Review of the LG D295 L Fino Dual smartphone

Sales of the LGD335 L Bello Dual smartphone have just begun, and it has already appeared in our review. According to the characteristics and comments of company representatives, this is an entry-level model, made in the spirit of a flagship device. Translated from Spanish, the name of the smartphone is translated as “beautiful.” In the review we will try to answer whether this beauty is worth looking at.

LG D335 L Bello line at

Models in the line: 0

Design and usability

At first glance at the device, it is not the smallest dimensions that are immediately noticeable, which are 138.1x70.6x10.7 mm, and the smartphone weighs 137 grams. It should be noted that thanks to the rounded rear part, the rather large thickness is not felt.

LG D335 L Bello Dual can be made in three colors: black, white and gold. We received the gold version for review.

The front side of the smartphone is made in two colors and covered with protective glass. There is a black backing around the screen and a gold insert at the bottom. Above the 5-inch screen is a speaker, a proximity sensor and a front camera lens.

As mentioned above, under the screen there is a small insert with the manufacturer’s logo on it. On-screen control keys. The sides of the case are made of plastic. At the top end there is a 3.5 mm audio jack and an additional microphone, and at the bottom there is a microUSB connector and a microphone. There are no controls on the sides of the case. The device uses a system where all mechanical keys are located on the back of the smartphone, namely under the main camera lens there is a volume and power key.

In addition, there is also a flash for the main camera, a manufacturer’s logo and a multimedia speaker. The lid itself is made of plastic with a brushed metal texture.

Removing the cover gives access to two slots for microSIM SIM cards and a microSD slot. It is also possible to replace the 2540 mAh battery.

In terms of ease of use, the location of the keys on the back side takes some getting used to, but to unlock the smartphone you can simply double-tap on the screen.

In addition, a branded case with a window is available for the smartphone, which displays an analog clock and missed events. With all the advantages of the case, it increases the size of the smartphone even more, but at the same time increases ease of use.

Smartphones LG L Bello and L Fino: who's new

The L Bello and L Fino models are the ideal choice for those who are taking their first steps in the world of smartphones.

Technical characteristics of L Bello

Technical characteristics of L Fino

A series of smartphones from the South Korean giant LG under the simple name L has already gained popularity all over the world. This line produces budget, but at the same time very high-quality smartphones with the latest operating system and a large display. Today we will talk about models with the Italian names L Fino and L Bello, which are designed to replace the LG L70 and L90, respectively. The new products differ from their predecessors in a more powerful chipset: the L Fino has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 MSM8610, and the L Bello has a Mediatek MT6582. The design of both models closely resembles the design of another LG smartphone, the G3. For example, this concerns the proprietary LG control button on the rear panel, which made it possible to abandon the side keys, but this did not make the new products any thinner.

It will be difficult to confuse L Fino and L Bello, if only because the first model has a screen with a diagonal size of 4.5 inches, while the second one is significantly larger and is equal to 5 inches. Let us note that the new items are both heavier and thicker than their predecessors. The thickness of the L Fino is 11.9 mm, and the L Bello is 10.7 mm, which means that the smartphones in the case will become even thicker and will not fit into every pocket. The edges of the case of the new products are rounded, the color of the case can be different: white, black, gold, and the L Fino will also be produced in green tones. So the audience will be reached as much as possible. The audio output on the case is located on the top end, the microUSB port is on the bottom, which is very practical. We saw the speaker grille on the back of the case. The screen resolution of L Fino is 480 x 800 pixels (207 ppi), and that of L Bello is 480 x 854 pixels (196 ppi). Not a lot, but let’s not forget about the budgetary nature of these representatives of their line. For this reason, smartphones do not have a light sensor, so the user will need to set the backlight intensity level manually. The matrix of both models is created using IPS technology, and they, of course, have a touch layer.

A few words about the configuration. As mentioned above, L Bello is powered by a quad-core Mediatek MT6582 chipset with a clock frequency of 1.2 GHz, and L Fino has a more advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 MSM8610 chipset as its “brain”, it is also quad-core, with a clock frequency of 1.3 GHz . 1 GB of RAM is built-in. To accommodate applications and other digital information, L Fino has 4 GB, and L Bello has twice as much, that is, 8 GB. The memory is expandable by installing microSD memory cards. The main camera of both models is 8-megapixel, which is very nice to know, because many budget smartphones do not have this either. There is also a front camera (VGA for L Fino and 1.3 MP for L Bello) - for video calls, selfies and other modern “whims”. Interestingly, when shooting with the front camera, the display acts as a bright light source. The new products support HSPA+ cellular communications. The battery of the L Bello is more capacious - 2540 m*Ah, and that of the L Fino - 1900 m*Ah. The latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat is used as the operating system. Among the proprietary LG functions of the new products, we found the so-called “smart cleaning”, Knock Code, QuickMemo, Qslide functions, gesture support, as well as adaptation for one-handed control (for L Bello). Both smartphones can work with the QuickCircle smart case. As for gestures, you can take pictures with a simple gesture without touching the screen. To do this, you need to show the front camera an open palm, then clench your hand into a fist, and after that the camera will begin a countdown, during which the owner of the smartphone will have time to take a photogenic pose.

conclusions

What we liked about the new products is a decent 8-megapixel rear camera with flash, proprietary LG interface functions (Knock Code, QuickCircle case support), the latest Android OS, and a good screen thanks to the IPS matrix. That is, L Bello and L Fino have everything and even a little more for those who are just starting their acquaintance with the world of smartphones and will be initially pleased with the purchase of a budget model. Perhaps the only thing we didn’t like about the new products was their body thickness, which could have been a little thinner.

Operating system and shell

The smartphone runs the Android 4.4.2 KitKat operating system and LG’s proprietary shell, which is used in the company’s older devices. Since the interface is not new, we will briefly describe the main changes relative to the standard one in Android.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the process of unlocking the device. To do this, you must either press the power key or quickly tap the screen twice. After the unlock screen appears, you need to touch the display and swipe in any direction. This moment is accompanied by spectacular animation. After which we get to the desktop, on which widgets and application shortcuts are located. The maximum number of desktop screens is seven. As in the standard Android KitKat interface, there is a menu that displays all installed applications and games, and there is also a tab with widgets.

It is worth noting the slightly modernized notification menu. It has the ability to change the call volume and screen brightness. By the way, in order to open it, it is not necessary to unlock the device.

The settings menu has undergone changes. Now they can be presented not only in the form of one list, but also in the form of four tabs: networks, sound, display and general.

Specifications and software

Bello has an MTK6582 processor at 1.3 GHz and Mali-400 and scores little in the tests. Technically, between the three L-class smartphones (let's take the LG L90 into the mix), Bello is the weakest. Although it pulls toys, and the interface does not lag during operation.

At the same time, Fino suddenly received Snapdragon 200 and Adreno 305 and is already becoming a much more attractive model for young gamers. In terms of performance, it beats its older brother and outperforms Asphalt 8 with decent picture quality.

The amount of memory on LG devices is very limited, as practice shows. Fino has only 4 GB, Bello has more, as much as 8 GB. Both smartphones support microSD cards, but do not provide the ability to install applications from the Market directly onto the card. You will have to carry it by hand. The Smart cleaning function, unfortunately, is provided only for cleaning RAM, both of which are 1 GB each.

Devices run Android 4.4, but in a proprietary shell, which is interesting in the amount of pre-installed useful software, for example, programs such as Knoke Code, smart forwarding, quiet mode and night brightness, which are adjusted according to a given time, EasyHome “tiled” mode, for ease of control, adjustment of buttons in the control menu and guest mode will be useful to everyone.

Bello

• Dimensions: 138 x 71 x 11 mm.
• Weight: 137 g.
• Operating system: Android 4.4.2 KitKat.
• Processor: four cores MediaTek MT6582 with a frequency of 1.3 GHz.
• Graphics: Mali-400.
• Display: 5″, IPS, 854x480 pixels, 196 ppi.
• Memory: 8 GB + MicroSD.
• RAM: 1 GB.
• Camera: 8 MP main, autofocus, digital zoom, LED flash, 1.3 MP front.
• Wireless technologies: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS.
• Interface connectors: 3.5 mm headphone jack, Micro USB.
• Battery: Li-Ion battery 2540 mAh.

Fino

• Dimensions: 128 x 69 x 12 mm.
• Weight: 145 g.
• Operating system: Android 4.4.2 KitKat.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 (MSM8610) with a frequency of 1.2 GHz, four Cortex-A7 cores.
• Graphics: Adreno 302.
• Display: 4.5″, IPS, 850 x 480, 196 ppi.
• Memory: 8 GB + MicroSD.
• RAM: 1 GB.
• Camera: 8 MP main, autofocus, digital zoom, LED flash, 0.3 MP front.
• Wireless technologies: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS.
• Interface connectors: 3.5 mm headphone jack, Micro USB.
• Battery: Li-Ion battery 1900 mAh.

Hardware platform

The speed of the interface is ensured by the well-known quad-core MediaTek MT6582 processor operating at a clock frequency of 1.3 GHz, and the Mali-400 MP2 acts as a video accelerator. The RAM capacity is 1 GB, of which about 250 MB is available, and the built-in storage capacity is 8 GB, which can be expanded using microSD memory cards.

The processor used in the smartphone is well known from other models from less famous brands, but do not underestimate it. This is a fairly powerful chip with good battery life, and, in addition, it does not heat up the device much. The processor power is enough to comfortably play RealRacing 3 with reflections in the mirrors.

The set of wireless interfaces is standard: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The GPS module is responsible for positioning. They all work quite well. True, due to the fact that the review is not a commercial version of the smartphone, it stubbornly did not want to pass the GPS test, but at the same time it worked perfectly in other navigation programs.

Iron

The smartphone runs on a 4-core MediaTek MT6582 processor with a clock frequency of 1.3 GHz. The video chip is the good old Mali-400MP2. The device is equipped with 1 GB of RAM, the internal memory is 8 GB.

The LG L Bello hardware copes with its job quite successfully: the user interface does not slow down, all programs launch quickly. In particular, there were no problems with either the standard browser or the pre-installed Google Chrome.

The LG L Bello also does quite well when it comes to gaming performance. No stuttering was detected even during intense moments in the 3D shooter Dead Trigger 2 and the adventure game Walking Dead Season 2. The racing simulator Asphalt 8 also launched without problems. There were no lags found in Cut The Rope either.

The only drawback in games may be the device's screen: the graininess of the picture is obvious, and the resolution makes you strain your eyes in complex scenes. But no excessive overheating of the device was noticed.

The video also starts without any problems, the sound quality is good, although there is some noise at high volumes.

Calls, multimedia

The volume of the voice speaker is good, and the quality is quite good, the same can be said about the multimedia speaker. The operation of two SIM cards is implemented as standard, that is, when talking using one of the cards, the second one will not be available. The call application interface is designed in a traditional way - everything is in its place. There is no built-in ability to record a conversation.

We checked the omnivorousness of the video file player using the AnTuTu VideoTester 2.2 benchmark. As a result, we can say that most video files will open without any problems.

Working hours

The smartphone is equipped with a 2540 mAh Li-ion battery and potentially should have provided a good level of autonomy, but in our case this did not happen.

Battery life is below average. With screen brightness of 80%, 1 hour of calls, 3 hours of listening to music, the smartphone lasted 1 day, while the active screen time was less than two hours.

Display

Even at the first glance at the smartphone screen, it is noticeable that it is not the best in its class. With a diagonal of 5 inches, the display resolution is only 854x480 pixels and the density is 196 ppi. There is no automatic adjustment of display brightness or oleophobic coating. The maximum brightness is 283 cd/m2, and the minimum is 26.16 cd/m2. Values ​​of 75%, 65%, 50% and 25% brightness correspond to 156 cd/m2, 120 cd/m2, 79 cd/m2 and 35 cd/m2. The contrast is 1:497.

In sunny weather, the display fades greatly, but the information remains readable. Subjectively, the color rendition of the screen is normal, not the best, but without significant drawbacks. You can view the screen measurement results below.

Cameras

LG D335 L Bello Dual is equipped with two cameras - an 8 MP main camera and a 1 MP front camera. The main camera can record video in FullHD resolution, and the front one in HD. Among the camera settings there are only the most necessary, so we will not dwell on the interface. If we talk about photo quality, then you can get good photos only in conditions of sufficient lighting.

Examples of photos taken with the LG D335 L Bello Dual smartphone using the main camera in automatic mode

Examples of photos taken with the LG D335 L Bello Dual smartphone using the front camera in automatic mode

An example of a video shot with the LG D335 L Bello Dual smartphone

Appearance

The front side of the smartphone is completely covered with protective glass. At the bottom you can see the LG logo, at the top above the screen is the front camera lens, proximity sensor and speaker.

On the back panel, made of textured plastic, under the main camera lens, there are navigation keys for more convenient use of the smartphone: volume up and down keys, with a screen lock button between them. Below on the panel is another LG logo, and below it is a speaker.

Under the removable back panel there are slots for microSIM cards and a removable battery.

The side ends of the device are free of connectors; the bottom has a microUSB connector, and the top has a 3.5mm headset jack.

It is worth noting that you have to get used to using the buttons on the rear panel; at first you experience mixed feelings. The developers have tried and thought through the use of keys to the maximum: so, in order to start the camera, you just need to hold the volume down button. Long pressing the volume up button brings up the QuickMemo+ note-taking app.

In order to take a screenshot of the screen, you need to press the volume keys simultaneously. To lock, double tap on the screen.

It is worth paying attention to the dimensions of the L Bello: 70.6x138.1x10.7 with a weight of 137 grams. This is not small, but take into account the location of the buttons, and the smartphone is not a flagship one.

Official renders:

A couple more of our photos: