LG Pop GD510 Preview

Introduction and design:

One of the saddest things that have happened this year is the untimely death of the King of pop, Michael Jackson. The queen Madonna, however, seems better than ever and goes on with that she does best, bringing joy to her fans around the world. Well, the LG Pop GD510 is anything to do with them, really, aside from its name that reminds us of the pop culture and its focus of mass entertainment. Yes, this is a feature phone aimed at the mainstream market, equipped with 3-inch touch sensitive screen and WQVGA native resolution, utilizing resistive technology. The handset doesn’t come with any awe-inspiring features, but we need to point out that the prototype did manage to impress us with something…

We are talking about looks here. The LG is advertising the Pop GD510 as the smallest device to come with 3-inch display ever and this is not empty talk indeed. Its compact size allows it to fit into anyone´s pocket and its attractive look and body made from lapped, shiny aluminium will certainly appeal to quite a few people.



You can compare the LG Pop GD510 with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

The button on the front side changes its color depending on what you do – it is red when it serves to  close a menu or green – to open the call register. The LG Pop GD510 is equipped with microUSB port to charge and connect it to a computer.



One of the coolest extra features of the handset is that you can actually mount a solar panel on it. Unlike the Samsung Blue Earth, the panels are sold separately as additional accessory that anyone concerned about nature can easily buy it. The manufacturer also promises a box made from recycled materials and highly energy efficient charger. Removing the back panel reveals the connectors located next to the microSD slot, designed for the solar panel.



As a whole, the outer appearance of the LG Pop GD510 did manage to steal our hearts. Congratulations to the manufacturer for its success in integrating a 3-inch screen into a body with such a remarkably compact size.

Interface and functions:

The LG Pop GD510 is equipped with interface that allows for certain personalization. For an instance, there is a theme that is exceptionally well suited for kids, like the one found on the Samsung Corby S3650. The main menu can look just like the one devices with S-CLASS 3D interface have or sport larger icons grouped in separate categories like LG´s previous generation of cell phones equipped with touch-sensitive screens.



The home screen consists of three pages:
-    Widgets – most of them are fairly standard plus there is one that gives quick access to all applications dedicated to social networks;
-    Livesquare – something like a register of your latest calls and messages, but with quite an interesting functionality (you can read more about it in our review of the LG GW520);
-    Your favourite contacts with pictures.



In step with today´s trend, the LG Pop GD510 comes with social networking programs (JAVA based) and you have applications for the three most popular – Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. The manufacturer has also included several improvements in the Pocket Apps category… and some of the programs like Weight tracker and Running mate are even useful.



We´ve got a good feeling about the texting capabilities of the LG Pop GD510. The handset comes with horizontal QWERTY keyboard that sports rather small keys, but is usable on the overall. We cannot say we have great expectations about web surfing, because the LG Pop GD510 does not support 3G or Wi-Fi and the internet browser is the same as the version found on the LG Cookie KP500 - it´s acceptable if you browse simpler pages.



We doubt the handset will deliver intoxicating snapshot quality, because its camera is equipped with 3-megapixel sensor without autofocus or flash. The available options will allow you to take a pick from several effects, change the white balance and turn the night mode but that´s all. Video capture is also limited and the maximum resolution is QVGA.





The audio player is quite nice – large album art, equalizer and easy controls. Unfortunately, the phone doesn’t come with 3.5mm jack and you will have to rely on either the boxed headset pair or get Bluetooth earphones.



Expectations:

The LG Pop GD510 has what it takes to become a popular affordable device. Its outer appearance and design did manage to impress us, because the phone is really compact and likeable and its interface is able to meet the needs of unexacting customers. By the way, here´s what we wrote to Santa this year “Dear Santa, could you make sure that LG comes up with a smartphone that looks like the LG Pop GD510 and get us one for Christmas? Pretty please? Thanks in advance!”

LG Pop GD510 Video Preview