The biggest mobile players insist that social networking on-the-go is where it’s at these days. To be fair, with iPhone apps and INQ phones, it’s difficult to argue. The LG GW520 is the Korean mobile maven’s latest stab at such a device, aimed largely at the kids. But can it deliver that Facebook hit? Read our LG GW520 review and we’ll tell all.
Because telling everyone what you’re up to, whether it’s having a posh coffee or sitting in your front room staring into the abyss, is de rigeur, social networking phones are a must-have. And the LG GW520 really does set itself apart from the crowd with some clever little features.
The widget–based UI is similar in look and style to that of the S–Class user interface and owes a lot, too, to Samsung’s Touchwiz. Fire up the LG GW520, tap the bolt button in the bottom corner of the screen and it’ll unlock preloaded widgets in the side bar, which you can drag onto the homescreen. Facebook is here. Just pull it across and shake the blower for it to auto align. A neat touch, we reckon.
The slide out QWERTY keypad on the LG GW520 is surprisingly handy for tapping out texts, tweets and Facebook rants on the move. Sadly though, the same can’t be said for the touchscreen. It appears LG has slung one of its less tactile numbers on board, a shame as the LG Arena and LG BL40 Chocolate both rock improved touchscreens.
The issue’s don’t end there sadly. The somewhat confusing second homescreen allows you to drag contacts and messages into one place. However, the poorly constructed UI and small 3–inch screen makes it difficult to navigate and confusing for first time touchscreen users.
Read our LG BL40 Chocolate review now
The 3 megapixel camera and muvee studio software are both more than capable of keeping the kids satisfied and the addition of 3G is a plus when it comes to hopping online. However, we’d say the LG GW520 is strictly one for teenagers and touchscreen noobs. And with the LG GW620 Android phone around the corner, we’d advise you to hold off.
