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LG GD900 Crystal Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Release Date

2009, July

Camera

8MP

Battery

1000mAh

Screen

3.0"

Storage

1.5GB , microSDHC slot

Operating System

Feature phone

Overview of LG GD900 Crystal

The LG GD900 Crystal was a revolutionary device when it was launched in 2009. It marked a significant step in mobile phone design, primarily due to its unique transparent keypad and sleek form factor. This feature phone was not just about looks; it packed a variety of functionalities and specifications that catered to the growing demands of mobile phone users at the time.

Design and Build

The highlight of the LG GD900 Crystal was undoubtedly its aesthetic appeal. With dimensions of 105 x 52.5 x 13.5 mm and a weight of 127 g, the phone had a compact and sturdy build. The body design was not only about the transparent keypad but also included a crisp and clear 3.0-inch TFT display, with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. The display was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, ensuring durability against scratches and minor falls.

Transparent Keypad

The transparent slide-out keypad was not just a visual treats but also functional. Made from tempered glass, it supported gesture controls, which was innovative for its time. Users could swipe on the keypad to perform various actions, making it a unique interactive experience. This design choice set it apart from the plethora of feature phones available back then.

Display and Interface

The 3.0-inch display with 311 ppi density offered vibrant color reproduction and clear visibility under various lighting conditions. Despite being a feature phone, it provided a decent pixel ratio, enhancing the overall user experience. The interface was user-friendly, enabling easy navigation, which was critical for feature phones during that era.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with an 8 MP main camera, the LG GD900 Crystal was capable of capturing impressive photos for a device of its time. The camera featured an autofocus and LED flash, allowing users to take quality images even in low-light conditions. It supported video recording at 480p@30fps, which was considered standard back then, making it a comprehensive multimedia device.

Multimedia Features

The phone supported various multimedia options, including FM radio and MP3 playback. However, it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a downside for music enthusiasts. Nevertheless, it had a loudspeaker that offered clear sound output, further enriched by Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wirelessly streaming music.

Performance and Storage

In terms of performance, the LG GD900 Crystal was driven by a user-efficient interface typical of feature phones at the time. It included 1.5GB of internal storage, which could be expanded using the microSDHC card slot, providing sufficient space for storing music, photos, and other data. The phone’s RAM information is unspecified, but it efficiently handled multiple applications, thanks to its intuitive operating system designed for feature phones.

Battery and Connectivity

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, the device offered decent battery life, providing up to 300 hours in standby mode and up to 6 hours of talk time on 2G networks. Connectivity options included GSM / HSPA technology, enabling good browsing speeds with HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for internet access, and microUSB 2.0 for data transfer.

Network and Communication

The phone supported GSM bands (850/900/1800/1900) as well as 3G bands (HSDPA 900/2100), providing comprehensive network coverage at the time. It supported various messaging formats including SMS, EMS, MMS, EMail, and instant messaging, catering to personal and professional communication needs effectively.

Additional Features

LG GD900 Crystal included two pre-installed games and support for Java applications for added entertainment. The phone had a built-in accelerometer and proximity sensor, enhancing interactivity and responsiveness to user actions.

Legacy and Impact

The LG GD900 Crystal made a significant impact due to its innovation in design and interactive capabilities. It showcased LG’s commitment to pushing the boundaries in mobile phone design, and its legacy is remembered for the unique amalgamation of aesthetics and functionality. Since its discontinuation, it remains a memorable device for enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

Key Features of LG GD900 Crystal

GSM / HSPA network technology
Compact dimensions: 105 x 52.5 x 13.5 mm and lightweight at 127 g
3.0-inch TFT display with 480 x 800 pixels resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass protection
Expandable storage via microSDHC card slot
8 MP main camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of 480p video recording
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for connectivity
FM radio support
Sensors include accelerometer and proximity
Removable 1000 mAh Li-Ion battery with up to 300 hours standby time
Affordable price point

Disadvantages of LG GD900 Crystal

The device has been discontinued, limiting availability and support.
Lacks 4G LTE support, limiting network speed and capability by modern standards.
The internal storage is only 1.5GB, which is quite limited for storing apps and media in today's standards.
No front-facing selfie camera for video calls and selfies.
Does not support GPS/Positioning features, which may be essential for navigation purposes.
The battery capacity is relatively low at 1000 mAh, potentially leading to short battery life.
Lacks a 3.5mm jack for headphones, which reduces compatibility with wired audio accessories.
The display size of 3.0 inches may be considered small by modern expectations.
The phone's design and technology are outdated compared to current smartphone standards.