The Revolutionary LG CU500: A Feature Phone Ahead of Its Time
In 2006, the mobile phone market was dominated by bulky and expensive smartphones. However, LG shook things up with the release of its revolutionary CU500 feature phone. With its sleek design and advanced features, it quickly became a fan favorite and set a new standard for feature phones.
The Heart of the CU500: Operating System and Network
The LG CU500 runs on a feature phone operating system, which provides a simple yet efficient user experience. But don't let the simplicity fool you - this device boasts impressive network capabilities. It supports GSM and HSPA technology, making it compatible with most networks around the world. With GSM bands ranging from 850 to 1900, users were able to stay connected wherever they went.
Compact Design, Big Performance
The LG CU500 may appear small, but it packs a punch. Weighing in at only 105g and measuring just 19.3mm in thickness, it was one of the slimmest and lightest feature phones of its time. Despite its compact size, it offered impressive storage options with a microSD slot, allowing users to store all their essential files without worrying about running out of space.
Enhanced Display and Multimedia Features
The CU500's TFT display with 65K colors provided sharp and vibrant image quality, supported by a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. It also featured a second external TFT display, providing quick access to notifications and calls even when the device was closed.
But what truly set the CU500 apart from other feature phones was its multimedia capabilities. It came equipped with a 1.3-megapixel rotating camera, allowing users to take both front and back-facing photos. It also featured stereo speakers and external music keys, making it the perfect device for music lovers. And with streaming TV and video telephony options, staying entertained on-the-go was never a problem.
Convenient Connectivity and Versatile Features
The LG CU500 may have been a feature phone, but it offered convenient connectivity options such as Bluetooth 1.1 and A2DP support. It also had a dedicated music player for MP3, AAC, and AAC+ files, as well as a photo editor and organizers to help users stay productive and organized.
Long-lasting Battery and Affordable Price
The removable Li-Po 1100 mAh battery ensured that users could stay connected for up to 240 hours on standby and up to 5 hours of talk time. And with a price tag of only 70 EUR, the LG CU500 offered incredible value for its advanced features.
Discontinued But Forever Remembered
Although the LG CU500 was discontinued shortly after its release, it made a lasting impact on the feature phone industry. It was a device ahead of its time, offering high-end features and capabilities in a compact and affordable package. And even today, many people still remember this revolutionary device with fondness and nostalgia.
Overall, the LG CU500 was a game-changer in the world of feature phones. It paved the way for more advanced devices, showing that you don't need a bulky and expensive smartphone to get the latest and greatest features. It truly was a device that will be remembered for its innovation, performance, and affordability.
LG CU500 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM / HSPA
2G bands
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands
HSDPA 2100
Speed
HSPA 1.8 Mbps
Launch
Announced
2006, July
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
96.5 x 49.5 x 19.3 mm (3.80 x 1.95 x 0.76 in)
Weight
105 g (3.70 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 65K colors
Size
Resolution
176 x 220 pixels
Other
Second external TFT display, 65K colors (96 x 96 pixels)
Memory
Card slot
microSD (dedicated slot)
Phonebook
500 entries, Photocall
Call records
40 dialed, 40 received, 40 missed calls
Main Camera
Single
1.3 MP
Features
rotating lens
Video
Yes
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
Yes, with stereo speakers
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Other
External music keys
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
1.1, A2DP
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games
Yes + Java downloadable
Java
Yes, MIDP 2.0
Other
Streaming TV, video telephony
MP3/AAC/AAC+ player
Predictive text input
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo