LG KC780 review

Rating: 3.5

The LG KC780 is an 8-megapixel mobile aimed at the masses, that fits neatly with LG’s range of phones. Now, currently 8-megapixels on a cameraphone is the very top of the tree, so for LG to be bringing out that capability in a mobile phone aimed at a wide, rather than a premium, audience means some elements have had to be left out of the mix.

We’ve taken this widescreen phone with a slide-out keyboard for a spin. The plastic shell is sleek and shiny – arguably making it less comfortable to hold than a more matt finish. However, find out what we thought of it after the jump…

The LG KC780 is a high-end phone for the masses, as we said but there is one thing missing – and that is 3G. Another is a touch screen. There’s no GPS and no Wi-Fi. There is an accelerometer which is used in some, but not all, applications, 140MB of internal memory and a microSD card slot.

As we’ve mentioned, the KC780 is a slider that hides a large and usable number pad behind the front fascia. The 2.4-inch screen offers 320 x 240 pixels and includes animated wallpaper, which is bright and colourful. Overall this phone measures 105mm x 51mm x 13.7mm and weighs 90g.

It isn’t, then, exactly tiny for the pocket, but it size means there is space for large front buttons including a big D-pad with hardwired shortcuts to messaging, profiles, music playback and a favourites menu. That favourite menu can be set up with nine shortcuts, making getting around this phone fairly easy.

The camera includes face detection and smile shot modes, LED flash and macro mode. The lens isn’t protected by a cover and sits flush to the back of the casing so it could get scratched. There is some shutter lag, but its photos are sharp enough. Just don’t expect perfection. Video goes up to 720 x 480 and includes a slow-mo mode.

Verdict
The LG KC780 doesn’t win any prizes for packing in the features despite its headline grabbing camera. But as a mid range phone it does a fair job.

Best features
Camera
Large buttons
Good access to applications

Not so good
Slightly chunky to carry
Shutter lag
Not 3G

Check out our LG KC780 gallery:

Closest rivals

Sony Ericsson W980
Sony Ericsson deserve praise for fitting a generous 8GB dollop of internal memory and front dedicated Walkman music player controls into this compact clamshell.

Nokia 5310 XpressMusic
Despite being the 5320’s younger XpressMusic bro the 5310 is still an attractive proposition with a slimline profile, dedicated music controls and an integrated 3.5mm headphone jack.

HTC Touch Diamond
Stylish looks and powered by a Windows Mobile engine, this touch-loving smartphone has 4GB worth of internal memory to store about 1,000 average-sized MP3 tracks.