LG L80 Dual Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of LG L80 Dual

Launched in April 2014 and released in May of the same year, the LG L80 Dual was introduced as part of LG's L series aimed at providing users with a balance between functionality and affordability. Despite being discontinued now, the device was initially positioned in the market as a mid-range smartphone suitable for users seeking dual SIM capabilities along with moderate smartphone functionalities.

Network and Connectivity

The LG L80 Dual was equipped with GSM and HSPA network technology. It supported 2G bands such as GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for both SIM slots whereas its 3G compatibility included HSDPA 900/2100 bands. In terms of connectivity speed, it handled HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, which sufficed for basic internet browsing and app usage at the time of its release. Connecting to networks was streamlined by its Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) capability, a feature prized by users needing to manage two different telecom providers simultaneously.

Design and Build

Weighing in at a moderate dimension of 138.2 x 74.3 x 9.7 mm, the LG L80 Dual was designed to fit comfortably within handgrip and usability norms. The specific weight wasn't officially mentioned, but the 9.7 mm thickness suggested a solid, if not sleek build which housed its features well. It included the classic dual Mini-SIM slots enhancing its utility for users requiring multiple SIM handling.

Display Features

The device boasted a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, providing decent color reproduction and viewing angles. With a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 187 ppi, the screen was suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing and media consumption. Although not high-definition, the display size and quality were sufficient for its price point during the time of launch.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the LG L80 Dual was powered by a Qualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200 chipset fabricated on a 28 nm process. It was bundled with a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 302 GPU, which was typical for smartphones in its category during 2014. It operated on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, which provided access to a wide variety of apps and Google services of the time.

Memory and Storage

The internal storage of the LG L80 Dual included a modest 4GB with 1GB RAM, a configuration that was fairly standard among mid-range phones of the time. However, the device supported memory expansion via a microSDHC slot which was a necessary addition given the limited internal storage. This card slot offered users the flexibility of enhancing their storage capacity to accommodate more apps, pictures, and essential files.

Camera Capabilities

The smartphone came with a 5 MP autofocus rear camera, accompanied by an LED flash that supported features such as panorama. Its video recording capabilities included 480p at 30 frames per second, which while basic, provided users with the ability to capture important moments in video format. As for selfies and video calls, the device was equipped with a VGA front camera, adequate for simple personal snapshots but lacking in higher-resolution detail.

Audio and Multimedia

The LG L80 Dual included a loudspeaker, standard for phone calls and media playback. It also retained a 3.5mm audio jack allowing users to connect their favorite headphones conveniently—a preference many users still hold valuable despite the advent of wireless audio devices.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the LG L80 Dual supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and could also function as a mobile hotspot. Bluetooth 4.0 support allowed for easier pairing with a variety of peripherals and accessories. Location services were backed by GPS with GLONASS. However, there was no NFC support, which might be a limitation for users looking for mobile payment solutions.

Battery Life

Powering the LG L80 Dual was a removable Li-Ion 2540 mAh battery which was a reasonably good capacity at the time for mid-range smartphones. Its removable nature gave users the option to easily swap with a spare battery, significantly extending the device’s usable life during heavy usage days.

Sensors and Miscellaneous Features

Sensors on the LG L80 Dual included an accelerometer and a proximity sensor, enabling basic motion and distance measuring applications. It was available in classic white and black color options that offered understated elegance. At launch, it retailed at approximately 120 EUR, aligning with its specifications and target market positioning.

Conclusion

The LG L80 Dual was a solid representation of its era's approach to affordable mid-range smartphones with dual-SIM capabilities. While it may not compete with today's devices in terms of speed or display resolution, it met many users' needs for a reliable and flexible smartphone with essential features and serviceable performance. As technology continues to advance, devices like the LG L80 Dual serve as a reminder of the rapid pace of innovation and the evolution of consumer expectations.