LG KU800 Comprehensive Review of Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to LG KU800

The LG KU800 was a notable release from LG Electronics in the mid-2000s, known for its slider design and multimedia capabilities. As part of the LG Chocolate series, the KU800 offered a blend of style and functionality, making it a popular choice for users seeking compact phones with enhanced features. Released in September 2006, the device has long been discontinued but it still holds a special place in the history of mobile technology for its design innovations and user-friendly offerings.

Design and Build

The LG KU800 exhibited a streamlined slider form factor which was quite popular during its time. Measuring 94.6 x 45.6 x 17 mm and weighing 98 grams, the phone was compact and light, making it easy to carry around. The mini-SIM capability was standard for the period, and the phone was equipped with a TFT screen displaying 65K colors and a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, providing clear and bright visuals within its 1.5-inch screen.

Display

Despite its small size, the 1.5-inch display of the LG KU800 offered a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, which was quite impressive for a non-smartphone at that time. The TFT technology ensured that users enjoyed a decent viewing experience for text, images, and basic multimedia content. Although it offered only a 16.2% screen-to-body ratio, the display was sharp and served its basic functions well.

Camera Capabilities

The LG KU800 was equipped with a single 2 MP main camera, a common specification for phones from that era. The inclusion of an LED flash was a valuable feature, enabling users to take photos in low-light conditions. The phone also supported video recording, which was somewhat of a novelty at the time for this class of devices. A selfie camera was present primarily for video call functionality, although its performance was basic by modern standards.

Memory and Storage

In terms of storage, the LG KU800 came with 64MB of internal memory, which was fairly standard at that time. However, LG allowed for expansion via a dedicated microSD card slot. The phonebook could store up to 500 entries, and the device could log up to 40 dialed, received, and missed calls, meeting the needs of most users who used it for essential communication.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1050 mAh battery, allowing for flexibility in terms of replacement and power management. It offered a standby time of up to 340 hours and up to 4 hours of talk time. These specifications were sufficient for typical use, ensuring users remained connected throughout the day without excessive recharging.

Connectivity

For connectivity, the LG KU800 supported GSM and UMTS networks, operating on frequencies including GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 and UMTS 2100. This provided fairly broad network coverage and a maximum data speed of 384 kbps, suitable for basic WAP browsing and multimedia messaging. Bluetooth 1.2 support with A2DP was a key feature, allowing wireless audio capabilities. However, the phone lacked WiFi, positioning, and radio capabilities, and utilized a proprietary USB connection for data transfer and charging.

Audio and Multimedia

The phone was equipped with downloadable polyphonic, MP3, and AAC ringtones, catering to users who wanted to customize their audio alerts. A loudspeaker was not included, and the device lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, which meant earpieces needed an adapter or proprietary connectivity. Nonetheless, the phone supported Java MIDP 2.0, allowing the use of Java-based applications and games downloadable to enhance user experience.

Software and User Interface

Running on a feature phone platform, the LG KU800 provided a user-friendly interface suitable for its primary functions. Messaging options included SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, offering diverse communication channels despite the absence of smartphone-level operating systems.

Market and Legacy

When introduced to the market at approximately 130 EUR, the LG KU800 presented an attractive option for consumers looking for stylish yet functional phones. The phone's design, particularly its slide-out keypad and sleek appearance, made it a notable contender in the crowded mobile market of the mid-2000s. Today, while it is discontinued, it remains an exemplar of design trends and technical capabilities of its time, remembered for bridging style with practical mobile functionalities.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the LG KU800 was a hallmark of technological innovation and style during its era, encapsulating the characteristics valued by users in mid-range phones. It combined essential functionality with a chic design, making it a popular choice for many and a significant piece in the evolution of mobile devices prior to the smartphone boom. Its legacy continues to be appreciated by tech enthusiasts and collectors who value the aesthetic and functional attributes of classic mobile phones.