LG BL20 New Chocolate Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of LG BL20 New Chocolate

The LG BL20, also known as the "New Chocolate," was launched in 2009 as a continuation of LG's Chocolate line. This series was popular for its sleek design and focus on multimedia capabilities, and the BL20 did not disappoint fans with its unique aesthetics and practical features.

Design and Build

The BL20 New Chocolate is distinguished by its slim, slider design, with a body measuring 106.9 x 50.8 x 12.3 mm and weighing only 115 grams. The phone’s sleek surface and minimalist design give it a sophisticated look, with its black color adding to its elegance. Unlike its predecessors, the BL20 sports a more straightforward design without the glossy touch navigation found in earlier models, opting instead for a more classic keypad arrangement that slides out smoothly.

Display

Equipped with a 2.4-inch TFT display, the BL20 offers a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. While these specifications may seem basic by today’s standards, they were quite adequate for a feature phone at the time. The screen supports 256K colors, which ensures that images and themes display vibrantly. With a 32.8% screen-to-body ratio, the screen is generous enough for easy navigation and viewing of images and messages.

Camera Capabilities

The LG BL20 comes with a 5 MP main camera featuring Schneider-Kreuznach optics and an LED flash. These features were above standard for feature phones in 2009. The camera's autofocus function enhances the quality of the images taken. It also supports video recording at 320p@15fps, a useful feature for casual video capture.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the BL20 has 60MB of storage available for use, but it also supports microSDHC cards, allowing users to expand storage space as needed. The phone’s phonebook can store up to 1000 contacts, complete with photocall capabilities, ensuring users have ample space to keep their contacts organized.

Network and Connectivity

In terms of network capabilities, the BL20 supports GSM and HSPA technology. It can operate on 2G bands (GSM 900/1800/1900) as well as 3G bands (HSDPA 900/2100). With speeds up to HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps, it provides reasonably fast data transmission for its time. Other connectivity options include Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for audio sharing and FM radio, though it lacks Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery. Despite its compact size, this battery offers up to 450 hours of standby time and 300 minutes of talk time, which was more than sufficient for daily use for a casual user in the era of feature phones.

Sound and Multimedia

The BL20 does not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack; instead, users rely on its internal loudspeaker or Bluetooth headsets for audio output. The phone supports various messaging formats, including SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging, making it versatile for communicating via text.

Software and Features

Running as a feature phone, the LG BL20 offers a basic but functional software experience. It includes Java MIDP 2.0, which allows users to download and install different applications and games. Two games are pre-installed, with more available for download. The phone’s web browsing capabilities include WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML support, providing users with basic internet access.

Conclusion

The LG BL20 New Chocolate is a stylish feature phone that combines aesthetics with practicality. While its specifications might seem modest by today’s standards, it served well in its time by providing a balance of essential features in a compact, fashionable package. Discontinued after its release, it remains fondly remembered by enthusiasts of classic mobile phones.