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LG Optimus Chat C550 review

4.2/10 AVG.
RATING
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LG Optimus Chat C550
LG Optimus Chat C550
LG Optimus Chat C550
LG Optimus Chat C550
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4.2/10
Informr score
The LG Optimus Chat C550 currently has an Informr score of 4.2 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 13 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The LG Optimus Chat C550 is a basic feature phone that runs on the Android 2.2 operating system. It features a touch screen on the front of the phone and a slide out QWERTY keyboard for faster text messaging. Beyond simple text messaging, the C550 can also perform functions such as email and instant messaging. It can also browse social networking websites such as Facebook by using its built-in social networking applications. The C550 also features 3G connectivity and a built-in Internet browser that works well.

The touch screen is mediocre when it comes to responsiveness and the colors on the screen are rather dull compared to other touch screen phones. Text is clear enough to be perfectly readable though, even in bright light.

The basic features of the Chat C550 work very well and it is the perfect phone for someone who uses their phone for simple tasks such as calling and text messaging. It does not measure up to more expensive and advanced Android phones though. While most of the applications from the app store will work on the C550, many of them will run slower than normal and others might not work correctly at all. The phone only has 140 MB of internal memory so you probably will need to buy a separate micro SD card for more storage.

While the phone may lack some features, it does offer great battery life. The C550 can easily go a couple of days without being charged even when used heavily throughout the day. Light users may see this time increased to almost a week between charges.

Need to Know: LG Optimus Chat C550

1. Social network integration works well and feels polished. (The Good)

2. Battery life is very good. Phone can easily last for a couple of days between charges. (The Good)

3. Hardware specifications are not impressive leading to a sluggish user interface on some occasions. (The Bad)

4. Some applications from the Android app store will not work with the C550. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
600 MHz
Processor
Processor
600 MHz
2.8"
Screen Size
Screen Size
2.8"
3+ MP
Camera
Camera
3+ MP
1500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Cnet
Cnet

- Damien McFerran, Cnet


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the LG Optimus Chat C550 user manual here.


LG backs up the Optimus Chat C550 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Optimus Chat C550 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact LG support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find LG's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Screen Size
2.8"

The LG Optimus Chat C550's screen size is 2.8 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
600 MHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM 7227 600 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
3+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 3+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
140 MB

Internal memory is 140 MB. An external, MicroSD (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1500mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1500 mAh battery. LG's performance ratings are 18.5 days standby time, 300 minutes.

Optimus Chat C550 Specs

Overview
Release Date March 15, 2011
Regions Available Canada
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM 7227 600 MHz
Internal Storage 140 MB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.49 W/kg
Body: 0.39 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Headset, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
EV-DO Rev. B, HSDPA 7.2
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 2.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, DUN, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
3+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Geotagging
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
VGA (640 x 480 pixels), 24 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 262k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 2.8 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1500 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 300 minutes
Standby Time Up to 18.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Slider
Colors Natural Silver, Red, Pink, Aqua Blue
Dimensions [H x W x D] 10.9 x 5.9 x 1.6 cm (4.3 x 2.3 x 0.6 in)
Weight 134 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type QWERTY, Touchscreen
Navigation Type D-pad, Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: T9
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP
PC Synchronization: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, eAAC+, WAV, QCP
Video Playback Formats: H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM)
Wi-fi Encryption: -
Viewable document types:
Games: Yes
Apps: Yes
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Calculator, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): LG C555
Related Links Manual (PDF)
LG Optimus Chat C550 Reviews
Where to buy LG Optimus Chat C550
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