LG Optimus S Video

The LG Optimus S is the most affordable of Sprint's new trio of Android smartphones running Sprint ID software that allows you to quickly and pervasively customize the phone. Sprint ID offers selections from a variety of interests such as sports, business and entertainment and installs free software, widgets and utilities and it installs the whole bucket in one 5 to 10 minute download and install session. We're still not sold on Sprint ID since it tends to slow down the phone, but the LG Optimus S is the fastest and most able to handle this software load vs. the Samsung Transform and Sanyo Zio (Sprint's other 2 Sprint ID phones).

The Optimus S is the only Sprint ID phone to run Android OS 2.2 Froyo out of the box (currently the most recent release of that OS). Froyo is significantly faster, and that's part of the reason the Optimus S is a responsive phone. The phone features a soft touch finish and solid build and the specs are solid too, given the low price: 600MHz CPU, 3.2" HVGA capacitive multi-touch display, 3.2 megapixel camera, WiFi, Bluetooth and a GPS. The phone comes with the usual suite of Google Android apps as well as Sprint's value added services like Sprint TV.

The LG Optimus S is available in purple and gray.

Video Review

The LG Optimus S and its sibling, the LG Optimus T on T-Mobile.

Conclusion

If you're on a tight budget and want an Android smartphone, or perhaps simply your first smartphone, the LG Optimus S is a great way to start. It's the least expensive Android phone on Sprint, but that doesn't mean it's lacking. The specs are decidedly mid-range and that's a good thing given the low price. The phone feels good in hand and is solid.

Price: $49.99 with a 2 year contract

Websites: www.sprint.com, www.lge.com

Specs:

Display: 3.2" capacitive multi-touch display. Resolution: 320 x 480, supports both portrait and landscape mode via accelerometer. Battery: Lithium Ion rechargeable. Battery is user replaceable. 1500 mAh. Performance: 600 MHz Qualcomm processor. Size: 4.47 x 2.32 x 0.52 inches. Weight: 4.6 ounces. Phone: CDMA dual band digital with 3G EV-DO Rev. A. Camera: 3.2MP Audio: Built in speaker, mic and 3.5mm standard stereo headphone jack. Networking: Integrated WiFi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth. Software: Android OS 2.2 Froyo with Sprint ID software. Sprint applications: Sprint TV, Sprint Music, Sprint Zone, Visual Voicemail and more. Full suite of Google apps including maps and navigation, gmail, YouTube player and Android Market. Expansion: 1 SDHC microSD card slot. 2 gig card included.