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LG Optimus Elite Review

LG Optimus Elite Review

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Posted: 10 May 2012, 06:04, by Brian K.

Categories: Sprint Sprint LG LG Android Android

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Introduction:

Back when we reviewed the LG Optimus S a year and a half ago we came away amazed that such a low-end device could perform so well. At that point even mid-range Android devices often left a bad taste in your mouth, and to see such a cheap device delivering performance was something completely foreign to the market. While no one would ever confuse the Optimus with a top-end device, LG really showed us that you don’t need to spend $200 to get a well-performing smartphone. Now LG is back with the Optimus Elite for Sprint. The follow-up improves on the original by adding a bigger display, better camera and NFC connectivity. Can this new low-end Optimus live up to its predecessor’s pedigree? Read on to find out…

Design:

The LG Optimus Elite immediately grabs your attention with its good design. The thin body and quality materials feel nice in the hand, and the build quality is again top notch. The battery door isn’t soft touch, but it is textured so it doesn’t feel slippery. The two-tone silver trim gives the Optimus Elite a bit more sophisticated look than your typical entry level device.


The thin body and quality materials of the LG Optimus Elite feel nice in the hand

You can compare the LG Optimus Elite with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

The buttons along the side are all easily pressed and offer good feedback. Externally you’ll find a microUSB port and 3.5mm headphone jack; removing the battery door exposes the microSD slot (unlike most Sprint devices, the Optimus Elite does not come bundled with an SD card.) The 5 megapixel camera sits prominently on the back, alongside the LED flash and a self-shot mirror.


Volume rocker (left)	Right edge	Power key and 3.5mm jack (top)	microUSB port (bottom)
The sides of the LG Optimus Elite


Back	Battery compartment	microSD card slot

As with the Optimus S, LG has managed to make the Optimus Elite feel much more expensive than its price tag. By combining good materials with good design, the Optimus Elite manages to impress again.


The LG Optimus Elite (right, bottom) and the LG Viper 4G LTE (left, top)

Display:

The Optimus Elite’s display has been upgraded to 3.5”, but retains the same 320x480 resolution of the Optimus S. At just 165ppi the display leaves some to be desired, but then again the Optimus Elite is an entry-level phone so we don’t expect too much. The bigger display is noticeable and easier to work with than the Optimus S, which could be cramped at times. It does not have an ambient light sensor, and so cannot auto-adjust display brightness, but at its max setting the screen is plenty bright and readable in harsh lighting conditions.

LG Optimus Elite 360-degrees View:

Drag the picture or use the keyboard arrows to rotate the phone. Double click or press keyboard Space to zoom in/out

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Interface and Functionality

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LG Optimus Elite

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1. kshell1 posted on 10 May 2012, 06:20 2

This is quite possibly the lowest low end phone you can buy at the moment. Sprint should have priced it at free instead $30 on contract.

6. GeekMovement posted on 12 May 2012, 01:59 2

I like both Samsung & LG...
and HTC, Sony, Moto, Blackberry, & Nokia.

8. JoeVale posted on 18 May 2012, 10:44 0

I just got one. 129.99 at Best Buy. Work phone HTC Vivid. The elite is good entry phone, quick, lots of mem for apps and such, good signal and clarity. no quirky stuff yet. Very happy with it. Oh, and I got it on Virgin Mobile. 45 a month unlimited with 3G web.

12. cody_w posted on 09 Sep 2012, 02:42 0

I've dealt with many low end androids and the elite is by far the sleekest and smoothest operating android under 250 bucks Also it seems more powerful than it actually is as it runs n64 and psx emulators better than my moto razr.

13. Unha-p2 posted on 06 Dec 2012, 07:20 0

Wow I have this phone about 6months now and I hate the battery life. Everytime i use it for regular texting or picture texts, it eats up all my battery life & I have to keep charging it. With such a smart phone, I believe Virgin Mobile should re-design its battery to last longer for general usage. I only use it for messaging back & forth to my friends & send picture texts & also receive picture texts & my battery does not even last the whole day. I always have to charge it before I go to sleep. Menu apps is great, looks is good, not fancy or luxury looking like u spent lots of money on it. I like the speech to text feature. But I would not recommend this cell to anyone because it's too much money for a failed battery.

14. vanessaelizebeth posted on 25 Feb 2013, 05:34 0

It doesnt have front facing camera or big screen but it does take beautiful pictures,very user friendly.

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