LG L3100 A Comprehensive Review of Features Pricing and Performance

Overview of LG L3100

The LG L3100 was a feature phone announced in the second quarter of 2004 and has since been discontinued. With compact dimensions of 105 x 44 x 18 mm and a weight of just 87 grams, it was designed for users seeking a lightweight and easily portable device. This model catered to the basic communication needs of users at the time and included a few multimedia functionalities.

Network and Connectivity

The LG L3100 was built with GSM technology, supporting 2G bands specifically GSM 900 and 1800. At a time when mobile internet was still a developing sphere, the device offered GPRS Class 10 for general packet radio services, but it did not support EDGE for faster data connectivity. Other wireless communication options, such as WLAN and Bluetooth, were not present, and the phone did not include positioning tools, such as GPS.

Design and Build Quality

This phone came with a simple yet functional design, appropriate for the early 2000s. The build offered a durable plastic finish, and it utilized the Mini-SIM format. The lack of a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack suggested its basic use for communication rather than entertainment.

Display Features

The display of the LG L3100 featured a TFT screen capable of showing 65K colors. The screen resolution was 128 x 160 pixels. These specifications, while modest today, were adequate during the time of the phone's release, offering a satisfactory viewing experience for standard phone functions and minimal graphic-based applications.

Camera Specifications

The device was equipped with a single rear VGA camera with a 0.3 MP resolution which was common for phones of that era. The camera did not support video recording. While not a focus in terms of high-end photography, this simple camera allowed users to capture spontaneous moments without expectations of high quality imagery.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the LG L3100 came with 1.5MB of storage, a common limitation for feature phones designed primarily for calls and messages. The phonebook could store up to 200 contacts, and it kept records of the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. However, it did not provide a card slot for expanding storage, a feature often added in later mobile phone models.

Sound and Ringtones

The LG L3100 did not come with a built-in loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack. Users received alerts through vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, which brightened the otherwise basic auditory experience the phone offered.

Messaging and Browser Capabilities

For messaging, the phone supported SMS, EMS, and MMS, enabling users to send and receive text messages and picture messages to compatible devices. The browsing experience was limited to WAP 2.0/xHTML, suitable for accessing basic web pages formatted for small screens.

Entertainment and Additional Features

Entertainment on the LG L3100 was simple and included pre-installed games along with Java support MIDP 2.0, allowing for basic applications or simple games to be installed. The lack of additional sensors and multimedia functions makes clear its orientation towards essential tasks rather than modern-day multitasking devices.

Battery Life and Performance

The LG L3100 came with a removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery. In terms of battery life, users could expect standby times of up to 250 hours and talk time of up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. This was considered adequate for a phone that didn't demand high processing power or continuous internet connectivity.

Overall Conclusion

Despite its discontinuation, the LG L3100 represents a noteworthy step in the evolution of mobile phones. Designed for basic communication, it was sufficient for users who required a reliable device for calls and texting at the time. Robust and straightforward, its enduring legacy lies in serving as a stepping stone towards the more sophisticated mobile phones we have today.