Technology Monitor

How does the LG Mini GD880 fit, in a world of giant (by mobile standards) smartphones? Doing what it does best - looking good with great features to boot. For its aesthetics, the GD880 opts for a straightforward look, with minimal curves along its borders. Besides the usual glossy screen up front, the GD880 is layered with a matte back, and metallic silver borders along the sides.

We've always had a soft spot for input ports with a slider to cover it, and that's what we found on the GD880's microSD port. It could have been better however, if the same design was implemented for the microUSB port, instead of the usual dangling plastic cover. The buttons are sufficiently raised to provide easy access, with the rest of the interface left to the 3.2-inch capacitive touch screen.

Using none of the mainstream mobile OS (Google Android, Microsoft Windows Mobile or Symbian), the GD880 uses LG's own S-class user interface (UI), which has been tried and tested on its predecessors such as the LG Chocolate BL40. We weren't that impressed with the S-class UI, and seeing it on a smaller screen won't do the trick either. Nonetheless, like the BL40, the GD880 is looking to integrate social networking within the UI. And this time, it did manage to get it right with separate widgets for its Facebook and Twitter features. The downside would be the lack of auto-updates for both social networking sites on the widgets. Depending upon your perspective, the less frequent data downloads will improve its battery mileage.

This is especially important for the GD880, which is equipped with a 900mAh battery to support its 3.2-inch screen at 854 x 480 resolution. With that screen-size and resolution, plus some web browsing, we were able to use the GD880 for almost a day, loaded with calls and text messages flowing in at a moderate pace. The relatively modest screen might not satisfy your visual needs, but the sound quality from the 3.5mm audio port and its Dolby Mobile feature was impeccable. While we are pleased with the details of its 5-megapixel images, its autofocus speed could be more snappy.

LG has also added new bells and whistles with its LG Air Sync, which synchronizes your phone's content to LG's server over-the-air. While not exactly a new initiative, it does bring value to data retention, should you decide to change your mobile device. So if you're in the market for a new mobile device, take note of the LG Mini GD880, which should be reaching our shores sometime between May and June.