Agnivo Roy

Probably most of the tech and gizmo freaks are aware of LG’s iPhone clone offering - the KE850, better known as “LG Prada“. It’s just an advanced incarnation of the older generation “LG Chocolate” series with a “Prada” tag that comes with it. This phone is for the enthusiast who cares for the looks, style, flaunt value and of course, latest features. But as said by many reviewers, yes, it’s a phone and not something from Mars!

As opposed to the LG chocolate series, the LG Prada relies on almost complete touch-screen controls; it takes some time to get used to the them, especially while text messaging. Also comes with a good looking , matching soft leather case. What I really like of this mobile phone is it’s huge hi-resolution display, good form factor and low weight of 85 gms. But, being a Nokia N91 owner for about 4 months now, phones without Symbian OS seems to be passe for me. (Symbian = Lots of ‘real’ applications, I don’t like Java apps)

The LG Prada KE850 brings with it a wonderfully swanky touch screen interface (there’s a sliding unlock bar), stunning 320 x 480 pixel 3 inch display, 2MP camera with Schneider-Kreuznach lens, full screen landscape video playback, Bluetooth 2.0 (surprisingly no WiFi) and a microSD slot (256MB card bundled). It is an EDGE limited handset (so no 3G) but at 98.8 x 54 x 12mm is just as portable as Apple’s similar (and much drooled over) iPhone.

Furthermore, contrary to previous reports, the LG KE850 doesn’t come with a premium price, it is being pushed to the contract mass market and is unlikely to cost more than £20 to £30 with a 200 cross network minutes per month deal.

LG confirmed that KE850 mobile phones are coming to virtually every major network later this month and my advice would be if you want a handset to impress your mates then forget about the latest RAZR, ditch the Chocolate and even cast off the Samsung Ultra Editions because this is the handset to have; if you’re solely concerned about high flaunt value and styling.