Price and specifications of LG Splendor US730 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Network and Connectivity

The LG Splendor US730, a CDMA/EVDO device, operates on CDMA 800/1700/1900/2100 for 2G bands and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO for 3G bands. It provides a speed of EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, ensuring moderate connectivity suitable for the time of its release. However, its lack of 4G support becomes a limitation, especially considering the rapid advancement of mobile network technology since its release in September 2012.

Launch and Availability

Announced and released in September 2012, the LG Splendor US730 is now discontinued. At the time of its launch, it was targeted towards consumers seeking a budget-friendly smartphone experience. Its discontinuation reflects the typical lifecycle of mobile devices, as newer technologies and models have since entered the market.

Design and Build

The device measures 125 x 67 x 9 mm and weighs 120 g, making it a compact and lightweight option. Designed with practicality in mind, the phone features a Mini-SIM slot. Its body design suits its era, offering a balance between usability and portability. Although the phone does not boast premium materials, its build quality is decent for the market segment it targeted.

Display

The LG Splendor US730 offers a 4.3-inch IPS LCD display, with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 62.8%. The resolution stands at 480 x 800 pixels with a 5:3 aspect ratio, delivering a pixel density of around 217 ppi. While this may not meet today's high-definition standards, it was fairly acceptable during its initial release. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, adding durability against scratches and minor impacts.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), the LG Splendor US730 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon S2 chipset. It features a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU. This combination was considered solid for mid-entry level devices in 2012, allowing the phone to handle basic tasks and apps with reasonable efficiency. However, modern apps and intense multitasking could challenge its capabilities.

Memory and Storage

The device includes 4GB of internal storage, with 768MB RAM. While its internal memory might seem restrictive today, a microSDHC slot is available to expand storage capacity, allowing users to extend their device's utility—an essential feature for those who store music, photos, or videos on their devices.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 5 MP autofocus rear camera featuring an LED flash, the phone captures 720p video, which was decent for casual photography and video recording at its time of release. On the front, a VGA camera serves basic selfie and video calling needs. Although not suitable for professional-level photography, these features enabled users to document everyday moments with ease.

Audio and Sound

The LG Splendor US730 features a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, acknowledging user preferences for both public and private audio experiences. While the audio quality may not rival contemporary devices with advanced stereo systems, it still serves well for basic listening needs.

Communication Features

Connectivity options on the device include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and EDR, and GPS with A-GPS for reliable navigation. Absent is an FM radio, a standard feature less prioritized in smartphone designs today. A microUSB 2.0 port allows for charging and data transfer, aligning with the technology standards of its time.

Sensors

The phone is equipped with standard sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, providing essential functionality for various applications and enhancing user experience through features like auto-rotation and direction-based services.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, the LG Splendor US730 offers a standby time of up to 240 hours and a talk time of up to 9 hours. While these specifications cater to moderate usage, the ability to replace the battery can be seen as a significant advantage, offering users an extended device lifespan with the purchase of additional battery packs.

Additional Features and Price

Available in black, the phone was priced at approximately 120 EUR during its market presence, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious consumers. The pricing aligns with its feature set, providing a reasonable balance of performance and cost-effectiveness for the period.

Conclusion

In summary, the LG Splendor US730 serves as a snapshot of mid-range smartphone technology circa 2012. It catered to users seeking basic functionality with a few advanced features like Gorilla Glass protection and expandable storage. While it may no longer be a viable option in today's tech landscape, understanding its specifications provides insight into the evolution of smartphone technology over the years.