LG's Android flip phone has racing-stripe cool (pictures)

The LG Wine Smart isn't the first flip phone we've heard of to incorporate Android into a clamshell design, but it is the first we've been able to get our hands on.

A 3.5-inch screen responds to touch, complementing the large buttons and loud ring tone that customers in their golden years told LG they want in a phone.

The Wine Smart's plain face is covered with either textured, patterned black material or a smooth white coating, with a subtle print.

Here's the LG Wine Smart in white and black. Both phones have golden-colored spines.

An Android OS means you can upload and share any photos taken on the 8-megapixel or VGA front-facing cameras.

Flip phones are never slim, and that's OK. This reassuringly chunky device is nevertheless shorter than most smartphones, and a lot easier to pocket.

Here's a closer look at the gold rim around the Wine Smart, which also has a sturdy flipping hinge.

A loophole is prime real estate for slipping on a charm, or a strap to hang around your wrist or neck.