LG CU500V Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of LG CU500V

The LG CU500V was a notable mobile phone introduced in January 2007. It was positioned as a feature phone, aiming to blend essential mobile functionalities with a few multimedia features. The device was discontinued later, yet it remains an interesting piece of mobile history, reflecting the technological advancements and limitations of its time.

Network and Connectivity

The LG CU500V supported both GSM and HSPA technologies, making it compatible with a variety of network bands. For 2G connections, the phone supported GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 bands. In terms of 3G connectivity, it was limited to HSDPA 850, offering a data speed of up to 1.8 Mbps. This made the device quite versatile for global use during its operational period.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the LG CU500V had dimensions of 97 x 50 x 19.3 mm and weighed 105 grams, making it compact and relatively lightweight. It featured a clamshell design, which was popular at the time, and used a mini-SIM. The phone's form factor made it portable and easy to carry, reflecting the consumer preferences of the late 2000s for compact devices.

Display

The device sported a TFT display with a capacity to show up to 65K colors. The screen resolution was 176 x 220 pixels, which was standard for feature phones during that period. Although it did not match the quality of modern smartphone displays, it provided decent visibility for the tasks it was designed for, such as dialing and messaging.

Memory and Storage

The LG CU500V offered a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature that enhanced its utility by allowing users to store more media. The phone could save up to 500 entries in its phonebook, and call records for up to 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls, which was ample for most users at that time.

Camera

The main camera on the LG CU500V was a single 1.3 MP sensor. While modest by today's standards, it allowed users to capture basic photographs and videos. Its presence indicated the growing trend of mobile photography, albeit in a limited fashion, among early 2000s feature phones.

Audio and Sound

The phone did not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a limitation for audio playback. However, it supported vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, which provided a personalized audio experience for users.

Communication and Features

Connectivity options included Bluetooth 1.1 with A2DP support, allowing wireless audio streaming to compatible devices. However, there was no WLAN or positioning support, and the device used a proprietary USB connection. The phone could handle SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging using its WAP 2.0/xHTML browser. Additionally, it was Java-enabled, supporting downloadable games and applications.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Po 1110 mAh battery, the phone offered up to 240 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. This was quite satisfactory considering the usage patterns and battery expectations of mobile devices from that era.

Miscellaneous Features

The LG CU500V was available in a classic black color. It had a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value of 1.12 W/kg for the head and 0.61 W/kg for the body. This safety information was crucial for health-conscious consumers. The price of the phone was approximately 40 EUR, making it an affordable option for consumers seeking a reliable mobile phone with basic multimedia capabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the LG CU500V represented a transitional phase in mobile technology, bridging the gap between basic feature phones and more advanced smartphones. Its combination of digital camera, expandable storage, and Bluetooth connectivity made it competitive in its segment. While it might not offer the functionality expected in today's devices, it played an important role in the evolution of mobile phones, serving as a stepping stone towards more integrated and feature-rich mobiles.