LG Optimus T

Reviewers say the LG Optimus T is a compelling option for T-Mobile customers seeking a prepaid Android phone. It comes with Wi-Fi calling -- lacking on the similar LG Optimus S (Free with contract) -- and an improved camera interface, but the Optimus T is missing a physical camera button. Its 3.2-inch TFT capacitive touch screen produces bright, colorful images, while its 600MHz processor offers speedy performance. For customers willing to overlook the "mediocre" camera and "small" screen, the Optimus T makes a "great choice for bargain hunters," says Brian Bennett of Laptop Magazine.   

That's not to say the Optimus T is without flaws. Some reviewers report problems with lag when using the touch screen, and others say the phone freezes up or crashes from time to time. This could prove "somewhat of an inconvenience for speedy typers," PhoneArena.com's reviewer says. 

Optimus T offers advanced features and 3G web browsing

What makes the Optimus T stand out is its generous feature set. "It doesn't take a scientist to know that you're getting a lot of bang for your buck," says PhoneArena.com. In addition to Wi-Fi calling, the Optimus T offers mobile hotspot capabilities and Google Voice. Reviewers report good 3G coverage and fairly good reception, though some experience the occasional dropped call. Nicole Lee of CNET reports that the CNET mobile site loaded in 11 seconds and YouTube videos needed only a few seconds to buffer.

Call quality on the Optimus T is good, with what Jamie Lendino of PCMag.com describes as a "warm" tone in the earpiece and "clear transmissions." Battery life is higher than average for many smartphones, with Laptop Magazine reporting 6 hours and 14 minutes of web surfing over 3G and CNET recording 10 hours and 36 minutes of talk time. Reviewers say the speaker is loud enough to work as a nice music player, but the smartphone's camera "produces the kinds of images you'd expect out of a cheap phone," says PhoneArena.com.

The Optimus T gets thorough reviews from several sources, and reviewers are pleasantly surprised to find that its features can stand up to the top-of-the-line smartphones. Engadget.com provides a useful comparison of the Optimus T and the Optimus S while Laptop Magazine, PhoneArena.com, and PhoneScoop.com all offer extensive breakdowns of the Optimus T's hardware, software, features, and performance. CNET and PCMag.com explore the Optimus T in shorter reviews that touch on the main ups and down of this budget smartphone.