LG Optimus Black (P970)

Photo: LG via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

LG

LG Optimus Black (P970)

May 2011 5/10 Rating
In brief: The LG Optimus Black, also known as the LG P970, was an Android smartphone released in 2011, distinguished by its exceptionally bright 4-inch NOVA IPS LCD display and a remarkably slim profile for its era. It aimed to offer a premium visual experience and sleek design in the competitive early smartphone market.
Display4.0-inch NOVA IPS LCD with 480x800 resolution.
ChipsetTI OMAP 3630 with a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 CPU.
Main Camera5 MP with autofocus and LED flash, 720p video recording.
BatteryRemovable 1500 mAh Li-Ion.

💰 LG Optimus Black (P970) Price in United States

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⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Extremely slim and lightweight design for its time.
  • Bright and clear NOVA IPS LCD display with excellent outdoor visibility.
  • Good in-call quality.
  • Dedicated gesture button for quick actions.
  • Wi-Fi Direct support for local file sharing.

Cons

  • Average processor performance compared to some rivals of its era.
  • Camera quality issues, including washed-out colors and noise in low light.
  • Limited internal storage (only 1GB user available).
  • Older Android version, with limited modern app compatibility.
  • Video recording could result in unusually stretched footage on playback.
★ Our Verdict

While innovative for its time with a bright display and slim profile, the LG Optimus Black suffered from average performance and camera quality issues, making it a mid-range option even in its era.

The LG Optimus Black is a vintage smartphone from 2011, primarily appealing to collectors or those interested in mobile technology history. It will not support modern apps or provide a contemporary smartphone experience due to its outdated operating system (Android 2.2-4.0) and limited hardware. If you're considering purchasing one, understand that it's for novelty or historical purposes, not daily use. Battery life will likely be poor on any surviving units, and finding compatible accessories or replacement parts will be challenging. For practical smartphone use, even budget modern devices offer significantly superior performance, features, and security.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • LG Optimus Black P970 Handset
  • Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Headphones
  • 2GB microSD card
  • User Manual

Standard manufacturer's warranty was typically 1 year at the time of its release.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the LG Optimus Black?

The LG Optimus Black, also known as the LG P970, is an Android smartphone released by LG Electronics in May 2011, notable for its bright NOVA display and slim design for its time.

What operating system does the LG Optimus Black run?

It originally launched with Android 2.2 Froyo and was officially upgradable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

What was special about the LG Optimus Black's display?

The LG Optimus Black featured a 4-inch NOVA IPS LCD display, which was marketed as the world's brightest at 700 nits (measured up to 749 nits), offering excellent visibility indoors and outdoors.

Is the LG Optimus Black still a usable smartphone today?

No, the LG Optimus Black is considered a vintage device. Its outdated hardware and software mean it cannot run most modern applications, lacks current security updates, and offers a significantly inferior experience compared to contemporary smartphones.

Does the LG Optimus Black have a front camera?

Yes, the LG Optimus Black was one of the first smartphones to feature a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, enabling video calls.

Where can I buy an LG Optimus Black now?

As a discontinued model from 2011, new units are no longer sold. You might find used or collector's items on online auction sites or from specialized vintage electronics retailers, but availability will be very limited.