LG Optimus L7 review

Can LG's top L-style handset produce substance and style?

LG Optimus L7 review
L-style, but should that just be a L on it's forehead?

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Has the LG Optimus L7 got an internet browser? You bet. Is it any good? Hmm… not so much.

The Optimus L7 does sport 3G connectivity and Wi-Fi b/g/n, so at least you can get online to try out its questionable browsing abilities.

LG's design team has been let loose in the browser app as well – with a pull up menu available at the bottom screen, providing five options; forward, back, new tab; bookmarks and a fifth mystery button in the middle which actually increases the text size on the screen.

LG Optimus L7 review

The browser itself is clean and simple to use, however problems occur when the Optimus L7 starts trying to load pages.

Even when connected to Wi-Fi, we were easily waiting at least five seconds for the L7 to bring up websites, with the more content heavy such as TechRadar.com taking at least seven seconds to appear, and then a further 10 to fully load moving carousels and banner ads.

This makes browsing the web a highly frustrating experience and we found ourselves giving up more often than not as we'd had enough of waiting.

LG Optimus L7 review

Thankfully once a web page has loaded, the large 4.3-inch display provides a comfortably viewing experience, with text and images clear and bright.

We were easily able to zoom in and out smoothly and there's also text reflow, but you'll need to double tap the screen to get the Optimus L7 to do it.

The cheaper, Intel-powered, Orange San Diego puts the Optimus L7 to shame. It's also a single core handset, but Intel's fancy integration has delivered a top notch browsing experience – LG take note.

LG Optimus L7 review

Flash is not supported on the Optimus L7, even though you can download the Adobe Flash player app from Google Play, the content won't work in the browser.

It's disappointing to see as the majority of phones support this now – including its rivals the One V and San Diego – although Nokia is still in the no-flash boat with its Lumia range.

Using the pull up menu at the bottom of the browser you can access the thumbnailed bookmarks page, providing the intuitive layout we've seen on many other Android phones.

John McCann
Global Managing Editor

John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.