The LG KU380: An Affordable and Functional Feature Phone
When it comes to mobile devices, the first brands that come to mind are usually Apple, Samsung, and Huawei. But back in 2008, LG released a feature phone that offered all the necessary functions at a much more affordable price – the KU380.
The Basics
The KU380, also known as the "LG Slide," was released in 2008 and quickly gained popularity due to its pocket-friendly price tag and useful features. This device weighs just 91g and is 17.9mm thick, making it lightweight and easy to carry around. It also has a 60MB storage capacity, but you can expand it through a microSD slot.
Network and Operating System
The KU380 is a GSM/UMTS device, meaning it operates on both 2G and 3G networks. It supports the 2G bands of GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 and the 3G band of UMTS 2100. As for its operating system, it runs on a feature phone system, perfect for those who don't need all the bells and whistles of a smartphone.
Display and Camera
The KU380 features a 1.76 inch TFT display with 256K colors, offering decent visual quality for a feature phone. Its main camera is 1.3 megapixels and can record videos at QCIF@15fps. It also has a small front-facing camera for selfies, although its quality is not specified.
Sound and Communication
The KU380 has a built-in loudspeaker and supports vibration, along with polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. It also has Bluetooth 1.2 and a USB 2.0 port for easy file transfer. However, it does not have Wi-Fi or a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may be a drawback for some users.
Features and Battery Life
For its price, the KU380 offers some impressive features such as SMS, EMS, MMS, and email messaging, along with a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser. It also has several built-in games and supports Java for additional downloadable games. Other features include an MP3/MP4 player, predictive text input, organizer, and voice memo.
The KU380 runs on a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery and can last up to 300 hours on standby and up to 2 hours and 45 minutes of talk time.
Availability and Price
The LG KU380 comes in Black and White color options and was priced at around 60 EUR upon its release. However, it has been discontinued, so it may not be available in all markets anymore.
In Conclusion
Although released over a decade ago, the LG KU380 is a device that can still serve its purpose in today's digital world. With its basic yet essential features, lightweight design, and affordable price, it's a great option for those looking for a functional communication device without breaking the bank.
