LG overview

LG Optimus Black hands-on

LG Optimus Black lacks the computing muscle and the stereoscopic screen of its bigger brother but it remains a pretty solid smartphone nonetheless. With a 1 GHz CPU and a spanking new NOVA display there’s plenty to like about the Optimus Black.

LG Optimus Black live shots

What impressed us most about the LG Optimus Black is undoubtedly its slim waistline. Thickness of 9.2 mm is really impressive to achieve, considering the 4” screen. And yes we know that the Galaxy S II is even slimmer, but Super AMOLED units are generally way thinner than their LCD counterparts.
LG Optimus Black hands-on photos

Plus LG plans to make the Optimus Black an affordable device, so it shouldn’t be pinned against the most capable smartphone around.

We also took a few photos on the alternative color versions of the Optimus Black that LG will be offering.

The LG Optimus Black in white

LG are keen to promote the new NOVA display that the LG Optimus Black packs. It should bring a far improved brightness and improved battery life. We can personally testify about the brightness thing, but the thing is brightness alone isn’t good for much.

LG Optimus Black in grey

Granted, a brighter display is easier to read in the sunlight, but it’s reflectivity that matters the most there.

LG Optimus Black in pink

Still the Black screen excels with ultra-wide viewing angles and good contrast (for the LCD league, that is). If it also delivers on that power-efficiency promise it would certainly make it one of the very good displays out there.

Update: here's a short video showing the LG Optimus Black user interface and how you can use the G button on the left side for scrolling, zooming and navigating around.