LG A200 Full Specs Pricing & Review

Introduction to LG A200

The LG A200, announced in April 2011 and released in the third quarter of the same year, offers a glimpse into the world of feature phones. Although discontinued, it remains a simple and practical device representative of its era. The phone’s limited specifications and lack of smart capabilities serve to remind us of how far mobile technology has come, setting it apart as a piece of technology history.

Design and Build

The LG A200 sports a compact and practical design with dimensions of 99.8 x 51 x 15.8 mm and a weight of 95 grams, making it light and easy to handle. Designed to be durable and straightforward, the phone uses a Mini-SIM and does not attempt to compete with smartphones that dominated the market after its release. It fits comfortably in the hand and pocket, catering to users looking for mobility and convenience. The finish is presented in classic black, highlighting its simplicity and elegance.

Display Features

The phone features a 2.2-inch TFT display supporting 65K colors, with a screen resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, resulting in about 128 ppi density. Though the display is basic, it is more than adequate for a feature phone, allowing users to navigate menus and perform basic tasks efficiently. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 29.9% reflects the functional design focus of the LG A200.

Network Capabilities

Equipped with GSM technology, the LG A200 supports 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900), which was standard for devices of its time. It also offers GPRS and EDGE Class 12 for basic internet connectivity. Although limited by modern standards, these features ensured users could stay connected on the move, a significant advantage at the time of its release.

Camera Specifications

The LG A200 comes with a single 2 MP rear camera capable of shooting videos at 176x144 resolution. While the camera functionality is rudimentary compared to today's standards, it provides users an opportunity to capture moments when needed. The absence of a front camera is consistent with its role as a basic communication device, not intended for selfies or advanced photography.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the LG A200 offers 64MB RAM and 128MB ROM, alongside a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to expand the storage for additional media and data. It is capable of storing up to 1000 phonebook entries, which is extensive for a feature phone, and provides call record functionalities to assist in tracking communications.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity on the LG A200 is limited but sufficient for its category. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP support allows for basic file transfers and wireless audio streaming. Additionally, it features an FM radio and a USB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. However, it lacks Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, emphasizing its focus on core functionalities.

Sound and Audio

The device includes a loudspeaker, but noticeably lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, reflecting an earlier trend where mobile phones were more geared towards voice communication than multimedia consumption. Despite this, the loudspeaker allows for hands-free audio, enhancing its usability for phone calls and the FM radio feature.

Battery Life

The LG A200 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery, delivering up to 4 hours of talk time and up to 100 hours of standby. While by modern standards this may seem limited, it was quite practical during its time, particularly for users prioritizing basic mobile and voice functionalities.

Operating System and Performance

This device operates as a feature phone with limited smart capabilities, focused primarily on voice communication. It does not run a traditional operating system as we know it today but provides basic functionality such as messaging, including SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging. The inclusion of Java support (MIDP 2.1) allowed for simple applications and games, although it does not come pre-loaded with any games.

Additional Features

Simplicity in design extends to its features, focusing on core utility without unnecessary complexity. It supports basic sensory functions but lacks advanced sensors found in modern smartphones. This limitation emphasizes the phone's role as a reliable communication tool rather than an all-in-one smart device.

Market Position and Legacy

Priced at approximately 60 EUR upon release, the LG A200 catered to users seeking affordable mobile solutions without the complexity of a smartphone. Its discontinuation reflects the broader shift in consumer preference towards smartphones, yet the LG A200 remains a testament to a period when functionality and cost-effectiveness were priority aspects in mobile technology.

Conclusion

The LG A200, while limited compared to contemporary devices, represents a significant stage in mobile phone evolution, focused on delivering essential functions with simplicity and efficiency. For technology enthusiasts and collectors, it holds historical value as a feature phone emblematic of its era, often reminding us of a time when mobile phones were primarily tools for voice communication.