The Desire is a spectacular handset, but with premium performance comes premium pricing. That’s probably why Telstra have decided to launch the LG Optimus, a smaller cheaper Android powered handset.
The Optimus ships next Tuesday with Android 1.6 installed, although Telstra have said that LG expects to upgrade the phone to 2.1 around September. The phone has a 3-inch touchscreen, comes with 2GB MicroSD card (upgradeable to 32GB) and a 3MP camera will both take photos and MPEG4 video at 15fps.
Because it’s a Telstra phone (exclusive for the first few weeks), expect to find shortcuts to Telstra services all over the phone, including Sensis and mobile Foxtel. But for $0 up front on a $49 cap plan over 24 months (which includes 200MB of data), or $504 outright, it seems like a pretty basic entry-level smartphone.
Harvz
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 4:26 PMI cant see anyone who reads this site running out to get this. but im sure they will sell afew..until they get the wildfire
MDolley
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 4:43 PMI personally would much rather have the HTC Legend on Vodafone for the same price. Much nicer hardware and already has 2.1 installed. Unless you need the coverage I am not sure why you’d get this.
Adam
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 6:13 PMI agree, I would probably do the same. However, Vodafone only gives you 50MB and charges in 60sec blocks compared to 30sec blocks and at a higher rate. So the Telstra plan is significantly better in my eyes.
Lukian
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 7:52 PMResistive touch screen, seriously LG?
Lukian
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 8:17 PMHTC Desire is $550 minimum on Telstra’s current special offer.
Peter Simpson
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 9:33 PMDo yourself a favour, if you can afford it, go for the Desire. I’ve had it for a few weeks and I’m still playing with it. I was paying $89 a month on Optus (for a $49 cap on a dumbphone…) and it wasn’t such a big deal to pay the extra $10 a month and just get the extra data. I even got good service from the Indian call centre when I called up regarding picking up the extra data plan, nothing but good vibes.