LG CU500
Track(s) in black
Oh, the impact of the RAZR. Although clearly a key factor in determining the design of Samsung’s Sync phone, the LG CU500 is just as guilty of ripping off Motorola’s sleek talker. Unlike the Sync, which is an awkward, grayish 80s briefcase-type color, the LG is jet black. It might just be the preferred cell phone of international spies.
So, what makes this phone so special?
Aside from looks, the LG CU500 is unique because of its download speed, clocked at 1.8 Mbps. This is extremely quick for a cell phone, and should allow users a fast lane for transferring music files from another source to their LG device.
In addition, owners of the LG CU500 will find that the phone has some pretty phenomenal support for Cingular Video and Music. That means there are many programs available for downloading media, making the LG a handy device for those who don’t want to fool around with various confusing protocols. The icing on the cake is the quality of the video and sound, which are second to none.
- Tech Highlights
- Networks: HSDPA / GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 (Quad-band)
- Bluetooth v1.1
- Messaging: IM, SMS, MMS, e-mail
- GPRS
- 3G HDSPA 1.8 Mbps
What about the design?
This is certainly one of LG’s strong points. While that may not sound too hot for the consumer seeking an in-depth machine, it’s simply a particularly attractive machine. The rotating camera is a nice touch, albeit a bit unnecessary.
Cons?
Earlier we mentioned that this sexy black phone might just be the communicator of international secret agents. We’ll have to amend that: it would be, if it weren’t for the relatively average camera. Now, we know this guide is all about music, but the 1.3 megapixel image quality just doesn’t measure up to the Samsung’s Sync, with its 2.0 megapixel capabilities. Sorry music fans, we had to get that off our chests.
Finally, the battery has to be physically removed in order to grab the SD memory slot, a painful process that brings back equally agonizing memories of the original Nokia N-Gage.
Concluding thoughts
Although it looks like the phone of super-spies, the LG CU500 is actually one of the best choices for mainstream media fans. Although not as impressive as the competition’s, the camera is adequate; however, the real meat here is the video display and music quality, which trump most of the other phones listed in our guide.