LG Optimus Black review

Like Samsung, LG has replaced most of the standard Android icons with flashier versions, but unlike Samsung it hasn’t actually replaced the applications themselves, so you still get the great Android Clock and Gallery apps. LG has added a separate alarm clock app, but it doesn’t offer any extra functionality. App Advisor shows a small list of recommended apps, while RemoteCall lets an LG support engineer log into your phone to fix problems. SmartShare is a DLNA-aware app that lets you browse for media servers to stream audio and video to the phone, and there’s also a copy of Polaris Office, an office file and PDF viewer.

You can use gestures, which differ depending on context, to control some of the apps. Flipping the phone over while it’s ringing sends the call to voicemail, while doing so while watching a movie will pause it, for example. You can also tap the side of the phone to move horizontally through the Gallery or home pages, and there’s a dedicated ‘G’ button that can be used in conjunction with other gestures to execute more actions.

Sadly, LG has decided to replace the standard Android keyboard completely – you don’t even have the option to switch back to it. LG’s keyboard doesn’t have word prediction turned on by default, and it’s not very good anyway. Selecting words isn’t as easy as on Android 2.3 or HTC’s Sense – there’s no pop-up magnifying glass to help you move the small cursor. If you’re feeling adventurous, it does let you use voice input using Google’s experimental libraries, but we found this unreliable.

Although the Optimus Black is a bit expensive SIM-free at £320, we’ve managed to find it on contract for just over £20 per month on an 18-month contract, including a data allowance. While some of the Optimus Black’s software is annoying, this can be fixed by installing replacement apps (or even installing a custom ROM, if you’re adventurous). It’s the hardware that’s really impressive – the low weight, bright screen and novel gesture control make it great value on contract, so it wins our Budget Buy award.