LG KS20 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Introduction to LG KS20

The LG KS20 was a significant release in the world of mobile technology during its time. Announced in September 2007 and released in January 2008, this smartphone stood out because it was packed with features that catered to both the business user and the average consumer. It embodied LG's efforts to create a comprehensive device with connectivity, utility, and entertainment capabilities.

Design and Build

The LG KS20 boasted a sleek and compact design, measuring 99.8 x 58 x 12.8 mm and weighing just 92.5 g. The device was easy to hold and operate with one hand, making it a practical choice for users constantly on the go. It featured a mini-SIM slot, typical for mobile phones during that era.

Display

The device was equipped with a 2.8-inch TFT resistive touchscreen display that supported 256K colors. This screen was sufficient for displaying clear visuals despite the 240 x 320 pixel resolution, which translated to a pixel density of approximately 143 ppi. Although resistive touchscreens were gradually being replaced by capacitive ones, the KS20's screen was responsive for its time, allowing for precise navigation.

Platform and Performance

Running on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional, the LG KS20 brought the comforts of a PC-oriented operating system to handheld devices. This was further supported by a Qualcomm MSM72000 chipset, a 400 MHz ARM 11 CPU, and an Adreno 130 GPU. These components provided a fairly robust performance for early smartphones, enabling users to run multiple applications and enjoy multimedia content without significant lag.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the LG KS20 had 128MB of storage, a modest capacity by modern standards. However, it came with a microSD slot, allowing users to expand storage to accommodate more applications, music, photos, and other personal data, up to the limits supported by microSD cards at that time.

Camera

The main camera was a 2-megapixel shooter with auto-focus and an LED flash, providing decent picture quality for quick shots and daylight photography. Additionally, it supported video recording. For video calls, a front VGA camera was available, making the KS20 a well-rounded device for communication purposes in its time.

Sound and Connectivity

The KS20 offered a variety of sound features including a loudspeaker and support for vibration alerts, alongside the ability to play polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. The device did not have a standard 3.5mm audio jack, which was a common oversight in many phones during this era.

Connectivity-wise, the phone supported Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, ensuring that users could stay connected wirelessly to the internet and other devices. It also featured USB 2.0 for direct connection to computers and other USB-compatible devices.

Network and Communication

The KS20 was designed to work on GSM and HSPA networks, supporting 2G bands (GSM 900/1800/1900) and a 3G band (HSDPA 2100). It offered an HSPA speed of 3.6 Mbps for downloading and 0.384 Mbps for uploading, impressive for a device from this time period.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1050 mAh battery, the LG KS20 offered a reasonable standby time of up to 270 hours. Talk time was up to 4 hours on 2G and up to 3 hours on 3G networks, which was standard for smartphones of its class back then. The removable battery also allowed for easy replacement, a feature that many modern smartphones lack.

Other Features and Miscellaneous

The LG KS20 included a stereo FM radio with RDS, making it possible for users to enjoy music and news on the go. It was available in Black and Baby Pink colors, appealing to different stylistic preferences. On the software side, the device included Internet Explorer Mobile 7.6 for web browsing and supported a variety of file types for enhanced versatility in document handling.

Priced at about 100 EUR at release, the KS20 was positioned as an accessible option for users looking for a sophisticated handset without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

The LG KS20 was a noteworthy smartphone during its time, offering a blend of functionality, style, and performance. While certain features might be seen as basic by today's standards, the device successfully catered to the needs of users in the late 2000s, providing them with a reliable tool to stay connected, productive, and entertained. As with many devices from that era, the KS20 stands as a milestone in the evolution of smartphone technology, paving the way for the advanced devices we use today.