LG Optimus One P500 budget Android smartphone

Froyo on the cheap

Snap happy

In use the One handles well, though it's not quite as nippy as some pricier handsets, betraying its slightly underpowered 600MHz processor. But there’s no serious tendency to lag.

The 3Mp camera is what you’d expect from a handset in this price range though with a few extras, including face tracking and macro settings, digital zoom and a range of scene modes. There's no flash, though.

Colours are reasonably accurate, though the camera does struggle a bit in low light. It will record video at 640 x 480 resolution and does an OK job so long as you can hold it still.

There’s a choice of on-screen keyboards, with the standard Android version and a slightly tweaked alternative from LG. The keys are on the small side, though there’s just about enough room for them all in portrait mode. Landscape mode gives more space and if the sensitivity of the screen lags a little behind more expensive handsets, you’ll probably only notice it if you’re more accustomed to using the likes of the iPhone or an HTC Desire.

Sample Shots

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Macro
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