LG Optimus T

The LG Optimus T is one T-Mobile's most affordable Android smartphones. It currently is free in black and costs $29.99 in burgundy and titanium (these are 2 year contract prices). The T-Mobile Comet came out a few weeks after the LG Optimus T, and the LG is the better choice in terms of overall quality and it has a better display. The Optimus T runs Android OS 2.2 Froyo (currently the most recent version) but there's no Flash 10.1 here, so you're relegated to the mobile video format for YouTube.

If you're on a serious budget and want an Android smartphone, the LG Optimus offers a lot of bang for the buck. The HVGA 320 x 480 touch screen is decent, the phone is fairly fast thanks to Froyo and less so because of the entry to midrange 600MHz Qualcomm CPU. The camera takes passable shots, but you won't get HD video recording at this price. The usual trio of WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS are on-board and the phone works with Google Maps and Navigation.

Build quality is solid, and we like the soft finish that resists drops and fingerprints. The phone supports WiFi tethering and WiFi calling too. Sure, it lacks the high end features and wonderful Super AMOLED display of the Samsung Vibrant, but it costs a fraction of the price.

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

Video Review

Conclusion

If money is a scarce commodity and you want an Android smartphone, the LG Optimus is a great buy. It's no high end superphone, but it does have a decent HVGA touch screen, the latest Android OS, good performance and a solid build. And the Optimus is a definite step up from the T-Mobile Comet.            

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: 4.5 ounces.

Phone: GSM quad band with 3G HSDPA on the 1700/2100MHz bands.

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 the usual suite of Google applications including Android Market, Google Maps and Navigation, YouTube and Gmail.

Expansion: 1 SDHC microSD card slot. 2 gig card included.