LG BL40 New Chocolate Comprehensive Review and Price Insight

LG BL40 New Chocolate Overview

The LG BL40 New Chocolate, released in September 2009, was a distinct offering in the mobile phone market with its unique design and pioneering features. Catered towards those who appreciated aesthetics and functionality, LG provided a device that was not only visually appealing but also technologically competent for its time.

Design and Build

The LG BL40's design is one of its standout features. It sports a sleek, elongated body with dimensions of 128 x 51 x 10.9 mm and weighs 129 grams. This slim and lightweight construction made the device comfortable to hold and easy to slip into pockets. The robust design was complemented by a minimalist black finish, embodying a sophisticated and modern look.

Display

The device featured a 4.01-inch TFT display with a resolution of 345 x 800 pixels, ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals. With a 21:9 aspect ratio, the screen was pioneering for its time, catering especially to watching widescreen videos. The Corning Gorilla Glass protection added durability, safeguarding against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the LG BL40 lacked the advanced processors we see in modern smartphones but was equipped to handle everyday tasks efficiently for its era. It was classified as a feature phone, which meant it was designed more for basic functionality rather than the extensive processing power found in today's devices. The 1.1GB internal storage, expandable via a microSDHC slot, provided decent space for photos and applications.

Camera

The BL40 sported a 5 MP main camera with autofocus and a Schneider-Kreuznach lens, including an LED flash. It was capable of producing quality stills and could record video up to 480p at 30fps. This solid camera performance made it appealing for users who wanted decent photographic capability without requiring additional camera gadgets.

Battery Life

The removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery offered reasonable longevity, with a standby time of up to 400 hours on 2G and up to 370 hours on 3G networks. While the battery capacity may seem small by today's standards, it was adequate for the hardware requirements of feature phones at the time.

Connectivity and Communication

The device supported GSM/HSPA network technologies, ensuring broad compatibility with international networks. Connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with DLNA support, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless listening, and GPS/A-GPS for navigation needs. The presence of a stereo FM radio with RDS and an FM transmitter provided excellent versatility in audio entertainment.

User Interface and Additional Features

The LG BL40 ran on a proprietary feature phone OS, providing essential functionalities and a straightforward user interface. Messaging options included SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging. The device also supported WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML browsers for internet access.

Sensors like the accelerometer for orientation detection and proximity sensors for efficient screen usage were included. The 3.5mm headphone jack allowed users to connect their standard headphones easily, enhancing the audio experience.

Market Position and Impact

Upon its release, the LG BL40 New Chocolate was available for approximately 100 EUR, making it a premium choice at the intersection of feature phones and the budding smartphone market. Its price and distinctive features catered to a niche audience that valued style and multimedia capabilities, contributing to its memorable legacy.

Conclusion

The LG BL40 New Chocolate remains a unique chapter in the evolution of mobile phones. While it has since been discontinued, its design innovations and focus on multimedia functionality are remembered fondly by technology enthusiasts. The device symbolized a moment in time where design elegance met practical technological solutions, leaving a lasting impression on the mobile phone landscape.