LG Optimus One Becomes the First Koodo Android Phone
Archive note. This story reflects what was known when it was first covered. Prices, availability and carrier offers are historical. For the current picture, start with the topic guides.
Android reaches Koodo
Until this release, Koodo customers had no official Android handset to choose from. The Optimus One changed that. It was the first Android phone on the carrier, and the writer saw it as a sensible starting point rather than a surprise, because the earlier reports had already hinted at it.
Launch pricing
| Option | Price at launch |
|---|---|
| Outright, no contract | $225 |
| On the Koodo Tab | $75 |
The Koodo Tab was the carrier’s way of splitting the cost of a phone, which is why the upfront figure was much lower than the outright price. These prices are historical and apply only to the original launch.
How it was received
The pricing was described as about right for a mid-range Android handset. The hope at the time was that more Android phones would follow on Koodo, giving the carrier a wider lineup.
Status today
The Optimus One is a very old phone and is no longer supported with updates. Treat this page as a record of when Android first appeared on a Canadian budget carrier.
Frequently asked questions
Who owned Koodo?
Koodo was a budget brand owned by Telus.
Was the LG Optimus One sold without a contract?
Yes. It could be bought outright for $225 with no contract, or at $75 using the Koodo Tab.
Is the Optimus One still a good buy?
No. It is long obsolete and no longer receives software updates.