mid-range Android Phone
by vaidyabala on November 30, 2010
Pros: - Cheap (Got phone free with 100$ MIR)
- Android 2.2
- All the basic features you need in a phone
- Compact size
- Great starter phone for kid, spouse who do not want to be overwhelmed by the device
- Browser, Bluetooth, GPS, Hotspot , WifiCons: - Basic camera
- Touch screen response slower
- Slower Processor speed
- 3g onlySummary: Recently signed for a family plan. Got myself HTC EVO 4g and 2 LG Optimus S (both free) for the wife and kid. The both love their phones. I think ...
Summary: Recently signed for a family plan. Got myself HTC EVO 4g and 2 LG Optimus S (both free) for the wife and kid. The both love their phones. I think this phone maintains right balance of features vs complexity. It has all the features one would need without seriously overwhelming you. Downloaded lots of free games from the market and all of the play fine. Supports up to 32GB SDHC which allows you to load tons of music, video, pictures etc. Available in Purple and Grey color.
Sprint ID is a good idea, but did not care for it. I installed CLEAN sprint ID and installed the applications I wanted and customized the screens as I needed.
This phone supports Swype keyboard. You have to enable this under Settings->Keyboard.
Call quality could be slightly better. Screen size may not be suitable for any serious browsing. No Flash support. The camera is not the strong point of this phone, however that is not a deal breaker for me. Sometimes, scrolling up and down using the touch screens seem to lag a little bit. Battery life could have been better. Probably need to turn of unwanted stuff to extend battery life.
Very good value and features for the money.
It is no HTC EVO 4G, but you know that going in.5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A great phone and a deal at that!
by KYREDBOY on November 17, 2010
Pros: I was hesitant to leave the flip phone world but decided to get the Optimus S because of the Apps. I found this one easy to use, was quickly able to do everything I could do on my flip phone. Touch keyboard works well with my fat fingers.
Cons: I had all my contacts copied from my old phone at the Sprint store. These however disappeared when I linked to a gmail account with very few contacts. They may be somewhere but I have not found them.
Summary: The best phone value I could find on the Android platform. Being new to Android it is taking some time to figure out how to get the most out of ...
Summary: The best phone value I could find on the Android platform. Being new to Android it is taking some time to figure out how to get the most out of it. That said, it took little time for me to figure out how to text, make calls, use the GPS , take and send a picture, etc. So all in all it is a quick learn.
My wife purchased the Samsung Epic at the same time and while it has a beautiful screen, it is not noticeably faster than my Optimus. So at $200 more in cost and $240 more in monthly fees, I am sure I got the better value.5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Love this phone!
by sooragameela87 on November 9, 2010
Pros: Screen
Size
Price
User-friendly
High SpeedCons: Virtual keyboard may take some getting used to
Summary: I've been in the market for an android phone for a while now, and I popped in yesterday and found the LG Optimus S. I was originally debating between ...
Summary: I've been in the market for an android phone for a while now, and I popped in yesterday and found the LG Optimus S. I was originally debating between the HTC Evo and the Samsung Epic, which are both 4g phones, but would cost me an extra $10 a month to have. At first, I thought that being able to use the phone as a hot spot would justify me spending an extra $120/year, but then I learned that I'd have to pay an extra $30/month on top of the extra $10 to be able to use hot spot. The Optimus, although not equipped with quite as many features, definitely gives you plenty of bang for your buck. It was supposed to be introduced as a low-end android, but the sales associates at 2 different stores I went into said that it was comparable (even a bit better) than the mid-range android phones. The only thing that I'm having difficulty with is the on screen virtual keyboard, but then again I'm coming from having a Blackberry Curve for 2 years and I'm not used to the touch screen. The size is also incredibly more convenient than the Evo or Epic because I don't feel like I need to carry a special briefcase in order to keep this phone with me. Overall, I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who is in the market for an android phone. It has 2.2 (froyo) on it so it's very fast and can use it for tethering without lag.
5 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great phone for the price! One minor issue, please read
by OzAkman on January 1, 2011
Pros: Froyo 2.2, built, Sound quality, processor speed, Android OS
Cons: Low internal memory, included Micro SD card, camera.
Summary: This is really a good phone. For what its worth, I don't think you can find a better phone. I love the Android OS, and its functions. One minor ...
Summary: This is really a good phone. For what its worth, I don't think you can find a better phone. I love the Android OS, and its functions. One minor but a major issue is that the included micro sd card from Sprint, is Samsung Brand. Its a 2GB and the class 2 speed. Apparently, this Class 2 is not fast enough, the card provided by Sprint is no good. Needs at least a Class 4 card, otherwise apps moved into a SD card disappears, and the phone gets random error stating " card removed unexpectedly" Sprint will not admit to anything and keeps on saying they never heard of this problem. However it is all over the blogs with people having this same issue. To solve the problem get another card with Class 6 speed and you will be good and make sure to format the card to FAT or FAT 16 only. FAT 32 is no good. Im in the process of getting a new card, but I hear this solved the problem for many people. Other than that, I really love the phone. My wife has the same phone and it is the same issue. I am a bit disappointed on the service from Sprint in this regard, but hey, now a days no one wants to admit to anything, especially when you are locked in to a 2 year contract.
Well, as I stated above the Micro SD card given with the phone was a problem. I got a Class 4 (not class 6 as stated above) and all the problems are gone. Sprint gave me a credit for $50 and we are happily ever after. The phone is still in great shape, hardware is solid. I am on Pandora, and G Listen for podcasts all day at work and the battery life got better. Like stated above, make sure to have a task killer, it will help tremendously.
Any who, this is not the fault of the phone. Make sure you get some task killer app also, this will help. Like I said earlier the internal memory is low to make sure you get a bigger micro SD card with Class 6, you should be set.
Updated on Feb 15, 2011
This is a great buy overall in my opinion.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great android device for the money
by Mr_Maxwell on March 16, 2011
Pros: 2.2 Froyo
Android
Responsive touch Touch ScreenCons: Hard key for making/hanging up calls omitted.
Summary: Good bang for the buck. Would recommend to a friend wanting to get an "starter" smart/Android phone.
Summary: Good bang for the buck. Would recommend to a friend wanting to get an "starter" smart/Android phone.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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If you've had an Instinct this is probably not for you.
by TheTruthTold on January 26, 2011
Pros: Faster but not terribly so, display and camera definition much more detailed than the Samsung Instinct I had. Overall nice phone if you never had and enjoyed the features of an Instinct.
Cons: It does nothing instinctively as the Instinct did, so I am constantly frustrated with the lack of features I used daily. Guess somehow I'd expected an Instinct that had great, updated speed and high definition features.
Summary: Picked up the LG Optimus S phone for free in an after-Thanksgiving promo at Sprint so the price was right.
We have five phones in our family so we were ...Summary: Picked up the LG Optimus S phone for free in an after-Thanksgiving promo at Sprint so the price was right.
I've thought of another -adding/ updating contacts is annoying, when adding a new contact a window appears inquiring whether I want to create it under my gmail or youtube account. I don't want it either place and I only use gmail/youtube for those applications, not as my regular email addresses - I just want to add a contact to my phone without attaching it to or creating it with anything.
We have five phones in our family so we were forced to go on a mission to identify a cell that had 3G and Android so we felt we were gaining new technology AND at the same time, one that we wouldn't have to pay an extra $50 per month Sprint wanted ($10 per required 4G data plan per month, per phone - that's $600 a year we don't have.) in order for us to get the HTC EVO we originally had our eye on. Before I go on, please, if anyone is aware of how I could incorporate the the below features I feel are missing on this phone, feel free to offer your feedback as haven't found a way to accommodate yet. Thank you in advance because I really want to like this phone!
The Optimus S is really a nice phone in and of itself but if you're accustomed to the Instinct, here are features you'll miss like crazy:
Knowing at-a-glance that a call or text was missed if you stepped away (Instinct had a little flash that would indicate this that you could see from across a room). Easy, instinctive navigation. (I realize this is a new phone for me but after a month, I should be on par with usage as I was with my old one). At this point, the Instinct made more sense in its navigation overall and had a much longer battery life. Miss being able to forward texts, including those you had added video or pics to. Sending text or pic msging to multiple recipients. Ease of use in transferring vids and pics to facebook or youtube, etc. Ability to delete only specific texts and phone calls in history without having to delete all of them. Locking select vm and texts. Accessing weather reports for multiple areas at-a-glance. Accessing ebay, facebook, youtube etc. was much easier on Instinct. Especially and last but certainly not least, GPS and LIVE SEARCH, the best, easiest to use features and what I dearly miss the most even though admittedly, the GPS signal was not always strong enough but this was infrequent (I have a Nuvi GPS, too, so this was not a biggie).
I'm confident there are more differences that I can't immediately recall as whatever they are I probably used them less.
Overall, after having had a new cell phone every one or two years since 1996, moving from an old first generation Instinct to the Optimus S was the most difficult and most frustrating transition.
While I do like the way the Optimus S feels, looks w/ high definition display and perhaps technically it's faster (my son assures me), by and large, I feel far downgraded rather 'upgraded' in handy features, which is what I used the most and relied quite heavily on. At present, I am looking to buy a new Instinct HD or perhaps something that I find which is thought to be a comparable replacement for the features the old Instinct had. Hope this helps. Best wishes in your search for a phone that suits you and your situation.
Updated on Jan 26, 2011
Unlike the Instinct, can't seem to easily add different email addresses and have them housed all in the same place with easy access to them through the same port on the phone.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fast and Great Screen
by kakashisigma on January 2, 2011
Pros: The phone is fast, very fast
Great Screen
nice customizationCons: Not as big as i wanted (very subjective i know)
Summary: Its easily as fast as the my friends EVO with just regular side by side
Screen is super bright at half brightness and full brightness is unnaturally bright and clear...Summary: Its easily as fast as the my friends EVO with just regular side by side
Screen is super bright at half brightness and full brightness is unnaturally bright and clear
very customizable
ITS a god compared to the hero which i loved2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fantastically happy with this super Android 2.2 phone!!
by bjohnson68 on December 27, 2010
Pros: Very responsive in spite of my expectation that it would be slower because reviewers say it has a slower processor. Great display. Swype keyboard: awesome. eliminates any downside from virtual keyboard issue. Talk quality: excellent.
Cons: Screen size is smaller than some of the latest smartphones, so browser can be difficult to see until you double-tap the screen to zoom. (Thankfully, there are so many Android apps, that I find I use the browser less and less on the phone).
Summary: First, I was pleasantly surprised with this product as I expected it to be slower or somehow inferior to other Android phones (e.g., HTC). The display is somewhat smaller, ...
Summary: First, I was pleasantly surprised with this product as I expected it to be slower or somehow inferior to other Android phones (e.g., HTC). The display is somewhat smaller, but it is clear and sharp. The responsiveness and speed of the phone were equal to or faster than HTC phones and Google Droid phones that my friends had. (We tested things like opening apps, or moving between apps...admittedly anecdotal testing, but this is how we use our phones, so it is what matters to us).
One other factor in our decision...SF Bay Area AT&T network has been reported to have problems due to high number of iPhone users (overloaded capacity for voice and data usage). Sprint network has been excellent in the bay area. I've been using them consistently for 13 years and have seen usage only improve during this period. I'm happy to say that I've experienced no network-related issues to using this Android phone.
The call quality was excellent (Sprint network). Speaker phone is OK...works fine. I've had less success hooking up wired ear phone...but I believe this is the specific product I bought...the microphone on the wired product is marginal.
As far as Android 2.2 OS, I have only good things to say about it.
The camera/video camera on this phone are sufficient for everyday use, but not superior products like what you'd find on high-end droid phones or iPhone 4. I'm OK with this as I have a high end digital camera, so the phone is for impromptu shots when I don't have my camera with me.
Swype keyboard in Android 2.2 makes the issue of having to type on a virtual keyboard no problem at all! This was my biggest worry (small display, small keyboard), but Swype keyboard allows one to write without hunting and pecking. Simply slide finger along over the letters in the word and the phone figures out what word you are typing. It works amazingly well and fast, fast, fast.
All-in-all, with the deal to get the phone free (new customer or upgrade with sprint) and the lower cost of sprint's "everything family" plans that include 2 lines and unlimited data/texting, we calculated the 2-year cost at ~$1,000 less than owning iPhone, and less than other carriers. With this cost data rolled in, the choice of this phone is a no brainer.
Battery life is good...incessant usage all day requires a late evening charge-up, but I haven't found other phones that do consistently better.
Screen in direct sunlight can be a problem to view, however, this also is same as all apple products (iphone and macbook pros) as well as other mobile phones.
Updated on Dec 27, 20102 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: LG
- Part number: LG670KIT
- Description: The LG Optimus S gets all the time-saving goodies of the Android 2.2 - speed, simplicity, and apps like Google Voice actions that make online search, shopping, and music just an easy voice command. Its large and inviting 3.2" touch screen is perfect for smartphone newbies.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Smartphone
- Form Factor Touch
- Phone Design PDA
- Integrated Components GPS receiver,
Digital camera,
Digital player,
Voice recorder - Width 2.32 in
- Depth 0.52 in
- Height 4.47 in
- Weight 4.6 oz
- Body Color Charcoal
Cellular
- Technology CDMA2000 1X
- Band CDMA2000 1X 1900/800
- Mobile Broadband Generation 3G
- Service Provider Sprint Nextel
- Operating System Android 2.2 OS
- Input Device(s) Touch sensitive screen , Capacitive
Messaging & Internet
- Cellular Messaging Services MMS,
SMS - Instant Messaging Services Google Talk
- Supported Social Networks and Blogs MySpace,
Twitter,
Flickr,
Facebook - Messaging & Data Features Microsoft PowerPoint support,
Microsoft Excel support,
Microsoft Word support,
PDF support - Downloadable Content Applications,
Games - Mobile Services Sprint Music Store,
Sprint Music,
YouTube,
Gmail,
Google Search,
NASCAR Sprint Cup MobileSM,
Sprint TV,
Sprint ID,
Google Play Communications
- Data Transmission EV-DO
- Wireless Interface IEEE 802.11,
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR - Communication Features Internet browser,
Mobile Email client Phone Features
- Phone Functions Voice control,
Call timer,
Conference call,
Flight mode,
Speakerphone,
Voice dialing,
Vibrating alert - Polyphonic Ringer Yes
- Additional Features TTY compatible,
Widgets support Organizer
- Personal Information Management Synchronization with PC,
Calendar,
Calculator,
Reminder,
Alarm clock Media Player
- Supported Digital Audio Standards AAC +,
MP3,
WMA,
AAC Processor
- Type QUALCOMM MSM7627
- Clock Speed 600 MHz
Memory
- Supported Flash Memory Cards microSDHC - up to 32 GB
Digital Camera
- Sensor Resolution 3.2 megapixels
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Features Video recording
Navigation System
- GPS Navigation GPS receiver
- Navigation Software & Services Sprint Navigation,
Google Maps Display
- Type LCD display - Color
- Diagonal Size 3.2 in
- Display Resolution 320 x 480 pixels
- Color Depth 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
- Features Wallpaper
Connections
- Connector Type Micro-USB
Battery
- Technology Lithium polymer
- Capacity 1500 mAh
- Run Time Details Talk ( CDMA ) - up to 300 min
Miscellaneous
- Compliant Standards HAC(Hearing Aid Compatible)
- Included Accessories Power adapter , Power adapter,
USB cable - Also Included microSD - 2 GB
Product series
-
LG Optimus S - charcoal (Sprint)
Manufacturer: LG
Specs: Sprint Nextel,
CDMA2000 1X,
Up to 300 min,
With digital camera / digital player,
4.6 oz,
3.2 megapixels,
3.2 in -
LG Optimus S - purple (Sprint)
Manufacturer: LG
Specs: Sprint Nextel,
CDMA2000 1X,
Up to 300 min,
With digital camera / digital player,
4.6 oz,
3.2 megapixels,
3.2 in
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse LG products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:LG
- Address:
1000 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
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