The year was 2005. Technology was rapidly advancing and the world of mobile phones was experiencing major changes. LG, a leader in the industry, released the L342i, a feature phone with impressive specifications for its time.
Design and Dimensions
As with most phones of its era, the L342i had a compact and simple design. It weighed only 90g and had a thickness of 24.7mm - making it one of the slimmest phones on the market. The phone also came in a sleek blue color, adding to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Display and Storage
The L342i featured a small STN display with 65K colors, a common feature in phones back then. The resolution was 128 x 160 pixels, which may seem low by today's standards but was considered decent at the time. What set the L342i apart from other feature phones was its second external display. This mono STN display added an extra touch of convenience and allowed users to check notifications and incoming calls without opening the phone.
In terms of storage, the L342i had 3.5MB available - a decent amount for a feature phone. However, it did not have a card slot for expandable storage, which was a common feature in most phones at the time.
Network and Connectivity
The L342i was a GSM phone, operating on 2G bands - GSM 900/1800. It also had GPRS Class 10 capabilities, allowing for basic browsing and messaging. Unlike other phones of its time, the L342i did not have Bluetooth, WLAN, or GPS, which are now considered essential features in a phone.
Camera and Multimedia
The L342i had a single VGA camera, which was standard for most phones at the time. However, it did not have the ability to record videos - a feature that was quickly becoming common in other phones. The phone also did not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack, meaning users had to rely on downloads for polyphonic ringtones.
Features and Battery Life
Despite its lack of advanced features, the L342i still offered a range of options for users. It had SMS, EMS, MMS, and email messaging capabilities, as well as an iMode browser for basic internet browsing. The phone also had built-in games, making it a popular choice among gamers.
In terms of battery life, the L342i had a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, with a standby time of up to 100 hours and talk time of up to 3 hours. While not impressive by today's standards, it allowed users to stay connected for extended periods without worrying about running out of battery.
The Verdict: A Discontinued Gem
The LG L342i may not seem like a standout phone in today's market, but in 2005, it was a game changer. Its compact design, second external display, and decent storage made it a popular choice among consumers. Despite being discontinued, the L342i remains a beloved phone among those who were lucky enough to own it during its prime. It will always be remembered as a feature phone that was ahead of its time.
