At MobileCon 2012, LG surges where others hang back

LG didn't just show off the Optimus G superphone; it kicked off the review process with a surprise handout.

(Credit: Lynn La/CNET)

SAN DIEGO--We knew all along that MobileCon, with its enterprise focus, would be a quieter show for consumers, but what we didn't know was how the players who did show up would engage us.

LG used the event to showcase the midrange LG Optimus L9, which it announced just before the show, and the LG Mach, a dual-core QWERTY device for Sprint, which it announced on Day 1.

Later, at a launch party, LG pleasantly surprised with goody bags containing one Optimus G flagship phone each for AT&T and for Sprint. Bravo, LG, and we'll have the full review up lickety-split, so check back -- especially since the camera quality could be in contention based on an earlier test here at the show.

In addition, we got to check out the HTC One X's camera, as well as a pair of ZTE phones (the Engage and the Render), and let loose with the Moga Bluetooth Controller, an Android gaming accessory.

Meanwhile, Verizon announced a major milestone in LTE, and tipped voice-over-LTE for as soon as the end of 2013.

We also got our hands on T-Mobile's first Windows 8 device, and heard from Huawei about its U.S. ambitions.

Despite a relatively quiet show, as the sun sets on another fall mobile conference, we know there's still plenty more to look forward to as we round the corner to the busy holiday season.

Be sure to review all the latest news from MobileCon 2012, and as always, stay tuned to CNET for ongoing news about the smartphones you love best.