LG 7100 Review

Overall Rating

Style, weight, ease of use, value for money, camera

Not possible to add words to dictionary, could do with a bit more memory, only available on Orange

I hadn't heard much about this LG 7100 mobile phone when i bought it but thought I would go for something a bit different.

It's definitely one of the more stylish models on the market, the swivel screen being very cool for showing your mates. The outside screen looks like a mirror and overall the phone has an expensive look.

The screen is 65k and quite good quality, though is improved by meddling around with the contrast. The keypad is quite easy to handle and the UI is simple for anyone who has used Nokias or other makes before.

Most of the typical features of a phone at the price are here - polyphonic tones, camera (with light), outer colour screen, organiser and GPRS among others. However the phone lacks tri band and bluetooth which may deter business users or those who travel.

The phone is light enough and fairly well built. The flip doesn't feel as solid as some phones, but this is caused by the rotating screen.

Voice quality is fine without being outstanding. Memory is shared between messages, photos and applications, the total memory is about 900k. Luckily the phone comes with a calbe and CD to transfer your photos to PC. 100 messages can be stored in inbox and outbox. The phone can handle MIDI sounds as ringtones. Memory is acceptable, but perhaps a bit more is needed if you want to store more than about twenty pictures.

A downside is that you can't add words to the T9 dictionary when composing an SMS, although you can when adding an item to the organiser. It is a little annoying but you soon learn which words you need to type manually and the keypad itself is quite comfortable.

If you're into gaming, then you'll be happy to hear there are 3 games included, as well as an additonal ten on CD which can be added.

Taking photos is a little different from most handsets. The camera is located on the side of the hinge for the flip, so you have to open the phone and rotate the screen about 90 degrees as well the flip. The quality of the camera is quite good, with three quality settings. You can also change the size and there is a flash, although I haven't found it that useful.

Battery life is fine, though expect it to drain if you regularly use the camera or play games. It's no worse than rival phones.

But overall, if you have about £200 to spend on PAYG or want a reasonably priced contract phone, this is a good choice. It stands out from the crowd more than a Samsung or Nokia, probably because it's only available on Orange. Admittedly it lacks the features of some models in this bracket, but what it lacks in function it makes up for in form.

Members' Comments onnickmdrinkwater's Review

• nickmdrinkwater on 5th May 2004

  OK just thought I'd mention you can now pick one up for £99.99 at http://www.orange.co.uk/

• leond on 15th Jul 2004

  there's a good article on the LG 7100 at
  http://www.mobile-phone-directory.org/Phones/LG/LG_7100.html