LG L Fino Unveiling Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of LG L Fino

The LG L Fino, announced in August 2014 and released in September of the same year, was designed as an entry-level smartphone targeting budget-conscious consumers. Although discontinued now, its feature set was quite relevant for its time, promising a blend of essential functionalities without breaking the bank.

Design and Build

The LG L Fino features a carefully considered design with dimensions measuring 127.5 x 67.9 x 11.9 mm and weighs 145 grams. The emphasis on ergonomics allows it to sit comfortably in one hand, making it easy to use. The device comes with a choice of single SIM or dual SIM configurations using Micro-SIM cards, aiming to enhance its versatility for global users. The back is slightly curved, which contributes to a firm grip.

Display

Equipped with a 4.5-inch IPS LCD screen, the LG L Fino offers a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels that translates to a pixel density of ~207 PPI. While this density level doesn't offer the sharpness seen in higher-end models, it's adequate for general viewing needs such as browsing and social media. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing resilience against scratches and everyday wear and tear.

Performance

At its core, the LG L Fino is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8212 Snapdragon 200 chipset. It's equipped with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 302 GPU, making it capable of handling basic smartphone tasks efficiently. The 1GB RAM ensures that users can operate applications without significant lag, although demanding games and applications might be beyond its capacity. This device operates on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, skinned with LG's UI 3, providing a user-friendly interface.

Camera

The smartphone is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera featuring autofocus and an LED flash for low-light conditions. With additional features like panorama shooting and the capability to record video at 480p, users can capture memorable moments with ease. For selfies, the LG L Fino includes a VGA front-facing camera, which may not deliver high-resolution images but allows for simple video calls and self-captures.

Storage and Memory

Internally, the LG L Fino provides a modest 4GB of storage, which may quickly deplete with larger apps and media files. However, this storage can be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC slot, delivering some flexibility in managing files. With 1GB of RAM, multitasking is possible for standard cellphone applications, although it may be limited with more resource-intensive usage.

Battery Life

The device entertains a removable Li-Ion 1900 mAh battery, which offers decent longevity. The battery's lifespan in standby mode extends up to 345 hours on 3G networks, providing reliable duration for intermittent charging routines. When actively used for calls, the battery supports up to 15 hours of talk time on 3G, indicating efficient energy management for prolonged conversations.

Connectivity

Connectivity options supply standard functionality for a smartphone of its era. The LG L Fino supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, benefiting users with 3G connectivity and speeds of up to 21.1/5.76 Mbps. Additional communications features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP for wireless connectivity. Location services are bolstered by GPS and GLONASS support. The device also includes NFC capability, an FM radio with RDS, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Additional Features

In terms of sensory features, the LG L Fino provides an accelerometer and proximity sensors, typical of smartphones during its launch period. Its inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack and a loudspeaker supports basic audio needs. The device was available in several color variants: White, Black, Gold, Red, and Green, catering to a range of personal aesthetics.

Market Position and Pricing

Upon release, the LG L Fino targeted users looking for affordable smartphone solutions, entering the market at a price point of approximately 110 EUR. By focusing on fundamental smartphone features, LG aimed to reach consumers procuring their first smartphones or those requiring reliable secondary devices.

Conclusion

The LG L Fino epitomizes a snapshot of smartphone technology in 2014 focused on accessibility and essential functionality. Its commendable design, coupled with a balance of specifications suited to standard smartphone tasks, marks it as an apt introductory or budget-friendly choice. Even though technology has progressed since its discontinuation, the LG L Fino remains a relevant study in delivering smartphone experiences to broader demographics.