LG KE800 Comprehensive Review of Features Pricing and Performance

Design and Build

The LG KE800, launched in October 2006, embodied a design characteristic of its era, emphasizing compactness and functionality. With dimensions of 95 x 46 x 17.5 mm and a weight of 95 grams, the device was relatively small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around in pockets or small bags. The phone's build was robust, thanks to the use of durable plastics and a design that stood the test of time. The black color finish gave it a sleek and professional look.

Display

The LG KE800 featured a 2.0-inch TFT display capable of displaying 256K colors. The screen had a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 200 ppi. Although not comparable to modern-day smartphone displays, at the time, this level of color and clarity was considered quite sufficient for viewing photos, playing games, and navigating the phone's user interface.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 2 MP autofocus camera, the LG KE800 allowed users to capture decent quality photos for its time. The addition of an LED flash improved its functionality in low-light conditions. Video recording was limited to QCIF resolution, which was adequate for basic video capture but far from the high-definition standards we have today. Despite these limitations, the camera was a valued feature for capturing everyday moments.

Performance and Software

The LG KE800 operated on a feature phone system, which was common before the widespread adoption of smartphones. While specific details about the processor and RAM aren't available, it's clear that the device was optimized for basic tasks such as calling, texting, and some multimedia use. The internal storage capacity stood at 60MB, which could be expanded using a microSD card, allowing users to store essential photos and files without much hassle.

Connectivity

Connectivity options on the LG KE800 included GSM technology with 2G bands supported at GSM 900/1800/1900. Although the lack of 3G or 4G connectivity limited internet browsing speeds, the inclusion of GPRS and EDGE provided basic internet access. The Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP allowed for wireless audio streaming, a significant feature for music enthusiasts at the time.

Battery Life

The device came with a removable Li-Po 800 mAh battery. While modern devices would find such a battery capacity limiting, the KE800's power efficiency ensured up to 200 hours of standby time and 2 hours 30 minutes of talk time. This was generally sufficient for daily usage in the mid-2000s, although users with heavy usage might need to recharge more frequently.

Sound and Multimedia

Sound options included vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, providing users with a degree of personalization. However, the absence of a loudspeaker meant that calls were restricted to personal listening. Additionally, the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack required users to rely on proprietary headphones.

Additional Features

Among the features of the LG KE800 were messaging capabilities that supported SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, enabling users to stay connected with others through different formats. The device's browser, WAP 2.0/xHTML, allowed for limited internet browsing, while Java support (MIDP 2.0) enabled the downloading and playing of Java-based games, enhancing its entertainment options. Pre-installed games like "Pump it up" and "Sdoku" provided simple gaming experiences.

Market Position and Legacy

Upon its release, the LG KE800 was priced at about 140 EUR, positioning it within the reach of many consumers looking for a feature-rich device at an accessible price point. Though it has since been discontinued, the KE800 remains a symbol of the transitional period in mobile phone technology, bridging the gap between basic handsets and the advanced smartphones of today.

In conclusion, the LG KE800 offered a blend of functionality, style, and simple connectivity options. While it might not compete with modern devices in terms of features, it served as an essential communication tool in its time, with elements that laid the foundation for advancements in mobile phone technology.