LG X Style Everything You Need to Know

Overview of LG X Style

The LG X Style, released in September 2016, marked LG's entry into the affordable smartphone market with a focus on design and usability. It's designed to cater to users seeking an attractive smartphone without the premium price tag. Despite being discontinued, the LG X Style remains a subject of interest for technology enthusiasts and budget-conscious consumers. This article delves into the LG X Style's specifications, performance, design, and overall usability.

Design and Build Quality

The LG X Style boasts a sleek and slim design, with dimensions measuring 144.8 x 71.4 x 6.9 mm, and a weight of just 121 grams. These features make it an easy device to handle and carry. Intended to fit comfortably in the user's hand, the X Style's thin profile (6.9 mm) and lightweight build set it apart from bulkier alternatives. The phone is available in three colors: Black, White, and Titan, catering to varying user preferences.

The device is constructed with a plastic body that, while not matching the premium feel of metal or glass, aligns well with its budget nature while still offering a sturdy user experience. The X Style features a single or dual SIM option, providing flexibility for users who travel or need multiple numbers.

Display

The LG X Style features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi. This ensures clear and vivid display quality suitable for everyday use, including web browsing, video playback, and gaming. The screen dominates about 66.7% of the phone's front surface, offering a satisfactory viewing area typical for smartphones of its class during its time.

Performance and Hardware

Powering the LG X Style is the Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 chipset, which includes a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 304 GPU. While these specifications are modest by today's standards, they provide adequate performance for basic smartphone tasks such as social media, web browsing, and light multitasking.

Complementing the processor is 1.5GB of RAM, which supports the device's ability to handle multiple applications without significant delay. The internal storage is capped at 16GB, but can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing users to store more apps, photos, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

The LG X Style is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera featuring autofocus and an LED flash. This setup allows users to capture moments with reasonable clarity and includes features such as panorama mode. The camera is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30 frames per second, which is satisfactory for capturing everyday events.

On the front, the smartphone houses a 5 MP selfie camera, which supports 720p video recording. Although basic, these camera specifications are sufficient for casual photography and video calling needs.

Software and User Interface

The phone runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, which was current at the time of the LG X Style's release. This version of Android brought enhancements such as better app permissions, Google Now on Tap, and improved battery management. The OS provides a user-friendly interface suitable for both new and experienced smartphone users.

Battery Life

The LG X Style is equipped with a non-removable 2100 mAh Li-Ion battery. Though the capacity appears limited compared to modern standards, the phone’s power-efficient hardware helps maintain a full day’s availability under moderate use, which includes checking emails, browsing the web, and making calls.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The LG X Style supports multiple connectivity options, including LTE Cat4 with download speeds up to 150 Mbps, HSPA, and GSM networks. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP and LE, GPS with GLONASS, and an FM radio. The device lacks NFC but offers a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of audio peripherals.

Furthermore, the phone is fitted with essential sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, contributing to its navigational and interactive capabilities.

Market Position and Pricing

At launch, the LG X Style was marketed as an affordable smartphone solution with a price tag of approximately 70 EUR. Its features aimed to attract budget-conscious consumers looking for a stylish device without sacrificing essential smartphone functions. Despite fierce competition in the budget segment, the X Style's design and usability helped it stand out in a crowded market.

Conclusion

The LG X Style serves as an example of balancing design, functionality, and affordability. While it does not boast cutting-edge technology or high-end materials, its capability to perform core smartphone tasks efficiently makes it a viable option for budget-minded consumers. Despite being discontinued, the LG X Style holds a place in the segment for its practical design and solid performance within its class. As an entry-level smartphone, it meets the needs of users seeking simplicity and ease of use in their daily interactions with technology.