LG claims that its new Optimus One is the perfect entry level phone for prospective smartphone owners, but just how good is it? We take this $349 Android smartphone for a spin.

: Running on Android 2.2; Responsive screen; Packed with a lot of 3rd party applications like Swype and NDrive; Minimal slowdown when running multiple apps; Great battery life; Attractive price : Plain design; Flash Player missing on the phone; LG App Advisor not as helpful as expected; Only USB

: Plain design; Flash Player missing on the phone; LG App Advisor not as helpful as expected; Only USB charger included

LG has been pumping in more attention (and cash) into its mobile lineup recently, particularly into its Android smartphones. Before the LG Optimus One descended, we had the first Optimus handset, reviewed here .

For a mid-range smartphone, the LG Optimus One rocks features that makes it worthy of competiting against all the big names. It's good looking, easy to use and endlessly entertaining, so if you're an Android newbie, this could be your perfect handset!

Tweet LG, the world's third largest producer of cellphones, has introduced its Optimus One smartphone, and it seems to be an ideal smartphone for mobile users looking to pop their Android cherry.

Comes out with latest Android OS; affordability and easy-to-use OS; multi-touch capabilities

Battery life; no flash for camera and not the worlds most responsive display

The LG Optimus One P500 smart phone packs plenty of punch, offering all the joys of Android 2.2 at a rock-bottom price. We just wish LG's tweaks to Android didn't look so clumsy.

Runs the latest version of Android; 2.2; Responsive capacitive touchscreen; Cheap; Packed with smart-phone features

Low-resolution screen; Ugly LG software icons; Looks boring; No Flash support

The LG Optimus One feels like a better device than LG's GT-540 Optimus. We prefer the design and we like that the buttons are to the point, unlike the Huawei Ideos, which goes a little overboard on controls.

LG's tinkering isn't too aggressive; Android 2.2; smartphone features at an affordable price

Low resolution display; camera performance isn't anything to get excited about; flex in the display centre means the capacitive display behaves more like a resistive one

LG's been putting out touchscreen phones for a long time, but has yet to pull off a proper success in the amazingly competitive Android scene. Its Optimus GT540 was a poor attempt at making a stylish and original phone, and ultimately ruined by a terrible resistive touchscreen.

Undemanding and pleasant, but HTC's low and mid-range offerings outclass it

Android 2.2 at its core; small; slim and sturdy

Poor screen; HTC Legend is a similar price and size

LG is hoping that its new Optimus One smartphone will be a credible alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Apollo and the HTC WildFire.  The Korean firm means business, too: it's planning to shift 10 million Optimus Ones.

Android 2.2 Froyo; 'Acceptable' battery life; Value for money; Plays DivX video natively

Optimus software unnecessary; Screen isn't responsive enough; Very average camera with no flash; Touchscreen keyboard could be more accurate

Technology & Internet Wi-Fi® technology allows the user to gain a connection to the World Wide Web via a close by wireless LAN or hotspot connection, so the user will not need wires or cables to connect to the Web.