LG GM310 The Complete Guide to Features Pricing and Performance

Overview of the LG GM310

The LG GM310 was launched in 2009, a period when feature phones were the primary means of communication. Known for its sleek design and practical features, the GM310 was particularly attractive to users looking for a reliable and functional phone without the complexities of a smartphone. Despite being discontinued, the device serves as a nostalgic reminder of the transitional phase between basic mobile phones and the smart devices we use today.

Design and Build Quality

The LG GM310 sports a compact form factor, measuring 104.7 x 51.9 x 13.9 mm and weighing 115 grams. Its design aesthetic is understated yet classy, with a high-quality plastic build offering a premium feel. The phone features a traditional candy bar design, which was quite popular during its time. Even though it has been discontinued, its robustness ensured it was durable enough to withstand everyday use for extended periods.

Display Capabilities

The phone is equipped with a 2.2-inch TFT display supporting 256K colors. While the screen-to-body ratio was approximately 27.6%, this was considered standard for non-touchscreen phones of that era. The resolution of 240 x 320 pixels provided adequate clarity for navigating menus and viewing images, although it wouldn't compare to the high-definition displays seen today.

Network and Connectivity

The LG GM310 supports GSM and HSPA technologies, making it capable of both 2G and 3G network connections. Specifically, it operates on the GSM 850/900/1800/1900 bands for 2G and the HSDPA 900/2100 bands for 3G, with network speeds of up to 1.8 Mbps. While it doesn’t support Wi-Fi, it features Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless connections and wired connectivity through a USB 2.0 port. A 3.5mm jack is also present for audio output, a standard feature at the time that remains relevant even today.

Camera Features

The GM310 comes with a single 3.15MP main camera. Although modest by modern standards, it was more than sufficient for capturing casual photos and videos when it was released. Auto-focus was a notable feature, enhancing the quality of pictures taken. The absence of a front-facing camera means that the phone wasn't designed with selfies in mind, which reflects the usage patterns prevalent during its era.

Battery Performance

Powering the device is a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery. Known for its endurance, the battery could last up to 253 hours on standby in 2G mode and up to 322 hours in 3G mode. Talk time was approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes for both 2G and 3G networks, providing sufficient longevity for daily communications without frequent charging, which was quite a strong point for the phone.

Storage and Memory

The internal storage of the device is a modest 12MB, standard for phones at the time. It supported a microSDHC slot for memory expansion, allowing users to increase storage capacity to accommodate more contacts, messages, and multimedia files. The phonebook could store up to 1000 entries with Photocall, making it more than adequate for personal and occasionally professional usage.

Multimedia and Additional Features

The LG GM310 was equipped with a stereo FM radio with RDS and a music player capable of playing various audio formats, making it appealing for users who appreciate on-the-go entertainment. It included standard features like SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email support for a complete communication package. The inclusion of games and the device’s Java support (MIDP 2.0) provided a basic platform for simple games and applications.

Software and User Interface

Operating as a feature phone, the LG GM310 didn’t run on iOS or Android. Instead, it utilized proprietary software that allowed basic functionality with a straightforward menu system. WAP 2.0/xHTML served as the default browser, which was sufficient for minimalistic browsing activities. The interface was designed to be intuitive, ensuring the user experience was simple and efficient.

Market Reception and Legacy

The LG GM310 was priced at about 100 EUR during its release, a price point reflecting its feature set and market positioning as an affordable yet capable device. Although innovative by 2009 standards, the phone gradually phased out as smartphones grew in popularity. As an iconic device from LG's lineup, it represented a bridge between the functionality of older models and the emerging capabilities of newer mobile technologies.

Conclusion

In summary, the LG GM310 was a reflection of its time: a device primarily focused on communication with modest multimedia capabilities. While it may not boast the specifications that modern smartphones do, its reliable performance and straightforward design have secured its place in the history of mobile devices. The GM310 serves as a nostalgic reminder of the technological advancements made over the past decade, highlighting just how much mobile devices have transformed.