Price and specifications of LG GD710 Shine II advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview

The LG GD710 Shine II, released in December 2009, is a feature phone that exemplifies the transitional phase between traditional mobile phones and smartphones. With its sleek design, this device was aimed at users looking for basic communication features combined with some multimedia capabilities. Though discontinued, the Shine II remains an interesting example of mobile technology from the late 2000s.

Design and Build

The LG Shine II boasts a sophisticated and stylish design with dimensions of 106.9 x 51.5 x 13.3 mm and a weight of 120 grams. The phone’s compact and durable construction made it convenient to carry and use. It features a sliding keyboard design that was quite popular during its release period, providing both functional ease and a measure of protection for the keypad. The exterior has a silver finish, enhancing its premium look.

Display

The device is equipped with a 2.2-inch TFT display capable of displaying 256K colors. With a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and an approximate pixel density of 182 PPI, the screen was adequate for browsing basic menus, viewing photos, and other light tasks. However, the screen-to-body ratio of 27.2% meant that the display was not the focal point of the device, which is typical for phones of that era.

Camera

The LG Shine II features a single 2 MP primary camera with an LED flash, capable of taking basic quality photos and videos at 320p resolution. While it doesn’t include a selfie camera, the rear camera allowed for capturing photos that were satisfactory for social media sharing and personal album collections given the technological constraints of the time.

Performance and Software

Powered as a feature phone, the Shine II lacked the processing power seen in modern smartphones. Its capabilities were sufficient for activities such as sending SMS and MMS, viewing emails, and using the included WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for simple internet browsing. Java MIDP 2.1 compatibility provided access to basic applications and games, expanding its usability beyond average communication tasks.

Storage and Battery

Storage on the LG Shine II was expandable via a microSDHC card slot, allowing users to store pictures, music, and other content. The device came equipped with a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery, offering a standby time of up to 300 hours and talk time of up to 3 hours and 20 minutes. While modest by today’s standards, it was sufficient for the phone's feature-set and typical daily use during its prime.

Connectivity and Network

The Shine II supported GSM and HSPA technologies with 2G and 3G band compatibility, ensuring reliable voice and data transmission. Although it lacked Wi-Fi, it came with Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. GPS with A-GPS support provided basic navigation features, which was a standout feature for a feature phone.

Messaging and Applications

The device's messaging capabilities included SMS, MMS, email, and instant messaging, catering to the essential communication needs of most users. Additionally, users could download games and applications compatible with Java technology, offering some level of personalization and entertainment.

Audio and Accessories

Despite the absence of a 3.5mm audio jack, the phone supported audio playback through its loudspeaker. Users could connect wireless accessories via Bluetooth, allowing for some flexibility in audio device choices. Its limited sound options didn't deter the Shine II from being a reliable mobile phone for calls and light media use.

Market Position and Pricing

At approximately 80 EUR at launch, the LG GD710 Shine II positioned itself as an accessible mid-tier device for individuals who desired essential mobile functions over advanced smartphone features. It was targeted towards users prioritizing design and basic functionality.

Legacy and Conclusion

The LG GD710 Shine II holds its place in the evolution of mobile phones, bridging the gap between basic mobile phones and early smartphones. Its user-friendly design, decent camera, and practical features made it a popular choice during its release. For those nostalgic about mobile devices from the late 2000s, the Shine II remains a noteworthy example of the era’s phone technology.