LG KC 550

Introduction:

The cell phone market offers a variety of models, targeting the different consumer groups. Some people look for music centric devices, others are interested in such that have advanced Internet capabilities, cameras etc. In this review, we will discuss a model targeting the last group.

This is LG KC550, the first budget 5-megapixel cameraphone from a leading manufacturer. It is a mid-level slider and is equipped with Schneider-KREUZNACH autofocus lens, which places it next to the pretentious cameraphones. The manufacturer claims that the model has a fast processor for faster picture viewing and reproduction of videos in DVD resolution (720x480 pixels). In addition, the LG has a built-in TV-out and an accelerometer with which to play the preloaded games.




Design:
The design resembles the one of the modern digital cameras and is more convenient for taking pictures than attractive. The materials used to make the phone create a nice feeling of a quality product.

The TFT display is 2.4” with resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and supports 262K colors. In darker environments, they are well-saturated and lively, and the screen is even brighter than usual. Unfortunately, due to the mirror like effect, it is almost useless in direct sunlight.




Interface:
HomescreenFor homescreen background, you have preloaded static and flash animated wallpapers. Part of the second type rotate influenced by the accelerometer, but the more interesting thing here is that you can use one of the games (Dart, Maze or Magic Ball) for a background and play it.




Conclusion:
As a 5-megapixel cameraphone, LG KC550 performs worse than the best ones available on the market. However, the pictures are good for such a low price. Multimedia wise it has the advantage to reproduce videos in DVD resolution on a big screen via the TV-out.

At the end of the day, the combination of a “not so bad camera”, good multimedia features, and affordable price, transform KC550 in a quite good offer for the average user. The closest alternative in price is Viewty, which delivers a similar picture quality but on a larger screen and DivX support. However, if you are only interested in a good camera and not such functionality as we mentioned above, Samsung G600 is a better choice at an even lower price.