New LG Android devices for SA
LG announced today that they plan to launch their Optimus range of products in South Africa, starting with the Optimus GT540.
“South Africa can expect another Android-powered smartphone before the end of the year,” LG added.
The Optimus GT540 was first unveiled in January this year with a launch date of April declared. It was later announced that Europe would get the phone from May and the Indian media reported last week that the smartphone was now being launched there. South Africa are now set to join the list of countries to see LG’s Optimus range.
Business Unit Head of Mobile for LG South Africa, Robbie Johnson, said that the Optimus runs Android 1.6 (Donut) but is upgradeable to Éclair.
It’s unclear whether the device will launch with a newer version of the OS, if the upgrade will be made available to South Africans, or if the South African Optimus will stay on Android 1.6.
Engadget reported that the device is capable of running Android 2.0, but that the UI speed failed to impress. The device we tested for a few minutes which ran Android Donut actually seemed to have a fairly responsive UI, though the resistive touch screen and the old version of Android will be a deal breaker to some.
According to LG the recommended retail price is R2 499.
The more exciting news is the fact that LG plan to launch another Android-based smartphone in South Africa before the end of the year.
LG isn’t being specific, leaving us to guess whether it will be the Optimus One or the Optimus Chic that were announced on 5 July 2010. Both devices are to launch running Android 2.2 (FroYo).
There are also rumours of another LG smartphone described as a “mid-range full touch device” running Android 2.1. There is no official announcement for this device, however, so it seems unlikely that LG would launch it in South Africa before the end of the year.
New LG Android devices for SA << Comments and views
-
- LG Optimus GT540
-
- LG Optimus GT540
-
- LG Optimus GT540
-
- LG Optimus GT540
-
- LG Optimus GT540
-
- LG Optimus GT540
Loading ...