LG Pins Hopes On Basic-Looking Optimus 2 Smartphone

LG is set to unveil a new smartphone, the Optimus 2 (or LG AS680) at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

From what we've seen of the tech specs, the Optimus 2 will be something of an entry-level Android phone.  It's reported to feature a 3.2'', HVGA (320 x 80 pixel) display, an 800 MHz processor and a 3.2 Megapixel camera.  For the time being, we don't have any idea when it will go on ale nor for how much.  We'll no doubt find out more when the event itself starts on January 10.

The Optimus 2 probably won't be the handset that LG's looking for to help it regain the ground it has lost over the past two years.  At the start of last year, the manufacturer had two promising mobiles, the Optimus Black and the Optimus 2x, as well as a technological feat in the shape of the Optimus 3D.  But since then, it has struggled to turn this success into smartphone sales.  Faced with intense competition from the unrivalled market leaders Apple and Samsung, other manufacturers like Nokia and Sony Ericsson have had to rethink their strategy.  LG is likely to have to do the same if it is hoping to find favour with the networks that will put their products in the hands of their customers.  That's going to take the release of a flagship model that can transform the company's fortunes. 

> Phone Reviews: Mobiles and Smartphones
> CES 2012 Live from Las Vegas: See all news

> Buyer's Guides: Our Pick of The Best Products