LG Optimus GT540

Until recently, LG hasn't been a particularly big player in the world of Android smartphones, but it has announced big plans for the year ahead, with several models running Google's mobile operating system in the pipeline.

After the popularity of the GW620 at the end of last year, the Optimus GT540 which runs Android 1.6 is designed as an accessible smartphone giving easy access to social networks.  So: is the Korean manufacturer's second attempt at an Android handset, which has more than a passing resemblance to its Viewty Smart, any good?

The Optimus does remind us of the Viewty, and its combination of curves, a relatively slimline from and a reasonable weight (115 g) make it a pleasure to handle.  The whole thing is made of plastic, but the brushed aluminium effect looks great.  At first sight, the Optimus looks like it might seduce plenty of users ...


But after using it for a couple of weeks, we changed our minds because the screen didn't manage to stand up to spending a while in the bottom of a large bag.  It was covered in scratches but the rest of the case was still in perfect condition.  We dread to think what it will look like in a month's time ...


While we're on the subject of the 320 x 480 pixel touchscreen, LG has once again used resistive technology and it's quite frankly mediocre.  We've seen both more reactive and more accurate screens elsewhere, which is a big problem when your phone has an all-touchscreen interface.  The colours and contrast really couldn't be worse.  There's no point even trying to look at it if there's lots of natural light, as you won't see anything.  The majority of smartphone screens—apart from a few notable exceptions from HTC, Samsung and BlackBerry—are hard to use in bright sunlight, but the Optimus is the perfect example of how not to do it. 

Overall, using the Optimus is quite pleasant.  You can create up to seven customizable homescreens to store all of your apps, which can be further divided up into categories.  As a phone aimed at younger users who can't afford a 'luxury' smartphone, LG was wise to include an app designed to integrate handling your contacts with social networks like Facebook.

The interface is only very slightly different to the default Android look and feel.  It's nothing like the practical, visually attractive software layer that HTC, amongst others, has developed for its Android phones.  Navigating through the menus is easy enough and you can even use several handy shortcuts, but we've seen better all-round solutions on other phones.  At the end of the day, though, for an entry-level phone, it's not too bad.

Responsiveness varies according to what you're trying to do, and overall it's easily done, but you have to make do with some slow downs here and there.

Multimedia is a strong point

On the subject of media features, the Optimus can play DivX files, has an FM radio and decent quality audio.  For browsing the web, you'll be able to do a little occasional surfing, but not with anywhere near as much ease as on a HTC Desire or Legend or an iPhone.

Finally, the Optimus has a battery life of a day and a half.