CES: LG Optimus Black and 2X hands-on
LG Optimus Black phone front
The recently revealed LG Optimus Black and the LG Optimus 2X, which houses the Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor, are Korean company LG's latest Android handsets looking to take on the likes of Motorola and HTC.
In addition to being the world's slimmest smartphone, edging out the iPhone 4 by 0.1mm, the Optimus Black (pictured) includes a new type of super-bright display, which LG calls Nova.
LG Optimus Black phone front 2
The Optimus Black runs Android 2.2, which the company says can be upgraded to Android 2.3, also known as Gingerbread, in the future. The device runs a custom user interface known as the Optimus UI 2.0 on top of the Android OS.
The Optimus Black also supports advanced gesture controls. Holding down a button on the side of the handset allows you to scroll vertically or horizontally through photos by moving the handset in either direction. Tapping the side of the device will also move along to the next picture.
The picture above shows the customised music player, accessed by swiping down from the top of the screen.
LG Optimus Black phone back
On the rear, the Optimus Black packs a 5-megapixel camera with flash. On the front, it houses a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for high-resolution video calling.
It comes in three colours: black, black and white, and silver.
LG has not released pricing details, but it has said that it aims to launch the handset globally by the middle of 2011.
LG Optimus 2X stand
The Optimus 2X is the first announced handset to run a 1GHz dual-core processor. LG said that this will provide faster web browsing and smoother gameplay compared with single-core handsets.
The 2X will be based on Android 2.2 at launch, to be upgraded to Android 2.3 in future, according to the manufacturer. Like its Optimus Black sibling, it will have LG's Optimus 2.0 UI.
LG Optimus 2X bottom
The rear of the device houses an 8-megapixel camera with flash for high-resolution snaps, and the handset is capable of 1080p video recording and playback. There's also a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video calling and support for up to 32GB of storage via microSD.
LG Optimus 2X in hand
As well as capturing and playing HD video, the 2X also has an HDMI output for displaying whatever you are looking at on screen on another device.
Pricing has not yet been announced for the 2X, but an LG spokesperson told ZDNet UK that it will be a little more expensive than the Optimus Black.
It is expected to launch first in Korea, followed by a global launch before the end of the first quarter of 2011, the spokesperson said.