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LG Optimus L9 review

7.9/10 AVG.
RATING
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LG Optimus L9
LG Optimus L9
LG Optimus L9
LG Optimus L9
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7.9/10
Informr score
The LG Optimus L9 currently has an Informr score of 7.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 11 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Excellent viewing angles
  • Sturdy build quality
  • No lag when performing standard activities
  • Battery lasts 7 hours with intensive use

What's bad

  • Only 4GB of onboard storage
  • Dimensions difficult for one-handed use

When compared to its predecessor, the Optimus L7, critics are quick to note that the LG Optimus L9 offers a higher quality experience. Phonescoop praises the build and manufacturing of the phone stating, "Nothing about the L9 is creaky or loose." Design-wise reviewers point out the attractive albeit somewhat generic rectangular slab. It measures in at 5.2" x 2.7" x 0.36 inches and weighs 122 grams. While most critics found these dimensions easy to handle for long periods of time without fatigue, PCMag had difficulty using it one-handed.

The viewing experience on the L9 is also a step up from the L7. The 4.5" LCD display offers a qHD resolution of 540 pixels. While the resolution isn't as good as more high-end devices, reviewers agree that it offers crisp, bright images, good viewing angles and excellent bright light legibility. In order to prevent scratches, a layer of Gorilla Glass 2 protects the display.

In terms of specs, the phone offers an adequate 1 GHz dual core processor and 1GB of RAM. GSM Arena benchmark tests put the device solidly in middle. After performing some real world tests, critics did not experience any lag when performing normal activities or when playing less graphics intensive games. Battery life exceeded expectation lasting over 7 hours in Laptop Mag's battery test. Unfortunately, the one drawback of the phone is its 4GB storage. While there is an expandable microSD slot, the space is only usable for images and videos not apps.

For a budget handset, experts were fairly impressed with the overall quality. Although the phone doesn't offer the best hardware or display out there, TMO News states, "if you just want a nice little Android phone, don't care about the most recent updates and just want something that'll power you through the day, the L9 is a great choice."


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
4.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.5"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
2150 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


GSMArena
GSMArena

So, it turns out there's quite a lot to like about the LG Optimus L9. Its key selling point is the big screen, which is rather hard to come by in this price range. Retina levels of pixel density were out of the question - should we say, budget - but qHD doesn't look too bad. The reasonably powerful...

- GSMArena team, GSMArena
IntoMobile
IntoMobile

It's not the most powerful handset in the world, but what it does do, it does nicely.

- Blake Stimac, IntoMobile
Android Guys
Android Guys

If you’re new to smartphones and are considering T-Mobile as your carrier, the Optimus L9 is easy to recommend. At only $80 with a two-year plan, there are far worse things you can do with your money. The 4.5-inch qHD display is one of the better looking screens you can get for that kind of ca...

- AndroidGuys Team, Android Guys
SlashGear
SlashGear

In no way is the phone the best, but its sleek design, nice screen, and the fact that it runs so smooth with have you thinking otherwise. Be sure that you consider the options before you pick one up, however, because while the Optimus L9 is good enough to be worthy of a recommendation here in 2012,...

- Eric Abent, SlashGear
Engadget
Engadget

The Optimus L9 isn't totally without merit. We appreciate its boxy yet dapper design and its sharp, colorful display. And while the performance didn't blow us away, it's more than good enough for everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking email and playing the occasional game. We also enjoyed th...

- Nicole Lee, Engadget


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the LG Optimus L9 user manual here.


LG backs up the Optimus L9 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Optimus L9 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact LG support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find LG's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Screen Size
4.5"

The LG Optimus L9's screen size is 4.5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a ARM Cortex A9 Dual-core 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with VGA (640 x 480) resolution.

Storage
4 GB

Internal memory is 4 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2150mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2150 mAh battery. LG's performance ratings are 28 days standby time.

Optimus L9 Specs

Overview
Release Date October 31, 2012
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor ARM Cortex A9 Dual-core 1 GHz
Internal Storage 4 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.7 W/kg
Body: 1.25 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, HSPA+ 21.1
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Brightness control, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Multi-shot, Panorama
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, DivX
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
VGA (640 x 480)+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 4.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2150 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 465 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 28 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors White, Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 13.2 x 6.8 x 0.9 cm (5.2 x 2.7 x 0.4 in)
Weight 125 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Wallpapers
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: OTA
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, DivX
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: WEP/WPA/WPA2
Viewable document types: DOC, DOCX, PDF, PPT, PPTX, TXT, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): LG P769
Related Links Manual (PDF)
LG Optimus L9 Reviews
Where to buy LG Optimus L9
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