LG KC550 Comprehensive Review of Features Pricing and More

Design and Build Quality

The LG KC550 sports a design that was quite appealing for its time. It features dimensions of 96.9 x 51.4 x 14.9 mm and a weight of 110 grams, making it a compact and portable device. The build quality is sturdy and the device was offered in three distinct colors: Black, Gray, and Pink, allowing for a personal touch. The use of a Mini-SIM is consistent with the standards of its release period.

Display

Equipped with a 2.4-inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors, the LG KC550 provides users with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, offering a display density of approximately 167 ppi. This results in a reasonably clear and vibrant display for a feature phone of its era, which is adequate for basic media consumption and navigating the phone’s interface.

Camera Capabilities

One of the standout features of the LG KC550 is its 5 MP main camera, which includes Schneider-Kreuznach optics and autofocus, making it a powerful tool for photography at the time. Additionally, the LED flash supports shooting in low-light conditions. The camera can record video at 480p, capturing decent quality videos for a phone released in 2008.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery, which was standard for feature phones of its generation. With up to 450 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time, the battery performance is respectable, especially given the modest power requirements of its hardware.

Network and Connectivity

The LG KC550 operates on GSM networks and supports 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands. GPRS and EDGE support at Class 12 provide basic data connectivity. Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP offers wireless connectivity for audio devices, although the lack of WLAN limits internet use to more traditional methods. An FM radio is included, providing entertainment without data usage. The proprietary USB is a downside, as it limits connectivity options with other devices.

Internal Hardware and Storage

Internally, the LG KC550 offers 12MB of storage, with expansion capabilities via a dedicated microSDHC slot, which was essential for those who wanted to store more media and personal data. The phonebook can store up to 1000 entries, complete with photocall capabilities, and the call records include logs for up to 40 dialed, received, and missed calls.

Software and Features

Operating as a feature phone, the LG KC550 includes basic software that supports SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, alongside a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for internet services. Java MIDP 2.0 support opens up possibilities for running compatible applications and games, some of which are motion-based due to the integrated accelerometer sensor. However, its feature set is quite limited compared to modern smartphones.

Sound and Multimedia

Audio output is facilitated by a loudspeaker and supports vibration alerts as well as downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. The absence of a 3.5mm jack is a limitation for users who prefer wired headsets. The device comes with several pre-installed games, with additional ones available for download.

Market Release and Pricing

Announced in May 2008, the LG KC550 was positioned as a mid-range feature phone with a strong focus on multimedia capabilities. At launch, it was priced at approximately 90 EUR, offering a competitively priced option for users seeking a well-rounded camera phone without the complexity of a smartphone.

Conclusion

The LG KC550 holds its place as a memorable feature phone from the late 2000s. With its robust camera features, practical battery life, and reasonable pricing, it appealed to many users during its market presence. While not as advanced as modern smartphones, it provided a solid balance of basic phone functionality and multimedia capabilities. Discontinued now, it remains a testament to the evolution of mobile phone technology during that decade.