Price and specifications of LG GS390 Prime advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of LG GS390 Prime

The LG GS390 Prime was launched in October 2010 as part of LG's lineup of feature phones. Known for its compact design, the GS390 offered a blend of basic functionality coupled with a few multimedia features. This device caters to users seeking simple communication tools without the complexities of smartphones. Let's delve into the specifics of the LG GS390 Prime.

Design and Build

The LG GS390 Prime embodies a sleek design tailored for easy handling and portability. With its dimensions at 108 x 52.8 x 12.7 mm and a weight of 89 grams, it’s a lightweight device that sits comfortably in the hand. The phone features a minimalist exterior, finished in classic black, appealing to users who prefer understated aesthetics.

The body was designed to host a mini-SIM card, typical of devices from that era. Its practical layout ensures durability, which was a major selling point for feature phones at the time. This compact build provided users with a reliable handset for everyday use.

Display

LG equipped the GS390 Prime with a 3.0-inch TFT display capable of showcasing 256K colors. Although its screen size is modest by today's standards, it was sufficient for navigating the phone's interface. The display resolution of 240 x 400 pixels, with a density of approximately 155 ppi, ensured that basic images and text were visible and relatively clear.

While the responsive touch interface of the GS390 was not as advanced as modern-day touchscreens, it still provided users with an interactive approach to operating their phone, which was a significant upgrade from traditional button-operated phones.

Network and Connectivity

The LG GS390 Prime was designed to operate on GSM networks, specifically supporting 2G bands (GSM 850/1800/1900). This made it suitable for users in various regions around the globe where GSM networks were predominant. While it supported GPRS and EDGE for basic data connectivity, the absence of 3G/4G capabilities limited its internet speed.

In terms of connectivity, the GS390 incorporated Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, allowing for wireless data transfer and audio streaming. The inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port facilitated wired data transfer and charging. Despite its limited wireless capabilities, these features offered users basic connectivity options for everyday needs.

Camera Functionality

Equipped with a single 2 MP main camera, the LG GS390 Prime aimed to provide users with the capability to capture spontaneous moments. While the camera specifications are elementary by contemporary standards, it allowed for simple photography and video recording.

The intuitive interface provided photo-calling capabilities, enabling users to associate pictures with contacts in their phonebook. However, the GS390 did not feature a front-facing camera, thus limiting its use for video calls and selfies.

Audio and Entertainment

The phone offered a basic sound system, equipped with a loudspeaker and a stereo FM radio. Although the absence of a 3.5mm audio jack hindered traditional headphone use, the phone allowed users to listen to music and radio broadcasts through alternative means.

For entertainment, the GS390 supported games and Java applications courtesy of its Java MIDP 2.0 compatibility. Users could download simple games and applications to expand the functionality and entertainment value of their device.

Memory and Storage

Memory options on the LG GS390 Prime are quite basic. It features a dedicated microSDHC slot for expandable storage. While internal storage and RAM specifics are not detailed, the external memory option provided a means to store more media and data than the internal capacity alone could accommodate.

The phonebook feature supported multiple entries along with photo call capabilities. It catered to users with the need to maintain comprehensive contact lists, which was complemented by the option to store call records.

Battery Life

The GS390 Prime boasts a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery. While not large by today’s standards, it was adequate for the power needs of feature phones of the time. Users could expect a standby time of up to 384 hours and a talk time of up to 4 hours.

The ease of battery replacement allowed users to carry spare batteries, ensuring extended usage without the necessity of frequent charging.

Software and Features

This device operated as a feature phone using its proprietary software, offering SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging services. Although limited to basic WAP 2.0 and HTML browsing, it enabled users to access essential internet services within the constraints of 2G speeds.

Additional software features included basic gaming and Java application support, offering modest entertainment options alongside essential communication tools. As expected, the feature set did not include advanced sensors that smartphones benefit from today.

Conclusion

The LG GS390 Prime stands as a testament to the mid-2000s era of mobile technology, focusing on simplicity and core functionality over advanced features. Ideal for users prioritizing communication over multimedia, its compact, durable design, competent battery life, and essential connectivity make it memorable as a straightforward phone.

Despite being discontinued, the GS390 remains a device of interest for enthusiasts of classic technology, representing a period when mobile phones began incorporating modest multimedia features without embracing the complexity of smartphones.