LG KU385 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices & Features

Overview of LG KU385

The LG KU385 is a feature phone primarily released in October 2007. It highlights the transitionary era in mobile phones when basic multimedia and connectivity features were getting incorporated into traditionally simplistic devices. Though discontinued, the LG KU385 was notable for certain features that set it apart in its release period.

Design and Build

The LG KU385 boasts compact dimensions of 96 x 45 x 17.9 mm, making it quite portable and fitting easily into a pocket. Weighing 95 grams, the device is lightweight and easy to handle. It uses a Mini-SIM format, which was standard at the time. The phone was available in two classic colors: blue and brown, appealing to users looking for an understated elegance.

Display

Featuring a 1.9-inch TFT screen, the LG KU385 supports 256K colors, delivering basic but functional visual quality for its users. The screen resolution stands at 176 x 220 pixels with a density of about 148 ppi, ensuring the display is fairly sharp for reading messages and viewing basic images or interfaces.

Camera Capabilities

The LG KU385 is equipped with a single 1.3 MP rear camera capable of recording video at QCIF resolution with 15 fps. While the camera features are quite basic compared to modern standards, they were relatively advanced at the time, allowing users to capture memorable moments with ease. Moreover, the phone includes a VGA front camera for video calls, one of the notable advanced features for a device of its class back then.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the LG KU385 offers 60MB of storage which, although limited, was adequate for storing contacts and basic data at the time. It includes a dedicated microSD slot to expand the storage further, an essential feature for users needing additional space for multimedia content. The phonebook can store an extensive list of contacts, and it maintains records for 40 dialed, received, and missed calls.

Connectivity and Networks

The LG KU385 operates on GSM 900/1800/1900 and UMTS 2100 bands. It supports 3G connectivity with speeds of up to 384 kbps, allowing basic internet browsing and email functionality. However, it does not support wireless LAN or GPS positioning.

For local connectivity, the device features Bluetooth 1.2 for pairing with headsets and other compatible devices, and a USB 2.0 port for data transfer and device charging. While lacking a 3.5mm audio jack, users could enjoy music and other audio through the phone's loudspeaker.

User Interface and Operating System

As a feature phone, the LG KU385 does not run a traditional smartphone operating system. Instead, it has a proprietary LG user interface focused on functionalities like messaging, basic games, and a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for internet access. Messaging options include SMS, EMS, MMS, and email, supporting a wide array of communication needs.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery. Designed for efficiency, the device offers up to 100 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours of talk time, which is adequate for day-to-day use without the need for frequent charging.

Audio and Additional Features

Audio features include customizable MP3 ringtones and downloadable polyphonic tones for personalization. The lack of FM radio and limited Java support (MIDP 2.0) were some constraints, yet the device's Java capability enabled running simple applications and games.

Conclusion

The LG KU385 reflects the era of mobile phones where functional expansion and multimedia incorporation were slowly becoming standard. It offers a glimpse into the transitional phase between simple feature phones and modern smartphones, catering to users looking for a durable and functional device with slight multifunctional capabilities. Although surpassed by today's technological advances, the LG KU385 remains a significant part of mobile phone evolution history.