LG Optimus L9 smartphone

Photo: Bigbossfarin via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

LG

LG Optimus L9

November 2012 4/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The LG Optimus L9 was a mid-range Android smartphone released in late 2012, featuring a 4.7-inch qHD IPS display and a dual-core processor. It aimed to offer a balance of features and affordability for its time. While a solid performer in its era, it is now considered an outdated device.
Display4.7" qHD IPS LCD with Gorilla Glass 2
ChipsetTI OMAP 4430 Dual-core 1.0 GHz
Main Camera5 MP with 1080p video recording
Battery2150 mAh Removable Li-Ion
Starting from $14

💰 LG Optimus L9 Price

The LG Optimus L9 lowest price is $14, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size4.7 inches (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution540 x 960 pixels (qHD)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 2
Pixel Density~234 ppi

Platform

OSAndroid 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich, upgradable to 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
ChipsetTI OMAP 4430
CPUDual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9
GPUPowerVR SGX540

Memory

Card slotmicroSDHC, up to 32GB
Internal4GB (approx. 2.3 GB user-available), 1GB RAM (approx. 786 MB user-available)

Main Camera

Single5 MP, autofocus (8 MP for P768 variant)
FeaturesLED flash, Geo-tagging
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

SingleVGA (0.3 MP)

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 2150 mAh battery
Stand-byUp to 600 h (2G) / Up to 500 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 11 h (2G) / Up to 10 h (3G)

Body

Dimensions131.9 x 68.2 x 9.1 mm (5.19 x 2.69 x 0.36 in)
Weight125 g (4.41 oz)
SIMRegular-SIM
BuildPlastic body, textured matte back

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, LE
GPSYes, with A-GPS
NFCYes (P760/P768), No (P765/P769)
RadioStereo FM radio with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedAugust 2012
StatusAvailable. Released November 2012

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Large, bright IPS display for its time
  • Good value for a mid-range device at launch
  • Expandable storage via microSD
  • Removable battery
  • Slim and comfortable design

Cons

  • Mediocre camera performance
  • Limited internal storage (4GB)
  • Processor not as fast as high-end phones of its era
  • No Jelly Bean at launch for some variants
  • Poor sunlight legibility
★ Our Verdict

While a decent mid-range phone in its time, its severely outdated software, limited hardware, and lack of modern features restrict its usability in today's smartphone landscape.

The LG Optimus L9 is now primarily a collector's item or suitable only for extremely basic, offline functions. Do not consider it for daily use, internet browsing, or app usage due to its severely outdated Android version, lack of security updates, and incompatible hardware. If purchased, expect to pay very little, likely for parts, as a nostalgic piece, or for specific retro-computing projects.

Reviewed by the infozme.com Editorial Team — see how we research & rate phones.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • LG Optimus L9 Handset
  • Removable Battery
  • Wall Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Stereo Headset
  • Quick Start Guide

Typically one year manufacturer's warranty was offered at the time of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the LG Optimus L9 released?

The LG Optimus L9 was announced in August 2012 and released in November 2012.

What operating system does the LG Optimus L9 run?

It originally launched with Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich and was upgradable to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

Does the LG Optimus L9 have expandable storage?

Yes, the LG Optimus L9 supports microSDHC cards for expandable storage up to 32GB.

What is the camera quality of the LG Optimus L9?

The main camera is 5 MP with autofocus and LED flash, capable of 1080p video recording. The front camera is VGA (0.3 MP).

Is the LG Optimus L9 still usable today?

Due to its severely outdated Android version and hardware, the LG Optimus L9 is not recommended for daily use in today's smartphone environment. It lacks modern app compatibility and security updates.

What was the original price of the LG Optimus L9?

At its launch, the LG Optimus L9 was positioned as an affordable mid-range smartphone, often priced around $79.99 with a two-year contract.