The LG GW525 is promoted as a social-networking device, and has a touchscreen, plus slide-out Qwerty keyboard. However, it’s not technically a smartphone, as new applications cannot be uploaded onto the device. The result is a cheaper phone that can still do a lot.


The GW525 doesn’t look bad with its matte silver finish, and overall the phone is compact sized, especially when you consider it houses a hidden slide-out Qwerty keyboard. This is an excellent keyboard. Keys are big and spaced out well, so there aren’t too many instances of hitting the wrong letter when typing. Long text messages, emails and URL addresses are all a breeze to type on this sweet little phone.

The LG GW525’s menu system is a good one. You get a customisable home screen you can add widgets to, like a music player, photo slideshow and an analogue clock. If the screen gets too packed with new applications, all you have to do is shake the handset for the icons to be lined up perfectly. If you want to go to the main menu, simply tap the blue bottom at the bottom of the home screen. It’s divided into four different tabs: Communications, Entertainment, Utilities and Settings, so everything you ever need to find is within easy reach. Setting your email application with personal or webmail accounts is simple, and you can have a Facebook app too.

You may find the 71mm (2.8-inch) resistive touchscreen to be a little insensitive to your fingertips. Sometimes you have to tap a couple of times before a command is registered, which can be frustrating. This is disappointing as the screen has quite a high quality 240x400 pixel resolution, and combined with its impressive Web browser, can display web pages with great clarity. There’s also an accelerometer that automatically turns the screen from portrait to landscape mode when you turn the handset onto its side. If the keyboard is opened, landscape mode comes up automatically.

The LG GW525 has HSDPA and Bluetooth support, but for some strange reason the developers have left out Wi-Fi connectivity, so you’ll only ever be able to download data via your mobile connection.

Call quality is great and the earpiece’s audio is loud and clear. The speakerphone is also of high quality, as it’s loud and doesn’t pick up extraneous background noise. However, one issue to reckon with is battery life. You may find yourself needing to recharge the handset at the end of every day.

As this phone is described as a social-networking device, you may wonder why the camera only has a 3-megapixel resolution, and it comes without a flash or autofocus function. If you upload your pictures online they don’t always look as clear as you’d hope.

If you don’t mind pushing the touchscreen a few extra times and photography isn’t a huge part of your Facebook experience, then the LG GW525 social networking mobile phone will definitely get the job done.