LG GB170 Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons Revealed

Overview of LG GB170

The LG GB170 was a feature phone announced in August 2009 and subsequently released in the third quarter of the same year. It was designed to cater to consumers looking for a simple, functional, and cost-effective mobile phone solution. The device has since been discontinued, but it remains a point of interest for those evaluating the evolution of mobile technology over the years.

Design and Build

Compact and lightweight, the LG GB170's dimensions are 103 x 46 x 13.9 mm, and it weighs just 76.5 grams. The phone, encased in a candy bar form factor, was available in black and red color options, making it both stylish and practical. The Mini-SIM size was standard for the time, aligning with other mobile devices in its category.

Display

Featuring a 1.5-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, the LG GB170 offered basic visual clarity with support for 65K colors. While the screen-to-body ratio was about 15.3%, the pixel density of approximately 121 ppi provided adequate contrast for reading and navigation given the phone's simpler technology.

Network and Connectivity

The GB170 supported GSM technology, operating effectively on 2G bands GSM 900 and 1800. While it featured GPRS capabilities, offering a basic level of data connectivity, it did not support EDGE technology. Nonetheless, its ability to support essential communication was a major plus for its demographic.

Memory and Storage

With 8MB of internal storage, the LG GB170 provided users with basic storage options. Nonetheless, it offered a dedicated microSDHC card slot for expanded storage, allowing users to save additional contacts or messages. The phonebook could hold up to 1000 entries, and it came equipped with features like photo call, enhancing its utility as a personal communication device.

Sound and Audio

The phone catered to audio needs with its internal loudspeaker and standard 3.5mm audio jack, enabling use of headphones. This was accompanied by stereo FM radio functionality, allowing users access to their favorite stations anytime, adding a significant entertainment aspect.

Communication Features

Communication capabilities of the LG GB170 included SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging options. Although it did not support Bluetooth or WLAN connectivity, it featured a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet services like browsing and email checking.

Additional Features

The phone supported Java MIDP 2.0, enabling users to download and enjoy a variety of Java-based applications and games. This provided a touch of personalization and functionality through downloadable content. Although limited in scope compared to today's smartphones, this feature added significant value at its price point.

Battery Performance

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 950mAh battery, boasting an impressive standby time of up to 500 hours and talk time of up to 4 hours. The battery strength was one of its standout features, as users felt less burdened by frequent charging, a common advantage in feature phones of that era.

Legacy and Discontinuation

Despite its discontinuation, the LG GB170 represents an important step in the evolution of mobile technology. It provides a snapshot of consumer expectations and technological capabilities during the late 2000s. For individuals who preferred straightforward communication devices with robust basic functionalities, the LG GB170 was a reliable choice. The lessons gleaned from such devices have informed the design of more advanced yet similarly solid technologies found in later LG models and other manufacturers.