Design and Usability
The sleek design of the LG Chocolate Touch makes it a comfortable and stylish device to hold. At 4.30 x 2.20 x 0.47 inches, it felt hefty in hand but was still slim enough to slip into a pocket. The resistive touch screen was responsive, though I found it to be a bit less vibrant in outdoor conditions compared to other phones. However, indoors, the color saturation was pleasing, and the phone’s haptic feedback made touch controls more satisfying. The accelerometer allowed the phone to switch between portrait and landscape mode effortlessly, making it convenient to use in different orientations. The proximity sensor ensured the screen stayed off during calls, saving battery and preventing accidental screen touches.
Smarter Specs That Matter
Behind the sleek shell, the hardware truly impressed me. Unlike many feature phones of that generation, this one came packed with high-end specs. The 5MP camera with a Schneider-KREUZNACH lens was far more than a basic snapper. I found the image quality surprising whether it was catching sunset shots during golden hour or recording casual clips, the active flash and dual-mode shooting gave me tools to capture memories in style.
Storage was no afterthought. The internal memory of 1.1GB with microSD card slot support made it easy to carry my playlist, work files, and even a few videos for the commute. What stood out was the seamless use of Bluetooth A2DP to stream music wirelessly, and that 3.5mm stereo audio jack meant I didn’t need any adapters for my favorite wired headphones. Pair that with Dolby Mobile technology, and you had a sound experience that didn’t just play tunes it wrapped you in them.
For the Everyday and Beyond
The BL40 didn’t just stop at looking good or sounding great it was smartly practical. With A-GPS and VZ Navigator built-in, I never had to worry about getting lost. The maps loaded quickly and were surprisingly accurate, especially when navigating through unfamiliar parts of town. The phone also supported quad-band GSM operation, meaning it could be your travel companion in different countries, which was rare for a Verizon device back then.
Its battery life clocked in at about 6 hours talk time on 2G, and a strong standby capacity good enough for a full day’s use. Add in little features like a gesture shortcut, S-Class UI, vibration feedback, and multi-touch response, and it all came together to make a technology revolution in your palm an update from the last generation of LG Chocolate 3 that felt truly meaningful.
Performance That Matches Your Lifestyle
Using the LG Chocolate Touch, I noticed how well it balances everyday features with user-friendly design. The touchscreen responds with precision, thanks to its capacitive multi-touch technology. Simple actions like swiping through apps or adjusting music volume felt smooth and intuitive. I appreciated the vibration and audio feedback small touches that add to the overall experience. It even adapts well when switching from portrait to landscape, especially useful when typing messages using the QWERTY keyboard or browsing full HTML web pages.
Battery life holds up respectably too. With its 1000 mAh battery, I could get through most of my day with moderate use streaming music, checking messages, and using GPS. On standby, it lasted over a week, which is convenient when you’re not constantly charging. Talk time averages about 5–6 hours depending on 2G or 3G use.
For a touch phone, the Chocolate is remarkably complete. It even comes with productivity tools like a calendar, notepad, and alarm essentials for day-to-day planning. Voice dialing, speakerphone, and contact management (up to 1000 entries) make this a solid device for both work and play.
A Smart Choice for the Music and Media Enthusiast
If you’re someone like me who values a great music experience, the LG Chocolate delivers. Not only can you download from the V CAST store or use a USB cable to sync with your computer, but playback supports formats like MP3, WMA, AAC, and even AAC+. The EQ settings let you fine-tune the sound, and there’s something genuinely satisfying about listening to high-quality tracks on this phone. Whether I was streaming on-demand video or playing stored tracks, the experience was fluid, with minimal stutter or blockiness even over mobile data.
The microSD card slot allows for storage expansion, which came in handy when I loaded videos and TV episodes for travel. Combine that with the 3.2MP camera, decent video recording, and media player options, and you get a mobile phone that’s more than capable of keeping up with your lifestyle.
Navigation and Connectivity Made Easy
The LG Chocolate Touch really shines when it comes to navigation. Equipped with VZ Navigator, the built-in GPS system provided me with real-time directions, quick location fixes, and detailed maps, even when I was on the go. The audio guidance for turn-by-turn directions was clear and easy to follow, ensuring that I never missed a step. Plus, the addition of traffic info and re-routing capabilities helped make my trips more efficient, especially when navigating through unfamiliar areas. Whether I was heading to a meeting or exploring a new part of town, the GPS didn’t let me down.
Alongside the GPS, the Bluetooth connectivity, paired with A2DP support, made hands-free calls a breeze. I was able to connect my Bluetooth headset without a hitch, and the phone’s 3.5mm stereo audio jack also worked perfectly with wired headphones. For someone who’s always on the move, the LG Chocolate covers both wireless and wired needs, making it a reliable option for daily use.
Camera Capabilities for Creative Shots
Though not positioned as a flagship camera phone, the 3.2 megapixel camera on the LG Chocolate Touch impressed me with its ability to capture sharp, vibrant images. Featuring an AF lens and LED Flash, it performed decently in well-lit conditions. I particularly enjoyed experimenting with the different shooting modes and color effects, which added creativity to my photos. The self-timer feature was handy, and I was able to easily share my photos thanks to the integration with MMS and email.
For video lovers, the camera supports QVGA and 176×144 resolution videos, perfect for quick clips or sharing via MMS. While it’s not the best for high-end video capture, the phone does offer good functionality for the everyday user who wants to capture memories without overthinking the technical aspects.
Battery Life for Extended Use
One of the standout features of the LG Chocolate Touch was its impressive battery performance. With a 1000mAh Lithium Ion rechargeable battery, it provided me with up to 6 hours of talk time on 2G and 5 hours on 3G, making it an excellent companion for long days out. I found the standby time to be equally reliable, lasting anywhere from 1.5 to 2 weeks on minimal usage. Whether I was browsing the web, checking emails, or listening to music, the phone’s battery kept up with my daily needs. For a device of its size and capacity, the battery life felt robust enough to handle the essentials without constant charging.
Web and Messaging Experience
When it comes to staying connected, the LG Chocolate Touch offers reliable web browsing and messaging options. The full HTML browser ensured that I could access websites with ease, even on the go. Social networking apps like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter were integrated into the messaging application, making it easier to stay updated with friends and family. I found the on-screen dialer to be responsive, and the ability to store up to 1000 contacts was a useful feature for organizing all my important connections. Whether sending SMS, MMS, or checking my email, the phone never lagged behind in terms of functionality.
GPS Navigation and Location Services
The LG Chocolate Touch also excelled in its GPS capabilities. Powered by Verizon’s VZ Navigator, it offered accurate location fixes and real-time traffic updates, which were incredibly helpful when navigating unfamiliar areas. The GPS was quick to lock onto locations, and the audio guidance provided clear and concise directions. Whether driving around town or walking in a new city, the LG Chocolate made sure I was never lost. With the ability to search for points of interest (POIs) and share my locations with friends, it was a versatile tool for both personal and practical use.
Camera and Photography Features
While not the most advanced phone for photography, the LG Chocolate Touch came equipped with a 3.2 megapixel camera that allowed me to capture decent photos and videos. The fixed focus lens ensured that I could quickly snap images on the go, though the results were sometimes less sharp in low light. However, the camera’s color effects and exposure settings gave me more control over the images I captured, and the self-timer was a fun addition for group shots. For video, the phone supported QVGA resolution, making it suitable for short clips, though I occasionally wished for higher resolution. Overall, it served the basic needs of a casual photographer and provided adequate functionality for everyday moments.
Multimedia and Connectivity
The LG Chocolate Touch truly shined as a multimedia device. Its Dolby Mobile technology enhanced the audio experience, especially when listening to music or watching videos. The Bluetooth connectivity allowed me to easily pair the phone with wireless speakers or headphones, providing flexibility in how I enjoyed my content. On top of that, the microSD card support gave me the option to store vast amounts of media, whether it was MP3 files, video clips, or even documents for work. For those who love music, the Rhapsody store on Verizon allowed me to download tracks over the air, ensuring I always had fresh tunes ready for listening. Whether through the speakerphone or Bluetooth, the phone handled my entertainment needs with ease.
I also enjoyed the V CAST Video feature, offering on-demand streaming of my favorite shows and videos. The full HTML browser allowed me to easily load web pages, and the Wi-Fi capability kept me connected without relying on mobile data. Whether for streaming or catching up on social media, the LG Chocolate Touch kept me entertained, and the dual screen UI made it easy to switch between apps quickly.
Conclusion
In summary, the LG Chocolate series offers a variety of features that appeal to those seeking a sleek, slim, and capable mobile phone. From the 3.2 megapixel camera and Dolby Mobile sound technology to its GPS navigation and V CAST services, it provides an impressive balance of entertainment and functionality. Whether it’s for casual music, video streaming, or staying connected via social media, the LG Chocolate makes a solid choice for users looking to upgrade to a more modern and efficient device. The continued annual updates to the series ensure that each new model builds on the successes of its predecessors, offering better performance, enhanced audio, and user-friendly features like Bluetooth and microSD support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the display size of the LG Chocolate phone?
The LG Chocolate phone features a 3″ touch screen with a 400 x 240 resolution for clear visuals.
2. Does the LG Chocolate have a camera?
Yes, the LG Chocolate is equipped with a 3.2 megapixel camera, offering good image quality for everyday use. It also supports video recording.
3. How much internal storage does the LG Chocolate have?
The LG Chocolate offers 1.1GB of internal memory with the option to expand storage via a microSD card slot.
4. Is the LG Chocolate phone good for music?
Yes, the LG Chocolate is designed to be a music phone with support for MP3, WMA, and AAC formats. It also includes Dolby Mobile technology for enhanced audio quality.
5. Does the LG Chocolate support GPS navigation?
Yes, the LG Chocolate comes with built-in GPS and supports VZ Navigator for accurate and real-time navigation.
6. Can I use the LG Chocolate for social media?
Yes, the LG Chocolate supports social media integration, including Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, allowing you to stay connected.
7. What are the dimensions of the LG Chocolate phone?
The phone has dimensions of 128.8 x 51 x 10.9mm and weighs 129g.
8. How long does the battery last on the LG Chocolate?
The LG Chocolate has a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that lasts for up to 6 hours of talk time and up to 400 hours of standby time.
9. Does the LG Chocolate have Bluetooth?
Yes, the LG Chocolate supports Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, including A2DP for stereo audio.
10. What are the connectivity options on the LG Chocolate?
The phone supports Wi-Fi, GPRS, EDGE, and HSDPA, ensuring fast data speeds and internet connectivity.
