IFA 2012: Various brands overview

The LG Optimus L9, which was announced at the IFA, is a mid-ranger that aims to bring solid smartphone functionality, good styling and reasonable price tag under one roof.

The Optimus L9 fella is a home to a 4.7-inch qHD IPS display, a 1GHz dual-core processor, a 5MP camera and 4GB internal storage. We find the screen to have pretty good image quality and sharpness even though it's 234ppi density isn't the best in class. The viewing angles are above average, too.

The rest of the specs include 1GB of RAM, front-facing VGA camera for video chats and a standard connectivity package. It runs on Android 4.0 ICS skinned with LG’s custom Optimus UI.

LG Optimus L9

In terms of controls the LG Optimus L9 is quite similar to the high-flying Optimus 4X HD – the form factor is the same and so are the keys at the front controls (except the Home key, which is now regular button rather than touch-sensitive one), the side bezel and even the textured thin plastic battery cover.

LG Optimus L9

The Optimus L9 should hit the shelves by the end of the year, costing you about €340 contract-free.