LG U880 Comprehensive Review of Features Pricing and Performance

Design and Build

The LG U880 is a device that showcases a compact and functional design typical of its time. Measuring at 98.8 x 49 x 18.2 mm and weighing 99 grams, it was relatively light and portable, easily fitting into a pocket. The body of the phone had a solid build with four color variants available: glossy black, matt black, silver, and pink, adding a touch of personalization for users who wanted a stylish look.

Display

The display of the LG U880 features a 2.0-inch TFT screen capable of presenting 256K colors with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. Although this might seem modest by today's standards, it provided a decent viewing experience for the time, fulfilling basic needs for displaying messages, photos, and simple applications. The compact screen size resulted in a pixel density of about 141 ppi, enough for crisp text and colorful graphics.

Camera Capabilities

One of the notable features is its 1.3 MP main camera equipped with a unique 180-degree rotating lens. This design allowed users to take photos from multiple angles and was particularly innovative for capturing selfies. The camera could record video at QCIF quality, which was suitable for casual recording during that era.

Performance and Software

As a feature phone, the LG U880 didn't run on a modern smartphone operating system but still offered a variety of functionalities. It supported Java MIDP 2.0, enabling users to download and enjoy various applications and games. The phone featured a straightforward user interface, focusing primarily on communication and basic multimedia capabilities.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the LG U880 offered 75MB of storage, a reasonably generous amount for storing contacts, messages, and a few media files. For those needing more space, it included a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing expansion of its storage capabilities. The phonebook could accommodate up to 500 entries, and it was possible to log the last ten dialed, received, and missed calls, which helped in maintaining communication records efficiently.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1050 mAh battery, the LG U880 provided decent battery life for everyday use. It offered up to 236 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours of talk time. This was quite satisfactory for a device from that period, ensuring users could go through most of the day without needing a charge.

Network and Connectivity

The LG U880 supported GSM and UMTS technologies, allowing it to operate on multiple frequency bands, including GSM 900/1800/1900 and UMTS 2100. This versatility enabled users to enjoy mobile connectivity in various regions. The data speeds were capped at 384 kbps, which was adequate for basic browsing and email usage at the time. As for connectivity, the phone included Bluetooth 1.1 for pairing with headsets and exchanging files, while its USB connectivity relied on proprietary cables.

Sound and Multimedia

Audio-wise, the LG U880 was equipped with stereo speakers and supported a range of alert types, including vibration and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. However, it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, which meant users needed to use headphones compatible with its proprietary connector or rely on the loudspeaker for audio playback, which was a common limitation of phones during that period.

Additional Features

Despite its simplicity as a feature phone, the LG U880 offered several interesting features. It supported SMS, EMS, MMS, and email for communication, which was essential for keeping in touch. The phone also featured a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic web access. Furthermore, the inclusion of downloadable games added entertainment value, whilst polyphonic ringtones and stereo speakers enhanced its multimedia appeal.

Conclusion

The LG U880 can be seen as a quintessential example of mid-2000s feature phones, balancing form and function with basic multimedia features. Its rotating camera, expandable storage, and sturdy design were its standout attributes. While it may not compete with today's smartphones, it served its purpose back in the day, offering reliable communication and entertainment solutions within a stylish and compact package.