LG GD510 Pop Comprehensive Specs Pricing and Review

Introduction to the LG GD510 Pop

The LG GD510 Pop, often referred to simply as the LG Pop, was a feature phone released in the tail end of 2009. It quickly gained the attention of consumers due to its sleek design and being marketed as one of the most compact and eco-friendly touch screen phones of its time. Even though it's a discontinued model today, it marked a significant step in the evolution of mobile phones by blending essential features with an environmentally conscious approach.

Design and Build

The LG GD510 Pop boasts a minimalist design characterized by its small and lightweight body. Measuring 97.8 x 49.5 x 11.2 mm and weighing just 87 grams, this device was very pocket-friendly. It featured a simple, yet appealing design available in colors like Silver, Black, and Twilight. The phone utilized a mini-SIM and was renowned for its intuitive TFT resistive touchscreen which measured 3.0 inches. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 52.9%, and resolution of 240 x 400 pixels, the visual experience was satisfactory for the needs of its users during that period.

Display

The display played a critical role in the appeal of the LG GD510 Pop. Despite being a resistive touchscreen that required slight pressure inputs, it was responsive and capable of displaying up to 256K colors. With a pixel density of approximately 155 ppi, the phone provided clear images and adequately sharp text for a device classified as a feature phone, which was groundbreaking during its release period.

Camera Features

For photography, the LG GD510 Pop was equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera. While this may seem modest by today’s standards, at the time, it offered decent photo quality for capturing everyday moments. The camera could also record videos at 320p with 15fps, making it simple to capture and share video content during an era where social media was beginning to take hold.

Battery and Eco-Friendly Features

One of the most notable features of the LG GD510 Pop was its focus on eco-friendliness. It featured a removable 900 mAh Li-Ion battery, which offered up to 360 hours of standby time and approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes of talk time. A distinctive feature was its optional solar panel charging capability, which allowed the phone to partially recharge using solar energy. With just 10 minutes of solar charging, users could expect up to 2 minutes and 30 seconds of talk time. This eco-conscious approach was unique at the time and appealed to environmentally minded consumers.

Memory and Storage

In terms of storage, the LG GD510 Pop came with an internal memory of 42MB. It also included a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing for expanded storage to accommodate more pictures, videos, and music files. The phonebook could store up to 1000 entries, which was substantial for typical use, and users could also save call records of up to 20 dialed, received, and missed calls each.

Network and Connectivity

The LG GD510 Pop was designed to operate on GSM networks, with support for GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 bands, making it versatile for global use in various regions. The device was equipped with Class 12 GPRS and EDGE technologies, allowing for basic internet connectivity. For local data transfer, it had Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and a microUSB port, expanding its usability for wireless and wired connections. However, it lacked WLAN and GPS capabilities, focusing more on essential mobile functions rather than advanced connectivity.

Software and Features

The phone ran a proprietary operating system typical of feature phones during that time. It included essential applications like SMS, MMS, and Email for communication. The WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML browser enabled moderate internet access. Furthermore, the Java MIDP 2.1 support allowed users to download and enjoy Java-based applications and games, enhancing the entertainment value of the device. The existence of an accelerometer sensor was an additional feature, providing users with interactive experiences in compatible applications and games.

Sound and Multimedia

The LG GD510 Pop was not designed with a 3.5mm audio jack, focusing on its internal loudspeaker and stereo FM radio with RDS for audio output. This was typical for devices focused on compact design. The inclusion of an FM radio allowed users to access live broadcasts, while downloadable Java-based apps provided additional multimedia content.

Market Response and Discontinuation

Upon its release in October 2009, the LG GD510 Pop received mixed reviews. Many appreciated its compact design and eco-friendly innovations, while others missed more advanced functionalities audience expected from smartphones. Its affordable price point, approximately 80 EUR, made it accessible to a wide range of consumers. Despite its initial popularity, the rapid advancement in smartphone technology and consumer demands eventually led to its discontinuation.

Conclusion

The LG GD510 Pop remains an emblematic device from an era where compactness, essential features, and eco-consciousness were valued in mobile technology. It captured the attention of users seeking a basic, stylish, and environmentally friendly mobile experience. With its focus on core functionalities and solar charging capabilities, the LG GD510 Pop paved the way for future innovations in sustainable mobile technology while suiting the everyday needs of its users in the late 2000s.