Before the dominance of Android and iOS, feature phones ruled the mobile landscape. The LG KU580, a 'Chocolate' variant, and the Sony Ericsson C902, a Cybershot-branded camera phone, represented two distinct approaches to bridging the gap between basic phones and the emerging smartphone category. This comparison revisits these devices, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses in the context of their time.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a blend of style and functionality in 2008, the Sony Ericsson C902 emerges as the stronger choice. Its superior camera capabilities, coupled with a more refined user experience for media consumption, outweigh the LG KU580’s sleek design.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | UMTS 2100 | HSDPA 2100 - C902i only |
| Speed | Yes, 384 kbps | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / UMTS | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2007, April. Released 2007, December | 2008, February. Released 2008, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 94 x 53 x 16.5 mm (3.70 x 2.09 x 0.65 in) | 108 x 49 x 10.5 mm (4.25 x 1.93 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 73 g (2.57 oz) | 107 g (3.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~24.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~23.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | Touch-sensitive navigation keys with backlights
Downloadable wallpapers | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 40 dialed, 40 received, 40 missed calls | 30 received, dialed and missed calls |
| Card slot | microSD (dedicated slot) | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 8 GB |
| Internal | 45MB | 160MB |
| Phonebook | Yes | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 320p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA videocall camera | QCIF videocall camera |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0 | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | Proprietary | 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), RSS reader |
| Games | Yes | Yes + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email | SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, Instant Messaging |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| | MP3/eAAC+/WMA player
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo
| MP3/AAC/MP4 player
TrackID music recognition
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 360 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 9 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 860 mAh battery | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery (BST-38) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Swift Black, Luscious Red, Titanium Silver, Cinnamon Bronze |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.51 W/kg (body) | 1.32 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.34 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 68dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 78dB |
LG KU580
- Sleek and stylish 'Chocolate' slider design
- Relatively simple and intuitive user interface
- Compact form factor for easy portability
- Inferior camera capabilities compared to the C902
- Limited features beyond basic phone functionality
- Proprietary software ecosystem
Sony Ericsson C902
- Superior 5-megapixel camera with autofocus
- Dedicated camera key for quick access
- More feature-rich multimedia experience
- Less visually striking design compared to the KU580
- Potentially shorter battery life during heavy camera use
- Proprietary software ecosystem
Display Comparison
Given the era, both the LG KU580 and Sony Ericsson C902 likely featured 2.2-2.4 inch TFT LCD displays with resolutions around 320x240 pixels. The LG KU580’s 'Chocolate' design suggests a focus on maximizing screen real estate within the slider form factor, potentially offering slightly thinner bezels. However, the Sony Ericsson C902, benefiting from Sony’s display expertise, likely delivered more accurate color reproduction, crucial for viewing photos taken with its camera. Neither device would have featured any advanced display technology like OLED or high refresh rates.
Camera Comparison
The Sony Ericsson C902’s defining feature was its 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and a dedicated camera key. This was a significant step up from the typical VGA or 1.3-megapixel cameras found on most feature phones of the time. The inclusion of autofocus and a flash (likely LED) allowed for better image quality in various lighting conditions. The LG KU580 likely featured a lower-resolution camera, potentially around 2-3 megapixels, without autofocus. While the KU580 might have offered basic photo editing features, the C902’s camera was clearly positioned as a primary selling point, appealing to users wanting a dedicated camera replacement.
Performance
Both phones operated on proprietary operating systems and were limited by the processing power available in 2008. The LG KU580’s performance would have been geared towards a smooth slider mechanism and basic UI responsiveness. The Sony Ericsson C902, however, needed to handle more demanding tasks like image processing and autofocus for its camera. While direct chipset comparisons are impossible without specs, the C902 likely employed a more powerful processor to manage these functions, resulting in a snappier camera experience. RAM capacity was likely limited to 16-32MB in both devices, sufficient for basic multitasking but not for complex applications.
Battery Life
Both phones utilized Lithium-ion batteries, with capacities likely ranging from 900-1000mAh. Given the limited functionality compared to modern smartphones, both devices could likely achieve 3-5 days of standby time and several hours of talk time. The Sony Ericsson C902, with its more power-hungry camera and image processing, might have experienced slightly faster battery drain during heavy camera use. Neither device supported fast charging technologies; charging times were typically several hours via a proprietary connector.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG KU580 if you prioritize a minimalist, slider-phone aesthetic and a relatively simple user interface. It’s ideal for users who valued design over advanced features. Buy the Sony Ericsson C902 if you need a capable camera in a phone, along with a more feature-rich experience for multimedia playback and basic connectivity. It caters to users who wanted a pocketable camera with phone functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Was the Sony Ericsson C902 considered a good camera phone for its time?
Absolutely. The C902 was highly regarded as one of the best camera phones available in 2008. Its 5-megapixel sensor, autofocus, and dedicated camera key provided a significantly better photography experience than most competitors, making it a popular choice for users who wanted a capable camera in their pocket.
❓ How did the LG KU580's slider mechanism hold up over time?
The slider mechanism on the LG KU580, while aesthetically pleasing, was a potential point of failure. Over time, the mechanism could become loose or develop play, affecting the phone's overall durability. This was a common issue with slider phones of that era.
❓ Could either of these phones connect to the internet?
Both phones offered limited internet connectivity via GPRS and EDGE. However, browsing the web was a slow and cumbersome experience due to the limited data speeds and small screen sizes. They were not designed for the modern internet experience.
