LG Optimus Me

Editor's Review of the Optimus Me

LG has proved that Mobile World Congress isn't just about high-end, revolutionary smartphones, having launched the cheap and cheerful Optimus Me (P500) at the Barcelona tech event.

Riding the success of the multi-million selling Optimus One, the LG Optimus Me arrives running Android 2.2 OS. It's no Gingerbread, but Froyo seems perfectly good enough for this petite handset, packing it full of Google widgets such as GPS, and offering access to thousands more from the Android Market. However, LG has promised an upgrade for "all of its Optimus handsets", so this budget blower could one day get a taste of Gingerbread, packing it with that speedy new keypad.

Measuring in at 58 x 108 x 12mm, the LG Optimus Me isn't ideal for those of you after a wide-screened handset, but good for those of you with tiny pockets. It packs a 2.8-inch touchscreen display, boasting a lowly 320 x 240 resolution, the same as found on the HTC Wildfire. While it's low-res screen struggles to show Android at its best, it's certainly gets the job done.

In terms of design, the LG Optimus Me, it has to be said, isn't the prettiest handset. It may be compact, but its glossy plastic casing feels uncomfortable to touch, and like it wouldn't withstand the most delicate of tumbles. Still, its sleek curves and colour variants are easy on the eye, and perfect for fashion conscious Android newbies.

Media-wise, the LG Optimus Me arrives sporting a 3 megapixel rear-facing camera, which although sounds poor by today's high standards, managed to produce clear and bright shots. However, you'll have to make sure you're standing very, very still, as any slight movement can cause distortion, and with a lack of flash onboard, it's not the best for low light conditions. The snapper also records average-looking footage, which can be uploaded straight to YouTube.

It may arrive with Froyo, but due to its lowly pixel count, the LG Optimus Me is incompatible with Adobe Flash support, a bit of a sore point for those of you hooked on streaming online videos. Surprisingly, thanks to its HSDPA and WiFi speeds, the compact display copes well with regular browsing, and multitouch gestures worked seamlessly on the capacitive screen.

When it comes to battery life, the Optimus Me excels itself. It packs a decent 1250mAh juicebox under the hood, promising up to 7 hours of talk-time. However, thanks to some built-in power saving tricks, the handset should last between 2 and 3 days on a single charge.

It's certainly got its flaws, but the LG Optimus Me delivers a decent Android experience without busting you wallet. Ideal for Android newbies or fashion conscious teens, the LG Optimus Me could well be worth considering.