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LG Optimus Pad review

7.2/10 AVG.
RATING
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LG Optimus Pad
LG Optimus Pad
LG Optimus Pad
LG Optimus Pad
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7.2/10
Informr score
The LG Optimus Pad currently has an Informr score of 7.2 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 25 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

While in many ways the Optimus Pad is just another tablet, the 3D capabilities featured in this model make it stand out just enough from the competition to be noticed.However, for users not interested in such features, its relatively high price may be enough to cause many to shy away.

What's good

  • The LCD screen is perfect for watching movies thanks to the wide aspect ratio and brilliant colors
  • While the LCD is good for movies, web browsing can be awkward due to the size and shape of the Optimus Pad

What's bad

  • Impressive hardware makes the Optimus Pad a treat to use. It is extremely fast and responsive all-around
  • The Android Marketplace does not currently have many Android 3.0 apps

The LG Optimus Pad is a brand new tablet that runs on Android 3.0 and features dual cameras which allow 3D video to be shot. The design of the tablet is very wide and can be awkward to use if you are used to more traditionally shaped tablets. The device is also really large to hold in your hand due to its size and overall thickness.

Hardware specs are good with a powerful processor, 1GB of RAM and 32GB of storage space. Android 3.0 was designed specifically for tablets and it shows. The operating system runs beautifully with apps opening quickly and not having any slow downs to speak of even when several apps are open at the same time.

While the LCD screen might be rather awkward for web browsing, it excels at video playback. The 15:9 aspect ratio is much like the HDTV you have at home, so movies can play without having to be stretched across the screen. The screen's colors are bright and vibrant. Text is easy to read as well thanks to the high-resolution of the screen. Like most tablets, the screen is not legible in direct sunlight or other extremely bright conditions.

As far as apps go, there are not too many out there for Android 3.0 yet. This will change in the future as more and more tablets are released but now the marketplace looks rather empty. Thankfully, the Optimus Pad does include Polaris Office for those who need productivity software.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
8.9"
Screen Size
Screen Size
8.9"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
6400 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


148Apps
148Apps

Is it fun? The answer is a resounding yes. Though not action-packed, the dice-rolling mechanic adds a great bit of tension to each play and the unpredictability of those dice brings some great moments of triumph and anguish as your team struggles to make big plays and stop your opponent. Even for fo...

- Andrew Fisher, 148Apps
GSMArena
GSMArena

The 3D stuff aside, the Optimus Pad is pretty much like the lot: unskinned Android Honeycomb, 32GB of internal storage, Tegra 2 chipset and rich connectivity options. We’re less than impressed with the screen, but it’s got nothing to do with the resolution or size. In fact, at 8.9”...

- GSMArena Team, GSMArena
Expert Reviews
Expert Reviews

At £750, it's extraordinarily expensive even for a tablet than can shoot 3D video. The most expensive iPad 2, with 64GB of storage and 3G, is £659 direct from Apple. If the Pad's 3D capture was effective enough, LG might be justified in adding a price premium, but it isn't. The excellent...

- Barry de la Rosa, Expert Reviews
GottaBeMobile
GottaBeMobile

After spending a month with the G-Slate I came to appreciate the form factor, display and 4G connectivity. Sadly, the positives I found in the hardware couldn’t overcome the limitations in Android 3.0. We are closer than we were 6 months ago, but the G-Slate still takes a hit due to the Androi...

- Josh Smith, GottaBeMobile
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

Back at when the LG Optimus Pad was revealed at MWC this February, things looked bright for LG. 3D was picking pace and the iPad 2 was still an unreal product of the distant future. In that context, the LG Optimus Pad looks almost adequate, but given the current reality of things it falls short in j...

- Victor H., PhoneArena


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Quick view

Screen Size
8.9"

The LG Optimus Pad's screen size is 8.9 inches with 1280 x 768 pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a Nvidia Tegra 2 Dual-core 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system (OS).

Camera
5+ MP
You can take photos with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
32 GB

Internal memory is 32 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
6400mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 6400 mAh battery. LG's performance ratings are 10 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Optimus Pad Specs

Overview
Release Date April 20, 2011
Regions Available USA
Operating System Android 3.0 Honeycomb

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Nvidia Tegra 2 Dual-core 1 GHz
Internal Storage 32 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+
Mobile / Cellular Data
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 2.1
Bluetooth Profiles No
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC Unknown
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus, White balance, Additional rear camera: 5 Megapixels 1080p HD Video recording capability, and 1920×1080 pixels
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1280 x 768 pixels
Pixel density Unknown
Size 8.9 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features HD Capacitive 3D Touch Screen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 6400 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time Unknown
Video Playback Time Up to 9 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Up to 11 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.9 x 24.3 x 1.3 cm (5.9 x 9.6 x 0.5 in)
Weight 630 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP
WiMAX: Yes
PC Synchronization: Yes
TV Out Info: HDMI
Audio Formats: AAC, AAC+, AMR, MP3
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Viewable document types: JPG, GIF, TXT, BMP
Games: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Maps

Other Names (AKA): T-Mobile G-Slate with Google, LG G-Slate, LG V909
Related Links Manual (PDF)
LG Optimus Pad Reviews
Where to buy LG Optimus Pad
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