Take a peek at this, an Android phone that’s basically free, runs Android 2.2.1, and wont take up more than a tiny wallet’s worth of space in your pocket. This is the LG Optimus V, the other-toned relative of the LG Optimus U which we’ve already taken a look at a few months ago. This phone is surprisingly similar, it’s hardware essentially exactly the same save for the coloring (this one’s black where that one’s blue,) with a spiffy new box made to be sold off the shelves in stores all day long.

First Impressions

The box that this phone comes in lets us know what we’re in store for – a phone that although might have been an OK experience when we saw it carried on US Cellular (Optimus U), is now a rock and roll super experience made to kick its brothers and sisters all around the town. Inside the box we get a few books so we know what we’re dealing with, a few cords just incase we didn’t have them already, and a spiffy handset that, if you’re new to Android, might totally impress you with its power in such a small package.

This isn’t the type of phone you upgrade to if you’ve already used an Android product. Instead, it’s the perfect package to be given to a person who’s used feature phones their whole life, or maybe even someone who’s never used a cellphone before! It’s hardware is extremely simple to understand, and the Android system inside is free from too many frills, making the whole situation free of fret.

Unboxing

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Take a look at the unboxing of this phone to see what sort of experience the folks at Virgin Mobile are presenting to you. This isn’t your everyday carrier package that’s meant to be held under the counter while the salespeople do the talking, no way! This is a package that almost swallows the phone whole it’s so loud and expressive. Slashes and blasts of color here and there and every little bit of information you’d ever want on the phone printed on the outside of the package.

Does the phone live up to the whirlwind of pop-art presence? If the LG Optimus U was any indication, it totally depends on what you’re expecting. If you expected a full fantastic top of the line experience with the U, you’ll be sorely disappointed. If you expected a fully functioning but somewhat limited in scope by its screen size and tiny processor – you’ll be in for a treat!

Check out the video and the pics and prepare yourself for a full review soon!

12 COMMENTS

  1. Re: how is $199 basically free: its not $199.It’s less. Go to Virgin Mobile USA website, click “beyond talk phones and plans”

    Radioshack and Target were selling them but they sold out quick. Not sure out of the three, which (if any have them in stock”

    This phone is for those who want an android phone with unlimited data, unlimited texts and a choice of minutes tiers that you can switch between at any time.

    You can literally save thousands of dollars over 2-3 yrs versus a contract Android on the other networks. My wife is cancelling her at&t contract android because this Optimus V performs as well & in some cases better. Same story for many of my Android user friends. I usually have close to full signal in places that AT&T/Verizon users have none. I guess that varies on handset & network, but the Optimus V & Virgin network combo is great in my area at least.

    Prices start at 25 dollars for 300 mins, unlimited data/internet, unlimited texts & email. Thete are different price tiers for more minutes. Switch price tiers any time you feel like it. Free. No hidden charges, no activation fee. No cancellation fee worries because its non contract.

    If you are in the market for a no contact smartphone, this is the best deal at the time of writing. So, by “free” I think the writer means that this phone+service+cost combo means that this phone will pay for itself in savings many times over vs competing networks contract + no contract offerings.

  2. I just bought one of these & really like it. Need to download a free app called “Juice Defender” to get the best experience. It can be easily found on your home PC @ Android Market. Just download it & then install it on your handset. When my stock battery wears out, I think I’ll try a Mugen extended life battery or something like it. Might get a few more hours out of this type of replacement battery. Can’t beat the low monthly cost of Virgin Mobile “Beyond Talk”. Had to wait two years for this phone/plan to come along!

  3. I just bought one of these & really like it. Need to download a free app called “Juice Defender” to get the best experience. It can be easily found on your home PC @ Android Market. Just download it & then install it on your handset. When my stock battery wears out, I think I’ll try a Mugen extended life battery or something like it. Might get a few more hours out of this type of replacement battery. Can’t beat the low monthly cost of Virgin Mobile “Beyond Talk”. Had to wait two years for this phone/plan to come along!

  4. I just bought one of these & really like it. Need to download a free app called “Juice Defender” to get the best experience. It can be easily found on your home PC @ Android Market. Just download it & then install it on your handset. When my stock battery wears out, I think I’ll try a Mugen extended life battery or something like it. Might get a few more hours out of this type of replacement battery. Can’t beat the low monthly cost of Virgin Mobile “Beyond Talk”. Had to wait two years for this phone/plan to come along!

  5. Pros:-

    1) Price of handset. It may be more expensive than some contract handset prices but for an unsubsidized phone that is an Android 2.2 Froyo OS, it’s actually not a bad price.

    2) Snappy & smooth UI.

    3) Pretty decent camera for video/photos.

    4) Stylish, sleek design makes bigger Androids look like clumsy bricks!

    5) Bodyglove make a case especially for the LG optimus V that really fits the body like a glove, protects & looks great.

    6) Metal strip along the top edge & metal volume rocker buttons on side edge give the V a more luxurious, quality feel & look.Velvet smooth rubber/plastic rear feels nicer to hold.

    7) Can purchase $25 upward top up cards which are available in many stores, or you can do it by c.card with a surcharge fee.

    8) Downgrade at any time from the slightly more expensive (higher minute) top up cards to the lower denomination cards & vice versa.

    9) pre loaded Android 2.2 froyo O.S. is apparently officially announced as upgradeable.

    10) Potentially $1000’s of longterm savings compared to the competing networks deals.

    Cons & trade offs:- smaller screen, sometimes have to switch airplane mode on then off to re establish incoming/outgoing data. I’m sure they’re working on a fix for that.

    Battery life: Could be better but not bad. Greatly extended by using the Juice defender app, free in the market.

    No roll over minutes: but that’s a small trade off to pay in view of unlimited data, Internet, texts & email on a Virgin network (sprint) with no binding contracts or hidden fees.

    Small internal phone memory. The included Micro SD card has more capacity. Some apps are movable from phone to Micro SD.

    No support for Google Voice as yet.

  6. When I red about poor batt life I simply ordered on eBay for under $10 incl shipment the package of 2 Battery+Charger for LG P500 Optimus GW880 GX500 GX200
    Now I keep a spare batt in my credit card holder (fits perfect) and live worry free.
    Having a gmail adress with all my phone # let’s me sync with my phone instantly (no need to retype # into new phone). The limit of the Optimus is how savy you are with technology.
    I like the Swype method of typing. Works even if you are member of the sausage finger club

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