LG G5400 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The LG G5400 is a feature phone that was released in the second quarter of 2003. It was designed primarily to serve as a basic communication device, with essential features that cater to users who prioritize simplicity and functionality over advanced smartphone capabilities. While it may seem quite limited by today’s standards, the LG G5400 was typical of early 2000s mobile technology and served its purpose effectively during its time.

Design and Build

The LG G5400 has a compact and lightweight design, measuring 86 x 46 x 22 mm and weighing just 85 grams. This made it easy to carry and use with one hand, which was a significant advantage at the time, as bulky devices were common. The phone was available in three colors: Silver, Red, and Blue, giving users a bit of personalization choice. Its body was crafted to be both durable and functional, housing a mini-SIM card slot to maintain the standard of mobile communication during that period.

Display

Featuring a UFB display capable of showing 65K colors, the LG G5400 delivered a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. Its screen supported 7 lines of text, providing adequate space for reading messages and navigating the user interface. Though modest in size and resolution by today's standards, this type of display was sufficient for a feature phone and allowed users to interact with their device effectively.

Memory and Storage

The phone comes with an internal storage capacity of 1.3MB, which, while very limited, was typical for feature phones of that era. There was no card slot available for expandable storage, so users had to manage their data and applications within this constrained space. The phonebook could store up to 200 contacts, each with 5 fields, and it could manage 7 contact groups. The call log could keep track of 20 received and missed calls, ensuring users could keep a reasonable record of their communication history.

Connectivity and Communication

On the connectivity front, the LG G5400 was equipped with basic GSM technology, supporting GSM 900 and 1800 bands. It featured GPRS class 10 for basic data services, suitable for its WAP 1.2.1 browser that allowed minimal web browsing capabilities. Infrared was the sole wireless communication option, as more advanced technologies like Bluetooth and WLAN were absent. Messaging features included SMS, EMS, and MMS, supporting multimedia message exchange.

Sound and Alerts

The device lacked a loudspeaker but supported various alert types, including vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones. Users could compose their own ringtones, which added a touch of personalization. The absence of a 3.5mm audio jack was not uncommon at that time, as the focus was primarily on essential voice communication rather than multimedia consumption.

Games and Additional Features

The LG G5400 came preloaded with three games: Multiply, Submarine, and Space Ball. These games provided light entertainment for users during downtime. The device supported Java MIDP 1.0, enabling users to install supported Java-based applications, although the choices were quite limited considering the phone’s storage constraints. Basic utilities like a clock and alarm were available, enhancing its functionality as a daily companion.

Battery Performance

Powering the LG G5400 was a removable Li-Ion 760 mAh battery. The battery provided a standby time of up to 230 hours and a talk time of around 3 hours. This battery performance was adequate for feature phones of that era, allowing users to go through a day with moderate usage without frequently needing to recharge.

Legacy and Impact

Although the LG G5400 may appear to be basic and limited by today's standards, it was one of many devices that contributed to the evolution and maturity of mobile technology. During its time, it represented a balance of compact design, essential features, and functional reliability. Devices like the G5400 laid the groundwork for the subsequent advancements in mobile technology, eventually leading to the highly sophisticated smartphones we see today.

Conclusion

In retrospective examination, the LG G5400 is a testament to the pace of technological advancement in the mobile industry. It showcases a period when communication technology was driven by simplicity and core functionality rather than the data-intensive, feature-rich approaches of modern smartphones. For those who lived through the early 2000s, such devices might evoke nostalgia and remind us of a time when the primary focus was on voice and text communication.