LG U8200 Comprehensive Review Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to LG U8200

The LG U8200 is an intriguing addition to the feature phone market and was first announced in the first quarter of 2005. Though it has since been discontinued, this phone offered consumers a variety of functionalities that were considered advanced for its time. It includes fundamental capabilities typically found in a feature phone as well as some elevated options that made it stand out. This article explores the various features and specifications of the LG U8200 in detail.

Design and Build

The LG U8200 measures 89.5 x 47.5 x 24.5 mm and weighs approximately 125 grams. As such, it fits comfortably in one hand and is easily portable. It comes with a Mini-SIM card slot and its overall build presents a traditional flip-style, which was a popular design during its release period. The phone's aesthetics cater to users seeking a classic look accompanied by reliable functionality.

Display

The display of the LG U8200 features a TFT technology screen capable of displaying 65K colors. The screen resolution is set at 176 x 220 pixels. While the specific size of the display is not disclosed, the resolution itself suggests a reasonably sharp display for a feature phone. Ideal for basic functions, this display offers adequate clarity for users to navigate simple menus and read text messages.

Camera Features

One of the key attractions of the LG U8200 is its 1.3 MP primary camera, which also features a 180-degree rotating lens and an LED flash, allowing users to capture images from various angles with improved lighting conditions. While the camera capabilities are modest by today's standards, they still provided useful imaging capabilities at the time of release. The ability to shoot videos is another versatile feature that lent the phone further utility.

Memory and Storage

The LG U8200 comes with an internal memory of 20MB, allowing users to store contacts, messages, and essential data. It also supports a microSD card in a dedicated slot, providing users with the opportunity to expand storage capacity as needed. The phone book has a capacity of 500 entries and it keeps a log of 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls, meeting the essential communication needs of most users.

Networking Capabilities

This feature phone supports GSM/UMTS technology and boasts 2G bands (GSM 900/1800/1900) along with a 3G band (UMTS 2100). It provides data speed up to 384 kbps, which was fairly competitive for feature phones wanting to offer faster data connectivity. Although limited by modern standards, this capability ensured that users had basic network accessibility on the go.

Audio and Sound

The LG U8200 does not feature a loudspeaker but uses vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones to alert users to incoming calls and messages. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is notable and limits audio accessory compatibility. Nevertheless, users could enjoy time-appropriate alert settings and ringtones that sufficed for basic usages at the time.

Communication and Connectivity

Communication on the LG U8200 is facilitated through SMS, MMS, EMail, and Instant Messaging. While it lacks advanced wireless capabilities such as WLAN, it does come with Bluetooth 1.1, which was a valuable connectivity feature for sharing data wirelessly with other devices. Proprietary USB further supports wired connectivity, albeit with a proprietary connector.

Additional Features

The LG U8200 offers various additional functionalities, including a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, allowing users to perform basic web browsing. It also supports Java MIDP 2.0, enabling users to download compatible games and applications. Although the gaming selection does not compare to modern smartphones, it provided a leisure option on a feature phone during its era.

Battery Performance

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 1000 mAh. In terms of battery performance, the LG U8200 provides up to 250 hours of standby time and up to 2 hours of talk time. These figures illustrate adequate battery life for an average day of occasional usage without stressing about frequent recharging.

Conclusion

In summary, the LG U8200 was a well-rounded feature phone that delivered more than just basic telecommunications at its time of release. While it may not compare to contemporary smartphones, its range of functionalities, from mobile imaging to basic data connectivity, made it a practical choice for a host of users. The integration of a rotating camera, expandable memory, and 3G networking offered a taste of versatility that appealed to those seeking more than a basic mobile experience in a compact and reliable design.