LG KG190 All You Need to Know Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of LG KG190

The LG KG190 was announced in May 2006, during a time when mobile phones were quickly evolving. As a feature phone, it belonged to the category that focused more on basic functionalities like calling and messaging, rather than the smartphone capabilities that we are accustomed to today. Despite its simplistic nature, it featured essential tools that were vital for communication during its time.

Design and Build

The LG KG190 boasts a compact design with dimensions of 84.5 x 45.5 x 17 mm, making it easy to carry in pockets or small bags. Weighing only 85 grams, it was incredibly lightweight. This device used a Mini-SIM, which was the standard form factor for SIM cards across feature phones during that period. The sleek black color gave it a professional and clean aesthetic.

Display

Equipped with a 1.3-inch CSTN display, the LG KG190 supported 256K colors, offering users a colorful screen despite its small size. The resolution stood at 128 x 128 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 139 ppi. Though the screen-to-body ratio was around 14.2%, for the purpose it served, the display was adequate for viewing messages and navigating simple menus.

Camera Capabilities

Incorporating a VGA main camera, though basic at 0.3 megapixels, it enabled users to capture quick snapshots. Video recording wasn't supported, pointing to its limitations in multimedia capture. Nevertheless, having any camera at all on a phone from 2006 provided added value.

Memory and Storage

The internal memory of the LG KG190 was limited to 128MB, without support for expandable storage via any card slots. This limited capacity meant that users needed to manage their data efficiently, relying primarily on the telecommunications capabilities of the device rather than storing large amounts of multimedia content.

Communication and Connectivity

The phone operated on GSM technology and supported 2G bands including GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. It featured GPRS Class 8 for basic internet connectivity, although EDGE was not available. The absence of modern connectivity options like WLAN or Bluetooth was typical for feature phones at the time. However, it supported FM radio, allowing users to access audio entertainment on the go. Its USB was proprietary, meaning it required specific LG cables for connectivity.

Messaging and Browser

Communications through the device were versatile for that era, supporting SMS, EMS, and MMS. It had a built-in WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, though internet capabilities were rudimentary and did not support the complex websites of today. The focus remained on enabling standard messaging and light browsing.

Battery Life

This device contains a removable Li-Ion 720 mAh battery, ensuring that it could sustain conversations and light usage over a considerable period before requiring a recharge. Though modest by modern standards, the phone's minimalist functions ensured satisfactory battery life for everyday use.

Sound Features

Sound in the LG KG190 was adequate, incorporating a loudspeaker and support for downloadable polyphonic ringtones. It did not include a 3.5mm jack, which limited the use of standard headphones without additional adapters.

Overall User Experience

As a feature phone, the LG KG190 was appreciated for its simplicity and reliability in communication. While it lacked the expansive application ecosystems of smartphones, it fulfilled core mobile needs. Games and Java support added a degree of entertainment value, making it more than just a tool for calls and texts. Those seeking a minimalist device free from the complications of smartphones found it a suitable option.