LG has today announced that its new Optimus L2 II dual-SIM smartphone will be exclusively sold through Optus and its retail partners from this month, but the primary SIM card slot on the device will be locked to the Optus network.
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The Optimus L2 II dual-SIM is part of the company's aggressively priced L-Series range of Android smartphones, which first launched in Australia last July. It will retail for $99 on Optus pre-paid.
While the Optimus L2 II will become one of the only dual-SIM smartphones sold through a major Australian telco, the primary SIM card slot on the device will be locked to the Optus network.
A message on the Optus Web site confirms the lock, which applies to the primary, 3G-capable SIM card slot
"Primary SIM slot is locked to the Optus network. Unlocking fees apply see optus.com.au/unlock. Second SIM slot is 2G compatible only. To use this SIM slot, an Optus SIM must be in the primary SIM slot.""Using the 2G network means that your internet browsing will be slower and downloading apps and content will take longer."
Optus charges an unlocking fee of $80 for pre-paid handsets, though will reduce the fee to $25 if a customers' pre-paid Optus service has been active for six months or more.
The Optimus L2 II dual SIM has a 3.2in IPS display with a resolution of 240x320, runs the 4.1 "Jelly Bean" version of Google's Android operating system and has a rear-facing 3.2-megapixel camera.
The phone comes with a dedicated dual SIM "Quick Switch" button, enabling users' to quickly switch between two SIM cards for phone calls.
LG officially announced the updated L Series II Android smartphones at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) trade show in Barcelona back in February.
In addition to its availability through Optus stores and online, the Optimus L2 II dual-SIM will be sold through Australian retailers Coles, Target, Kmart, Officeworks, Woolworths, Big W, Dick Smith, Australia Post, and Harvey Norman.
