In the fast-paced world of technology, it is often easy to forget the devices that paved the way for our current handheld gadgets. The LG U8360, released in June 2005, was a popular feature phone that left a lasting impression on many users. Let's take a closer look at this iconic device.
The Birth of the LG U8360
Announced and released in June 2005, the LG U8360 was one of the first feature phones to offer 3G connectivity. It came with a mini-SIM and had dimensions of 92 x 49 x 24 mm, weighing 132g. Compared to today's smartphones, it may seem bulky, but at the time, it was considered a sleek and modern device.
Notable Features and Specifications
The LG U8360 boasted a TFT display with 256K colors, a second external STN display with 65K colors, and downloadable wallpapers. It also had a 1.3 MP rotating camera, which was considered a high-quality feature back then. The device had a microSD slot for expandable storage and a phonebook that could store up to 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. Additionally, it had a 20 MB internal storage capacity.
Network and Connectivity
The U8360 supported GSM and UMTS technologies, making it one of the first feature phones to offer 3G connectivity. It had triple-band GSM support (900, 1800, 1900) and UMTS 2100 bands. It could also reach speeds of up to 384 kbps. However, it did not have WLAN or Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity.
Entertainment and Multimedia
The LG U8360 had a variety of features to keep users entertained. It had an MP3/AAC/MP4 player, downloadable games, and Java support. It also came with predictive text input, allowing for easier messaging and email sending. However, the device did not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Battery Life and Other Details
One of the most notable features of the LG U8360 was its removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery. Users could expect up to 220 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours of talk time. The device was available in three colors: silver, black, and green.
The Legacy of the LG U8360
The LG U8360 may seem like a simple and basic feature phone compared to today's smartphones. Still, it was a significant step forward in technology, offering 3G connectivity, a rotating camera, and expandable storage. It also paved the way for more advanced feature phones and smartphones from LG and other brands.
In Conclusion
The LG U8360 may have been discontinued, but its impact on the world of technology will be remembered. It remains a favorite among feature phone enthusiasts and collectors, holding a special place in the hearts of those who owned and used this iconic device.
LG U8360 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM / UMTS
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands
UMTS 2100
Speed
Yes, 384 kbps
Launch
Announced
2005, June
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
92 x 49 x 24 mm (3.62 x 1.93 x 0.94 in)
Weight
132 g (4.66 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 256K colors
Size
2.0 inches, 31 x 39 mm, 12.6 cm2 (~27.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution
176 x 220 pixels (~141 ppi density)
Other
Second external STN, 65K colors display (96 x 96 pixels)
Downloadable wallpapers
Memory
Card slot
microSD (dedicated slot)
Phonebook
Yes
Call records
10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Internal
20MB
Main Camera
Single
1.3 MP
Features
180 deg rotating lens
Video
QCIF
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
1.1
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, EMS, MMS, Email
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games
Downloadable
Java
Yes, MIDP 2.0
Other
MP3/AAC/MP4 player
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo