Hands on: LG Optimus L9 review

Exclusively for T-Mobile, LG has introduced the LG Optimus L9. A 4G capable phone with a dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM, the Optimus 9 will be the most powerful handset in the L family of smartphones.

No pricing information is available for this new Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich device. Given the increasingly competitive 4G smartphone landscape, cost will surely make or break this new handset when it releases later this fall. We spent some quality time with LG's new smartphone at MobileCon 2012.

The LG Optimus L9's dual-core processor runs at 1GHz, and is backed by 1GB of RAM and a 2150mAh battery. On board storage is 4GB. The screen is qHD, measuring 4.5 inches with a resolution of 960×540.

The phone itself is 5.19 by 2.69 inches, and only 0.36 inches thick. It features a compact design with a matte plastic back that's smooth, but not slick. We had no trouble keeping a grip on it as we zoomed across its seven ICS home screens, though at 4.41 ounces, the phone is extremely light.

Physically, it resembles the LG Optimus L7. It also features a removable backing for easy battery swapping.

The interface was breezy and responsive, we flipped across multiple apps and widgets without any noticeable slowdown. The LG Optimus L9 isn't just running pure ICS, LG has put its own Optimus 3.0 UX (UX for user experience) over the stock Android OS.

Optimus 3.0 UX gives the interface a unique flavor, letting users choose from seven different screen swipe effects. The results are an entertaining flourish on basic home screen navigation.

Also included is LG's QuickMemo app, which lets users jot down notes right over the home screen. These can be saved, exported and viewed gallery style.

Of course, writing with your finger is rather messy. The QuickMemo app is not for anything but the most desperate scribbling of an address or phone number, but will certainly save you from digging in your bag for a pen and paper, if people even carry such things anymore.

On its back, the LG Optimus L9 sports a 5 megapixel camera that also captures 1080p video. The front facing camera is VGA resolution. The phone features Voice Shutter, a picture taking gimmick you'll try at least once. Literally say "cheese" and the shutter will snap a picture.

Early Verdict

At just 1GHz, the LG Optimus L9 ran ICS very well. While we were disappointed that there seemed to be no plans to bring Android 4.1: Jelly Bean to the device, LG's Optimus 3.0 UX helped breathe new life into the aging Android OS.

Physically, the phone felt a tad unsubstantial. We like a device with a little bit of weight to it, and the LG Optimus L9 felt as though it could blow away in a breeze. That plastic backing didn't give it a premium feel, either. However, we know some users like a phone that's barely there, and matte finish did feel nice to the touch.

T-Mobile customers and those looking to convert should keep an eye on the LG Optimus L9. When it comes out later in the fall it'll be the fastest L series smartphone money can buy, and possibly one of the peppiest handsets on the T-Mobile network. We'll be the judge of that when we give the phone a full review.