LG KF750 Secret Review

Posted on July 2nd, 2008. Written by Rico.

During the regional launch of the LG Secret last June, much was made about the phone’s design. Specifically the “tempered glass” and “carbon fibre” used in its construction, and how LG marketers would position this mobile as the must-have gadget for “trendsetters”. Even while unboxing the phone, the emphasis on design was clear.

Superb Design

There’s a good reason for this approach; the LG KF750 Secret is easily one of the most beautiful gadgets we’ve had the relative pleasure of using. A chrome band frames the display of this sliding smartphone, perfectly complementing the glass display and matte casing.

The touch-sensitive navigation pad, which lies below the QVGA screen, uses subtle yet distinctive graphics to indicate where to press, and uses slight vibrations to provide feedback. The select button remains physical though, and so do the call, end call, and clear buttons. At just under 11.3mm thick, the Secret comes off as very sleek yet compact at the same time. It never failed to attract attention whenever we took it out to use it. In certain ways, it made us feel like proud owners.

Versatility

There’s another good reason why LG likes to emphasize the Secret’s design. Compared to other phones in its class, the KF750 falls slightly short in terms of functionality.

To be clear however, this phone is very comprehensive. There’s a 5 mega pixel camera with auto focus and flash. A built-in FM radio and media player will keep audiophiles busy, and allows users to watch videos. There are basic organizer functions available, like a calendar, a to-do list, and memos. Up to 1,000 contacts can be stored on the phone’s built-in memory, while up to 4 gigabyes of storage space for pictures, videos, and music can be added via the mobile’s microSD slot.

On the connectivity end, the Secret is fully HSDPA-capable. With the correct SIM inserted and good network coverage, the phone can achieve average online speeds of over 1Mbps, which is definitely faster than the typical internet connection. Through the bundled data cable, the Secret can also act as a modem, providing the computer it’s hooked up to access to the internet.

The phone also has a Bluetooth, making it possible to use hands free gadgets like Bluetooth headsets. More importantly, it also allows the easy transfer of data to and from the phone. We had an easy time transferring business cards, pictures, and music. The only popular connection the Secret can’t handle is WiFi, which we use our laptop to access anyway.

And of course, as a GSM phone, the KF750 can do texting and calling. With so many features on this phone, it’s capability as a cell phone becomes almost secondary.

Average Capability

It’s how these features work however that cause some reservations. Most prominent is the camera’s periodic inability to capture good photos, especially under low light conditions and despite the flash. On a clear sunny day however, the image quality rivals that of dedicated cameras.

Once the novelty of the touch keys wears off, they become a slight irritation. The Secret is a very responsive phone. Yet the touch controls, by their very nature, limit the phone’s ability to quickly respond to user input. Unlike the physical buttons, which makes things happen instantaneously, the touch keys take their time recognizing the press before executing the requested action.

The touch keys, which keep the phone sleek in front, is one instance where the phone’s design works to its disadvantage. Another is the limited battery life. To fit everything into the small case, the LG engineers had to make some sacrifices, and it’s too bad they decided to forgo some battery capacity. At 800 milliamperes (mAh), which is below our estimated average of 900-1000mAh for cell phones, the Secret has enough juice to last two days for normal texting and calling.

Yet the battery barely lasts a day if some of its features, like the camera, media player, and Bluetooth, are used periodically. The Secret should’ve been designed to draw power from a USB port through it’s data cable; that would’ve negated the lack of battery capacity somewhat. At least it “only” takes two hours to charge the phone.

Still a Worthy Head Turner

Still, the LG Secret has a lot going for it. It’s distinctive design easily makes it stand out from competitors. Users looking for all the bells and whistles will find it on this phone, and the compact size definitely doesn’t hurt its prospects too.

This combination of great looks, small size, and versatility is enough to make the LG KF750 Secret a contender. The phone is immediately competitive, and the industrial design and engineering backing it indicates a genuine challenge to Nokia’s current dominance of the high-end smartphone market.

Stay tuned readers: local pricing and availability info will be available by next week.