Miles
13-12-2005, 07:49 AM
LG u880 3G Phone Review
Note : This review is written by an editorial member of 3G staff for the readers of www.3G.co.uk and for the members of the 3G Forum. A full list of 3G Phone Reviews by phone manufacturer and date order can be found here http://www.3g.co.uk/3GPhoneReviews.htm.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/LGu880Top.jpg
Best features
Slim and light 3G phone
Good battery life
Large 2.0" colour screen
Specification Details
Size 98.8x49x18.2mm
Weight 98g
Int. Display 96mm x 86mm
262,000 colours 176 x 220 pixels
Ext. Display 1.17" 96x 96mm, 65,000 colours TFT
Camera 1.3 Mega Pixel Camera
Video recording / playback Yes/ Yes
Audio playback Windows Media (audio and video) Player & Supports MP3 playback.
Connectivity Bluetooth USB
Internal memory 80mb expandable
Memory card slot TransFlash memory card slot ( not supplied )
Polyphonic 64 Polyphonic
Messaging SMS, EMS, MMS, Email
Email client POP3, IMAP4 SMTP
WAP 2.0
Frequency Tri-band.900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2.1 (Ghz)
Talktime 236 hrs
Standby 222 mins
Videocall 144 mins
http://www.3g.co.uk//PR/Dec2005/BuyBlack.gif (http://shop.3g.co.uk/)
Has LG Moved On At Last ?
A long, long time ago ( April 2004 ), LG introduced the first of the 8100 series of 3G mobile handsets. I bought one and so did Simon Cowell ( X-factor fame ). It was a trailblazer and a hot potato at the sales counter. But then, LG made so many reincarnations of the same model, it would take a younger brain than mine to count exactly how many variations of the same basic phone followed. Now, approaching 2 years later they launch their new offering. Has LG moved on ? asks Kevin Thomas of 3G.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/LGU880Group.jpg
Last month, LG unveiled the u880 as the "world's slimmest 3G phone" and at 18.2mm thick, I don't know of any 3G phone in Europe that's thinner. I've checked the Motorola V3x 3G phone and its 19.6mm thick. At 98 grams, this is certainly one of the lightest around. The last LG we reviewed weighed in at 132 grams ( LG 8360 ). Now that's downsizing for you.
The early LG 3G phones lacked some basic features like : Bluetooth, a powerful camera and expandable memory. Those shortcomings are brushed aside with the arrival of LG's new 3G offering. One thing for sure is that 3G is definitely moving out of the infancy phase when you see 3G phones like this hitting the shops. My first impression of the u880 is that its "on the money".
A major eyesore with all the LG's to date was the external antenna which protruded over 20mm beyond the top of the phone. So much so, that some clever people made a nice profit from selling shorter antennas to solve this issue. I am delighted to confirm this is no longer an eyesore as the antenna is now hidden away inside the phone. Did LG read our earlier reviews where I moaned and groaned continuously about the external antenna. I would like to think so.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/LGu880OpenSide.jpg
First impressions count. The shocking pink version is not for me. But no doubt pop band "Girls Aloud" would look super cool clasping a small, lightweight 3G phone in shocking pink. The other available colours are black and silver. Steer clear of the silver version it lacks charisma compared to the other colours.
The u880 arrives at the same time as Moto's 3G V3x Razr. A quick head to head overview follows :
Feature u880 3G V3x Razr
Slimness 18.2mm thick 19.6mm thick
Weight 98 grams 125 grams
Display 176x220 pixels 240x320 pixels
Internal memory 80MB 65MB
Expandable TransFlash/microSD TransFlash/microSD
Camera 1.3 megapixel digital camera (swivelling) 2 cameras (main is 2.0 megapixels),
Talktime 4 hours specified 5 hours specified
The above summary shows the LG u880 as a real contender to the new 3G Motorola V3x Razr and judged by that yardstick it's destined to capture many Xmas and New Year sales.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/LGu880OpenClam.gif
The large user memory can store more than 20 MP3 songs and the phone has buttons on the outside of the clamshell for easy control of the MP3 player function. The outer screen will show the MP3 song title with an animation ( the default is the ’3' logo prancing about ). 80 MB of internal memory can be boosted to 336 MB ( via 256MB microSD card ). That's an impressive 85 MP3 songs stored on a little old 3G phone.
There is also a speakerphone so you can hear what the other party is saying whilst conducting realtime video calls - as opposed to clambering around hunting for your headset. The stereo speaker volume is loud enough to hear adequately.
If you have fingers like sausages. Don't despair. The keypad and all the buttons are highly user friendly and the vast majority of people will find using the phone a pleasant experience from this perspective. The 4 way navigational key is particularly sweet and the keypad excels via its square flat keys.
The 1.3 megapixels camera is perfectly adequate for current demands but a flash has been omitted. The camera interface is well built with 100% screen preview and can take up to 1280 x 960 pixels pictures - with 6 resolution options. LG need to quickly update the camera to 2 megapixels or beyond at the earliest opportunity to keep pace with other manufacturers.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/LGU880Hand.jpg
The internal display is a large 2.0" colour screen with simple user interface with distinctive graphics. Its large and bright with 262k colours. The external display ( 65K ) is also bright and will work considerably better than a lot of others. If you haven't tried an LG before the whole menu system may take a little getting used to but you would soon master this and should find it rather slick.
Of note, is the full screen playback to experience mobile TV like streaming services. The ‘instant viewer’ can be clicked via the screen and the contents will be streamed onto the screen. The phone has the ability to take pictures and videos when the clam is closed and viewed on the outer screen.
HoHoHo. Wave goodbye to the old LG 3G phones and bring in the new. LG downsizes and makes a giant step forward in the 3G handset desirability stakes. This is a mainstream handset which will be bought by both sexes. Will appeal to the general public and mobile phone enthusiasts.
Pros
Lightweight 3G mobile with loads of muscle ready to take on allcomers.
Cons
No camera flash - megapixel boost needed to meet 2006 buyers expectations.
Verdict
A giant leap forward for LG with the end result being a serious piece of 3G kit.
3G Total Score 88%
http://www.3g.co.uk//PR/Dec2005/BuyBlack.gif (http://shop.3g.co.uk/)
This review covers the above mobile phone only and does not address the performance of any 3G Network. The score is based on a 3G mobile phone checklist.
Copyright : You are advised that this material is the copyright of www.3G.co.uk and is our own personal view only. (C) All rights reserved 2005. Whist every care has been taken in the preparation of this review, the author nor 3G.co.uk cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or authenticity of the information it contains, or consequence arising from it.
Note : This review is written by an editorial member of 3G staff for the readers of www.3G.co.uk and for the members of the 3G Forum. A full list of 3G Phone Reviews by phone manufacturer and date order can be found here http://www.3g.co.uk/3GPhoneReviews.htm.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/LGu880Top.jpg
Best features
Slim and light 3G phone
Good battery life
Large 2.0" colour screen
Specification Details
Size 98.8x49x18.2mm
Weight 98g
Int. Display 96mm x 86mm
262,000 colours 176 x 220 pixels
Ext. Display 1.17" 96x 96mm, 65,000 colours TFT
Camera 1.3 Mega Pixel Camera
Video recording / playback Yes/ Yes
Audio playback Windows Media (audio and video) Player & Supports MP3 playback.
Connectivity Bluetooth USB
Internal memory 80mb expandable
Memory card slot TransFlash memory card slot ( not supplied )
Polyphonic 64 Polyphonic
Messaging SMS, EMS, MMS, Email
Email client POP3, IMAP4 SMTP
WAP 2.0
Frequency Tri-band.900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2.1 (Ghz)
Talktime 236 hrs
Standby 222 mins
Videocall 144 mins
http://www.3g.co.uk//PR/Dec2005/BuyBlack.gif (http://shop.3g.co.uk/)
Has LG Moved On At Last ?
A long, long time ago ( April 2004 ), LG introduced the first of the 8100 series of 3G mobile handsets. I bought one and so did Simon Cowell ( X-factor fame ). It was a trailblazer and a hot potato at the sales counter. But then, LG made so many reincarnations of the same model, it would take a younger brain than mine to count exactly how many variations of the same basic phone followed. Now, approaching 2 years later they launch their new offering. Has LG moved on ? asks Kevin Thomas of 3G.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/LGU880Group.jpg
Last month, LG unveiled the u880 as the "world's slimmest 3G phone" and at 18.2mm thick, I don't know of any 3G phone in Europe that's thinner. I've checked the Motorola V3x 3G phone and its 19.6mm thick. At 98 grams, this is certainly one of the lightest around. The last LG we reviewed weighed in at 132 grams ( LG 8360 ). Now that's downsizing for you.
The early LG 3G phones lacked some basic features like : Bluetooth, a powerful camera and expandable memory. Those shortcomings are brushed aside with the arrival of LG's new 3G offering. One thing for sure is that 3G is definitely moving out of the infancy phase when you see 3G phones like this hitting the shops. My first impression of the u880 is that its "on the money".
A major eyesore with all the LG's to date was the external antenna which protruded over 20mm beyond the top of the phone. So much so, that some clever people made a nice profit from selling shorter antennas to solve this issue. I am delighted to confirm this is no longer an eyesore as the antenna is now hidden away inside the phone. Did LG read our earlier reviews where I moaned and groaned continuously about the external antenna. I would like to think so.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/LGu880OpenSide.jpg
First impressions count. The shocking pink version is not for me. But no doubt pop band "Girls Aloud" would look super cool clasping a small, lightweight 3G phone in shocking pink. The other available colours are black and silver. Steer clear of the silver version it lacks charisma compared to the other colours.
The u880 arrives at the same time as Moto's 3G V3x Razr. A quick head to head overview follows :
Feature u880 3G V3x Razr
Slimness 18.2mm thick 19.6mm thick
Weight 98 grams 125 grams
Display 176x220 pixels 240x320 pixels
Internal memory 80MB 65MB
Expandable TransFlash/microSD TransFlash/microSD
Camera 1.3 megapixel digital camera (swivelling) 2 cameras (main is 2.0 megapixels),
Talktime 4 hours specified 5 hours specified
The above summary shows the LG u880 as a real contender to the new 3G Motorola V3x Razr and judged by that yardstick it's destined to capture many Xmas and New Year sales.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/LGu880OpenClam.gif
The large user memory can store more than 20 MP3 songs and the phone has buttons on the outside of the clamshell for easy control of the MP3 player function. The outer screen will show the MP3 song title with an animation ( the default is the ’3' logo prancing about ). 80 MB of internal memory can be boosted to 336 MB ( via 256MB microSD card ). That's an impressive 85 MP3 songs stored on a little old 3G phone.
There is also a speakerphone so you can hear what the other party is saying whilst conducting realtime video calls - as opposed to clambering around hunting for your headset. The stereo speaker volume is loud enough to hear adequately.
If you have fingers like sausages. Don't despair. The keypad and all the buttons are highly user friendly and the vast majority of people will find using the phone a pleasant experience from this perspective. The 4 way navigational key is particularly sweet and the keypad excels via its square flat keys.
The 1.3 megapixels camera is perfectly adequate for current demands but a flash has been omitted. The camera interface is well built with 100% screen preview and can take up to 1280 x 960 pixels pictures - with 6 resolution options. LG need to quickly update the camera to 2 megapixels or beyond at the earliest opportunity to keep pace with other manufacturers.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/LGU880Hand.jpg
The internal display is a large 2.0" colour screen with simple user interface with distinctive graphics. Its large and bright with 262k colours. The external display ( 65K ) is also bright and will work considerably better than a lot of others. If you haven't tried an LG before the whole menu system may take a little getting used to but you would soon master this and should find it rather slick.
Of note, is the full screen playback to experience mobile TV like streaming services. The ‘instant viewer’ can be clicked via the screen and the contents will be streamed onto the screen. The phone has the ability to take pictures and videos when the clam is closed and viewed on the outer screen.
HoHoHo. Wave goodbye to the old LG 3G phones and bring in the new. LG downsizes and makes a giant step forward in the 3G handset desirability stakes. This is a mainstream handset which will be bought by both sexes. Will appeal to the general public and mobile phone enthusiasts.
Pros
Lightweight 3G mobile with loads of muscle ready to take on allcomers.
Cons
No camera flash - megapixel boost needed to meet 2006 buyers expectations.
Verdict
A giant leap forward for LG with the end result being a serious piece of 3G kit.
3G Total Score 88%
http://www.3g.co.uk//PR/Dec2005/BuyBlack.gif (http://shop.3g.co.uk/)
This review covers the above mobile phone only and does not address the performance of any 3G Network. The score is based on a 3G mobile phone checklist.
Copyright : You are advised that this material is the copyright of www.3G.co.uk and is our own personal view only. (C) All rights reserved 2005. Whist every care has been taken in the preparation of this review, the author nor 3G.co.uk cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or authenticity of the information it contains, or consequence arising from it.