Price and specifications of LG KH5200 Andro-1 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

LG KH5200 Andro-1: An Overview

The LG KH5200 Andro-1 was a notable entry in the smartphone world during its release period in 2010. As LG's venture into Android operating systems, this device remarkably combined the utilitarian physical keyboard with modern touchscreen capabilities. Released in June 2010, the Andro-1 aimed to bridge the growing demand for smartphones that offered both touch and tactile input options, significantly appealing to users transitioning from feature phones to full-fledged smart devices.

Design and Build

The LG KH5200 Andro-1 measures 109 x 54 x 15.9 mm and weighs 139 grams. The design features a rather compact form when compared to contemporary devices, yet feels solid in the hand due to its weight and build quality. The device is distinguished by its QWERTY keyboard, a beloved feature for those accustomed to physical typing. The mini-SIM form factor and black color give it a classic appearance which, at the time of its launch, appealed to business professionals and ordinary users alike.

Display

With a 3.0-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, the Andro-1 offers a decent viewing experience, although it's modest by today's standards. The display resolution stands at 320 x 480 pixels, rendering images and text adequately clear with its 256K color support. Despite the limited screen real estate—covering about 45.5% of the device's body—the display serves well for basic tasks like browsing and texting, although its performance in bright sunlight might not be optimal.

Performance and Software

The device is powered by an Android operating system, which was a relatively new venture for LG at the time. The OS offers a customizable and user-friendly interface, providing access to a plethora of apps via the Google Play Store. The internal memory of 170 MB, expandable via microSDHC, allows for basic app installations and media storage. However, the limited RAM (not specified) likely posed challenges for multitasking and running intensive applications.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a single 5 MP camera featuring autofocus and LED flash, the Andro-1 captures reasonable quality images for its time. The camera offers video recording at 480p@30fps. While it lacks a front-facing camera, the main camera is effective for basic photography needs, such as capturing moments on the go or simple documentation tasks. The LED flash also assists in low-light conditions, albeit not to the extent of modern smartphone cameras.

Connectivity and Network

The LG KH5200 Andro-1 supports GSM technology, covering bands 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and 3G TD-SCDMA, enabling decent network connectivity suitable for calls and messaging. In terms of data speeds, it offers GPRS and EDGE class 10 performance, facilitating basic internet tasks. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless internet access, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for audio streaming, a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer, and stereo FM radio with RDS capabilities, enhancing its multimedia appeal.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery, which suffices for basic daily usage requirements. Given the limited processing power and smaller display, the battery capacity ensures a full day of operation under regular usage patterns, which include calls, texts, and light web browsing. The removable aspect of the battery also means users can carry a spare for extended periods without access to a power source.

Additional Features

The Andro-1 supports a 3.5mm audio jack, accommodating a wide range of headphones and audio peripherals. Its embedded accelerometer enhances user interaction by enabling motion-based commands and functions. A standard HTML browser allows web surfing, though the browsing experience is limited by screen size and processing power. The device's moderate price point of approximately 180 EUR reflects its status as an entry-level smartphone, catering to budget-conscious consumers seeking smartphone functionality without the high-end frills.

Conclusion

The LG KH5200 Andro-1 marks a significant step in LG’s smartphone journey, targeting users who appreciated the tactile advantage of a QWERTY keyboard combined with the nascent opportunities offered by the Android ecosystem. While modern technology has quickly surpassed the capabilities of the Andro-1, it remains a nostalgic reminder of the early 2010s smartphone landscape, a period marked by rapid innovation and the gradual move from feature to smart devices.