LG C900 Optimus 7Q Comprehensive Review & Pricing Unveiled

Overview of LG C900 Optimus 7Q

Released in October 2010, the LG C900 Optimus 7Q was part of LG’s endeavor to establish a strong presence in the burgeoning smartphone market, leveraging the Microsoft Windows Phone 7 operating system. The device appealed to users seeking a Windows-driven mobile experience, combined with the tactile satisfaction of a physical QWERTY keyboard. Despite its discontinuation, the Optimus 7Q remains a noteworthy example of early smartphone innovation, particularly for professionals and tech enthusiasts.

Network and Connectivity

The LG C900 Optimus 7Q was designed to support a variety of network bands. It is compatible with GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 frequencies, as well as HSDPA 900, 1900, and 2100 for 3G connectivity. The device offered HSPA speeds of up to 7.2/0.384 Mbps, providing adequate browsing and streaming capabilities for its time.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 119.5 x 59.5 x 15.2 mm and weighing 178 grams, the LG C900 Optimus 7Q was somewhat bulky compared to current standards, but it offered durability and a substantial feel. The physical QWERTY keyboard was a standout feature, catering to users who preferred tactile typing over touchscreen alternatives. Its Mini-SIM configuration was typical for the era, ensuring compatibility with most network carriers.

Display

The phone featured a 3.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, leading to a pixel density of approximately 267 ppi. Although this was fairly standard at the time, the display was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, enhancing its resistance to scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the C900 Optimus 7Q was powered by a Qualcomm QSD8650 Snapdragon S1 chipset, featuring a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 200 GPU. This combination provided satisfactory performance for basic tasks and applications on the Windows Phone 7 platform. However, as app complexity grew in subsequent years, the device's hardware began to show its limitations.

Memory and Storage

The device came with 16GB of internal storage and 512MB of RAM, which was substantial for the time of its release. However, it lacked expandable storage options, a notable limitation as media consumption and app sizes increased over the years.

Camera Technology

The Optimus 7Q was equipped with a single 5 MP rear camera featuring autofocus and an LED flash. It supported video recording at 720p, which was sufficient for casual photography and video capture. Notably absent was a front-facing camera, reflecting the device's focus on productivity rather than media interactions like selfies or video calls.

Audio and Multimedia

The device included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, enabling standard headphone connectivity. This was complemented by support for stereo FM radio, adding variety to its multimedia capabilities.

Connectivity Features

Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and DLNA support allowed for wireless networking and media sharing. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP facilitated wireless audio connections, while GPS and A-GPS provided location services. The inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port ensured compatibility with numerous peripherals and charging solutions available at the time.

Sensors and Browser

Equipped with an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a digital compass, the Optimus 7Q offered basic sensor functionalities expected of smartphones in its era. Its HTML browser offered a reasonable web browsing experience by 2010 standards, although the rapid advancements in mobile browsing technologies have since rendered it outdated.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable 1500 mAh Li-Ion battery. It provided a standby time of up to 350 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours, supporting moderate to heavy use throughout the day without frequent charging.

Miscellaneous Features

Available exclusively in black, the device projected a professional aesthetic. Its SAR rating, measuring electromagnetic energy absorbed by users, was 0.35 W/kg for the head and 0.30 W/kg for the body, aligning with safety standards of the period.

Conclusion

While the LG C900 Optimus 7Q may not rival modern smartphones, it was a robust and functional device for its time. The integration of a physical keyboard, coupled with the Windows Phone 7 OS, made it a noteworthy choice for business professionals and users seeking efficient multitasking capabilities. Its durability and comprehensive feature set reflected the technological advancements of the early 2010s, serving as a critical stepping stone in the evolution of smartphones.