Remember the days of slider phones and dedicated number pads? The Samsung F480i and LG KC780 represent a fascinating era in mobile technology. Both devices offered unique features and designs, but which one ultimately delivered a better experience? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The LG KC780 likely edges out the F480i due to its generally more robust feature set, including a better camera and potentially more advanced multimedia capabilities, though both are limited by their age. Both offer a nostalgic experience for those seeking a simple, tactile phone.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | - |
| EDGE | - | Class 12 |
| GPRS | - | Class 12 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, February. Released 2009, August | 2008, October. Released 2008, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 98.4 x 55 x 11.6 mm (3.87 x 2.17 x 0.46 in) | 107 x 52 x 13.9 mm (4.21 x 2.05 x 0.55 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 106 g (3.74 oz) | 119 g (4.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~44.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~32.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | TouchWiz UI
- Smart dialing | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 30 dialed, 30 received, 30 missed calls | 40 dialed, 40 received, 40 missed calls |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 160MB | 140MB |
| Phonebook | 2000 entries, Photocall | 1000 contacts, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Schneider-Kreuznach optics, LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 320p | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA videocall camera | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | FM radio |
| USB | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML | WAP 2.0/xHTML |
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, IM, RSS | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| | SNS integration
Photo/Video editor
H.264/MP4/WMV player
MP3/eAAC+/WMA player
Organizer
Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF) | MP3/MP4/AAC/DivX6 player
Organizer
Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 250 h | Up to 450 h |
| Talk time | Up to 3 h | Up to 6 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Pink, La Fleur, Pearl White | Gray |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.20 W/kg (head) 0.50 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.94 W/kg (head) | - |
Samsung F480i
- Sleek and minimalist design
- Compact and pocketable
- Simple and easy to use
- Limited features
- Low-resolution display
- Basic camera
LG KC780
- Potentially better camera
- More advanced multimedia features
- Solid build quality
- Dated design
- Limited performance
- Low-resolution display
Display Comparison
Both phones featured relatively small, low-resolution displays typical of the era. The F480i likely had a slightly more modern aesthetic, while the KC780 might have prioritized brightness. Expect limited viewing angles and color accuracy on both.
Camera Comparison
The LG KC780 generally had a better camera than the F480i, likely offering a higher megapixel count and potentially some basic image editing features. Image quality on both will be poor by today's standards, but acceptable for the time.
Performance
Performance will be limited by the processors of the time. Expect slow navigation and app loading times compared to modern smartphones. The F480i might have a slightly more responsive UI due to potentially more efficient software, but the difference would be marginal.
Battery Life
Battery life was a strong point for both devices. Expect several days of moderate use, thanks to the lack of power-hungry features like high-resolution displays and constant data connectivity.
Buying Guide
The Samsung F480i is for those who appreciate a sleek, minimalist design and a straightforward user experience. The LG KC780 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more feature-rich experience, including a better camera and potentially more multimedia options, within a retro package.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable today?
Yes, but with limitations. They lack modern features like 4G/5G connectivity and app support. They are best suited for basic calling and texting or as collector's items.
❓ Where can I find these phones?
You'll likely need to search online marketplaces like eBay or specialized retro phone retailers. Availability is limited and prices can vary.
