Introduction

Released for Cingular, the LG CG225 offers a departure from today's feature packed phones that continue to get thinner with each new release. With many of the latest handsets moonlighting as replacement digital cameras and MP3 players, the mid-level CG225 focuses on its essential functionality as a communication device.

Boasting quad-band service for worldwide connectivity, an impressive battery life, and extensive messaging capabilities, the CG225 is not bereft of features. Building upon the C2000 of last year, the CG225 offers a VGA camera, full-duplex speakerphone, and MP3 ringtone capabilities.

Marketed to the general consumer, LG placed considerable attention to not just the features and design of the CG225, but also value. A step up from the entry-level devices, it is limited in multimedia offerings, rather focusing on connectivity and affordability. Targeting users who may not want all the complications that come with advancing technology, the CG225 is an inexpensive phone that provides the essential features in an attractive package.

Design

With its shiny black exterior and round curves, the CG225 offers a smooth look and feel. Chrome buttons and accents add to its attractive presentation. The handset's plastic casing is fairly solid but its shiny finish attracts fingerprints. Focusing on function over form, the CG225 utilizes an external antenna which provides strong reception.

Measuring 85 x 48 x 23 mm, the CG225 is moderately sized and most users will find it fits well in the hand or pocket and won't weigh users down, as it tips the scales at just 93 grams.

The front of the CG225 features its external LCD which provides the time as well as caller ID, battery, signal, and ringer status. While small and monochrome, the display remains active and is clear even in bright or dark conditions (with the backlight). The phone's 0.3-megapixel camera lens is surrounded by a chrome ring and located in the top center of the camera, above the LCD.

Volume buttons are located along the left side of the phone for easy in-call adjustment. The headset port is above the volume buttons and will accept a standard headset jack. Positioned on the right side of the phone is a dedicated camera button.

The connector for the charger and data cable is located on the bottom of the phone. Covering the output, the rubber plug unfortunately doesn't remain connected to the handset, so it may be easily misplaced. By sliding off the back cover, users can gain access to the battery and SIM card.

Opening the clamshell reveals the CG225's undersized internal LCD screen. Just 128 x 128 px, the display is bright but offers little contrast and appears washed out. Below the screen, the CG225's 5-Way directional keypad and sufficiently large numeric buttons provide relative ease of navigation.

The exterior of the CG225 projects a sleek, stylish design that will appeal to users that judge this handset by its cover. Inside, the undersized display and flat black color reveal the CG225 to be less feature-driven and more focused on providing the essentials. With more traditional dimensions for a clamshell phone, the CG225 presents a change of pace from the increasing number of slim phones on the market which may appeal to some users.

Out of the box, the LG CG225 includes a Standard 1000 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Home Charger, and User Manual.

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