LG K8 2017 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Overview of LG K8 (2017)

The LG K8 (2017), launched in April 2017, was a budget-friendly smartphone that appealed to users looking for essential features packed into a robust build. It was announced in December 2016 and gained attention for its affordability and decent performance characteristics which made it a popular choice for everyday tasks.

Design and Build Quality

The LG K8 (2017) features a compact design with dimensions of 144.5 x 72.1 x 8 mm and a weight of 144 grams. This makes it ideal for one-handed use and easy portability. The front of the device is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring durability against minor scratches and impacts. Its plastic back and frame further contribute to its lightweight structure, maintaining a comfortable grip. Available in colors like Silver, Titan, Gold, and Dark Blue, the LG K8 (2017) offers users a variety of options to suit their personal style.

Display Features

Equipped with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, the LG K8 (2017) delivers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 293 ppi, providing clear and vivid images for everyday viewing. While it doesn’t match up to high-end smartphones in terms of screen-to-body ratio at 66.6%, it still offers a decent viewing experience for browsing, social media, and multimedia consumption.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the LG K8 (2017) runs on a Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 chipset. This is complemented by a Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 308 GPU, ensuring smooth performance for basic tasks and apps. Additionally, an alternative to this chipset is the Mediatek MT6737 coupled with a Mali-T720MP2 GPU in some variants, which shares similar performance metrics. Despite having only 1.5GB of RAM, the device is capable of handling day-to-day activities without significant lags, provided users manage their application use judiciously.

Camera Capabilities

The LG K8 (2017) comes equipped with a single 13 MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of capturing crisp images with autofocus and an LED flash for low-light conditions. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate its panorama mode, while the ability to record videos at 1080p@30fps ensures reasonable video capture quality. The front camera includes a 5 MP sensor with an f/2.4 aperture, sufficient for basic selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery which can deliver up to 490 hours of standby time on a 3G network and up to 18 hours of talk time. While not the largest battery in a smartphone, its efficiency is aided by the device’s software optimizations and modest hardware requirements, resulting in a full day’s use under normal conditions.

Operating System and Software

Running on Android 7.0 (Nougat), the LG K8 (2017) provides a user-friendly experience with features such as split-screen mode and enhanced notifications. Its operating system supports most contemporary applications, though users may have to trim continuous background processes due to its limited 1.5GB RAM.

Storage Options

With 16GB of internal storage, the LG K8 (2017) offers a moderate amount of space for apps, photos, and media. However, for users requiring additional storage, the phone supports microSDHC cards which allow for expanded storage options, a valuable feature for those needing more space without turning to cloud alternatives.

Connectivity and Network Support

The smartphone supports multiple network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE with specific bands enabling smooth connectivity across various regions. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct for fast wireless connections and Bluetooth 4.2 for accessories. GPS and GLONASS provide accurate positioning services, while NFC support is an added benefit for modern contactless payment methods.

For traditional use, it includes an FM radio with RDS, a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support, and a 3.5mm audio jack, accommodating a wide range of connectivity preferences.

Additional Features

The device includes basic sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which contribute to its general performance in various applications such as screen orientation and power-saving features.

Conclusion

The LG K8 (2017) is a cost-effective smartphone suitable for everyday usage. It delivers essential functions in a durable, compact design. While it might not stand out in the modern market driven by high-resolution displays and high-power computing, it retains significant value for users with moderate needs or those entering the smartphone landscape.