LG Ray Review Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of LG Ray

The LG Ray is a smartphone that was announced in November 2015 and released in January 2016. Despite being discontinued, it still attracts attention for its balance of features and affordability. Aimed at users who are looking for a large display experience without a hefty price tag, the LG Ray provides a comprehensive set of features in a budget-friendly package.

Design and Build

The LG Ray flaunts a sleek design with dimensions of 152.5 x 76.4 x 9.3 mm and weighs 158 grams. It comes in three attractive colors: Silver, Gold, and Titan Black. The smartphone is available in single SIM and dual SIM variants, both options utilizing Micro-SIM with dual standby capability for the latter. The design is ergonomic, making it comfortable for extended use, and despite its large screen, it fits well within the hands due to its rounded edges and slim profile.

Display

Equipped with a 5.5-inch IPS LCD screen, the LG Ray offers a display resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 267 ppi. Though not full HD, the screen is vibrant with decent viewing angles, suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing, media consumption, and social networking. The 16:9 aspect ratio is standard, providing a satisfactory balance between a cinematic feel and practicality for general usage.

Performance

Under the hood, the LG Ray is powered by a Mediatek MT6592M chipset, with an Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. It features a Mali-450MP4 GPU, which handles basic gaming and multimedia tasks adequately. The device includes 1GB of RAM, which is modest by modern standards but sufficient for lightweight multitasking and navigating the Android 5.1 (Lollipop) operating system.

Camera Capabilities

The LG Ray's camera setup includes a 13 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of 1080p video recording at 30fps. The camera provides reasonable photo and video quality for casual use and social media sharing. On the front, there is an 8 MP selfie camera which, while basic, exceeds expectations for selfies and video calls at this price point.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC slot. This expandability is a considerable advantage for those who need extra storage for apps, photos, and media. However, the device's 1GB of RAM can limit performance when running multiple demanding applications simultaneously.

Battery Life

LG Ray houses a removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, which delivers good battery life, allowing most users to get through a day of moderate use without requiring a charge. The fact that it's removable adds flexibility for users who prefer carrying a spare battery for extended use or need easy battery replacements.

Connectivity and Sensors

The LG Ray supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, providing reliable connectivity with 2G and 3G bands. It offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS. Notably, however, it does not support NFC or radio. For physical connections, it uses a microUSB 2.0 port. The device is equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, allowing for basic applications and functionalities.

Sound and Multimedia

The LG Ray includes a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, offering satisfactory audio quality for media playback and calls. The inclusion of a headphone jack is convenient for those who prefer using wired headphones, and the loudspeaker provides reasonable clarity and volume for hands-free use.

Pricing

When it was available, the LG Ray was priced around 190 EUR, positioning it in the mid-range category. For its price, it offered a considerable amount of features, including its sizeable display and decent camera specifications, ensuring good value for budget-conscious consumers seeking a smartphone for everyday use.

Conclusion

Overall, the LG Ray is a competent choice for users seeking a large-screen device with basic smartphone functionalities. While its specifications may not match high-end devices, it offers a balanced mix of design, performance, and affordability. Ideal for those who need a reliable smartphone for routine use without the bells and whistles, LG Ray remains a memorable entry in LG's lineup of budget smartphones.