LG K5 Unveiling Features Pricing and Pros & Cons

Network

The LG K5 supports various network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. Its compatibility with multiple bands ensures seamless connectivity for users in different regions. It supports 2G GSM bands 850/900/1800/1900 and 3G HSDPA bands 850/900/1900/2100. Moreover, it offers 4G LTE support in bands 1, 3, 7, 8, and 20, providing a maximum speed of HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 up to 150/50 Mbps, which is decent for browsing and streaming purposes.

Launch

The LG K5 was announced in March 2016 and subsequently released in June of the same year. Although it has been discontinued, the device represented an affordable yet capable option for smartphone users at the time of its release, particularly in developing markets or for users seeking entry-level devices.

Body

The LG K5 is designed with ease of use and portability in mind. It has dimensions of 145 x 71.6 x 8.9 mm and weighs a mere 128 grams, making it lightweight and easy to carry around. The phone features either a Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) configuration, allowing users flexibility in managing their communication needs.

Display

The phone's display is a 5.0-inch IPS LCD, offering vibrant colors and decent viewing angles. The screen covers approximately 66.4% of the front, with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels (~196 ppi density). While not high-definition, this resolution is serviceable for basic smartphone tasks. The display is protected by Asahi Dragontrail Glass, which adds an extra layer of durability against scratches and minor damages.

Platform

The device runs on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, which was a widely used version of Android during its time. At its core, the LG K5 is powered by a Mediatek MT6582 chipset, built on the 28 nm process. The CPU is a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7, providing adequate performance for everyday tasks. For graphics processing, it uses the Mali-400MP2 GPU, suitable for basic multimedia consumption and light gaming.

Memory

The LG K5 comes with 1GB of RAM, which supports moderate multitasking and app usage. For storage, the device has 8GB of internal memory, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC card slot. While the storage capacity is limited by today's standards, the option to expand storage allows users to store more photos, music, and apps.

Main Camera

The main camera on the LG K5 is a 5 MP, f/2.8 lens with autofocus and an LED flash. Although it might not compete with modern smartphone cameras in pixel count or features, it is capable of capturing satisfactory images in good lighting conditions. The camera also supports video recording at 1080p@30fps, which was a reasonable offering for an entry-level device at the time of its release.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera is a 2 MP shooter with an aperture of f/2.8. It is suitable for video calls and basic selfies. Although lacking advanced features, it serves the essential functions expected from a front camera in a budget smartphone.

Sound and Connectivity

A 3.5mm headphone jack is included for audio connectivity, a feature that, while common during the device's release, remains appreciated by users preferring wired headphones. The phone also houses a loudspeaker for casual media consumption. Connectivity options on the LG K5 encompass Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities, providing various methods for wireless internet access. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and LE support allows wireless connection with other devices. GPS is included for location tracking, although there is no NFC support. For radio enthusiasts, there is an FM radio feature, and the device charges and transfers data via a microUSB 2.0 port.

Sensors and Features

The LG K5 features basic sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These support fundamental smartphone functionalities such as auto-rotation and display dimming during calls to prevent accidental touchscreen activation.

Battery

The device is powered by a 1900 mAh Li-Ion removable battery. Given the phone’s hardware specifications and display resolution, this capacity should provide adequate battery life for moderate usage, allowing the device to last a day under regular use cases.

Miscellaneous

Available in colors such as Gold, Silver, and Titan, the LG K5 offers a touch of personalization for users. The available model was designated as X220. When launched, its price point was about 120 EUR, which, at the time, positioned it as an affordable option for users seeking a capable device without a high cost.

The LG K5, during its time, offered a balance between cost-effectiveness and essential smartphone features. It served as an entry point into the smartphone market for many users and highlighted the functional basics needed for modern communication and connectivity.