LG GT505 Review
Social networking is a big thing. Might seem an obvious statement to some, but 12 to 18 months ago, most people wouldn’t have cared too much about sites such as Facebook, or Twitter. Now these types of sites are taken for granted, and the way they have become ingrained into our online lives is a sure demonstration of how quickly things can develop in the online world. An obvious extension to this is the mobile phone; as manufacturers develop ever more feature packed handsets, offering mobile integration to online social networking sites is the obvious next step. The LG GT505 uses this philosophy for its main focus, offering smart, quick, easy access to social networking sites, further enhancing ways to keep in touch when you are away from a fixed line PC.
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The feature line up on the GT505 would have been big news, just a few months back, yet now most of it is what we have come to expect from even a mid range device. Such are the times in the modern mobile phone market. The GT505 has a large, full TFT touchscreen, with a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels, supporting up to 256,000 colours. An accelerometer offers auto screen rotation, allowing the display to automatically rotate to landscape view, and back to portrait mode, depending on the way the phone is held.
We find the GT505 has a high quality 5.0 Megapixel camera on board, with autofocus and an LED flash. With a built in GPS receiver, the images captured on the device can be geotagged, capturing location information in the digital information of the file. When the images which have been geotagged are uploaded to an online photo album, it allows the location information to be displayed, showing those viewing the images your location when the image was captured. As well as offering a geotagging option, the built in GPS receiver also allows the device to be used as a satellite navigation unit, an ideal compliment to any existing SatNav setup. Pre-loaded with WisePilot mapping software, the large display of the LG GT505 lends itself well to SatNav usage, and maps are generally clear and easy to follow.
There are no surprises with the other multimedia options available on the phone. A full media player is included, offering music and video playback, and the GT505 supports memory cards in the MicroSD format, up to 8GB in size, offering ample room for music albums, photos and a video library. We also see the inclusion of an FM Stereo radio, complimenting the built in music player.
Messaging features well, alongside the social media aspect of the phone. The phone has a built in email client, with support for push email, allowing you to receive emails directly to the device without having to manually download them. A document viewer is included on the handset, allowing you to view email attachments such a Word files, Excel, PowerPoint and .pdf.
A good set of data and network connection options are included on the device; The GT505 is a GSM quad band device, offering excellent roaming options worldwide, with high speed data options available via 3G and 3.5G HSDPA Mobile Broadband. All the usual suspects are available, such as EDGE, GPRS and HSCSD, as a backup for times when 3G coverage is unavailable. LG have also included WiFi support allowing high speed web browsing wherever a local hotspot is available, and also for connecting the phone to your home WLAN. Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support for local wireless connectivity completes the picture. Web browsing on the phone is a pleasurable enough experience, thanks mainly to the large presentation of the display, although the experience is somewhat hampered by the LG browser. A better option in this circumstance would be to use a product like Opera Mini for your web browsing needs.
Overall, there is a lot to like about the LG GT505, and the spec list is pretty good, 5.0 Megapixel camera, WiFi, HSDPA, GPS, etc. However, it is testament to the quality of other devices currently available that despite all the fine points, the LG GT505 does little to excite or peak the interest. It is most likely this phone is going to slip quietly into the midstream touchscreen market, where it will fade away into mobile phone obscurity. Contracts currently start from £10.60 per month.
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August 12th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Had my GT505 for a week now and I’m still unable to get it to connect to the wifi, it finds the “home hub” ok, but when you type an address in to the search option, it always goes to the Orange wap site.
I’m just about at the end of my patience with this new phone, even tried it at work where there is a open server, but still it only goes to orange.
Has anyone got one of these phone and got the wifi to work? If so could you help me please.
Regards
Ghosty
August 16th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I have had the same phone for a week with exactly the same problem. It is infuriating. I took mine back to the Orange shop to ask for help and they told me to call LG…….not done it yet, thought it was just me being thick!! Will give it a go and post on here if they tell me anything useful.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:06 am
I’ve been onto LG who say its an Orange problem, and Orange say its a LG problem. Orange, did send me a new GT505 replacement, but its exactly the same.
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Just grab Opera Mini and install it on your mobile phone – that uses wifi with no probs – Orange have probably locked it to get money for data transfer.
August 26th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Have you encountered some problems with the GT505 video player ? I can’t read any type of video files, whereas it is said that this phone can deal with divx, xvid, wmv, mp4…
August 28th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
My Wi-fi is working fine. Try going on wi-fi settings and changing your connection preference to Wi-fi. You know when you’re connection is available when there is a house on the top left display instead of 3G+.
August 28th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
The only problem I’m having is it keeps turning itsself off in my pocket, its really frustrating. I think its down to the key-lock being ridiculously easy to turn off accidentally.
September 9th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Well, I’ve finally given up on this phone, shame as it could have been the one!! Cancelled my policy and sent the phone back to Orange. Best of luck to all who are keeping theirs.
September 25th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Though the hardware is decent enough, it could only do with a slightly more sensitive touch screen, the software is a frustrating drawback on this phone.
Annoyances, does not remember if you have predictive text on. The typing keyboard is far too small. Unless you have tiny thumbs it will be a nuisance to type accurately. Most smartphones have the sense to space out the keys I’ve found. The 3G capability claimed is locked off to only work through Orange Maps, which is an extra charge every month. No other application is able to access it.
The MP3 player will ALWAYS sort songs in alphabetical title order with no option to change this. The joke being it uses the Tag3 information to find the title so you can’t even trick it easily by including numbers on the file names. The auto focus takes too long and doesn’t work well. The keypad locking is a complete nuisance and always seems to make keypad operated phonelines a journey through frustration.
Java permissions cannot be set, so java applications are forced to ALWAYS ask whether you want to give them permission. Very little ability to customise the interface. They can’t be augmented with other java apps. Can’t even change the order or colour of menus. There is very little to recommend the software on this phone, and as it is LG proprietary stuff it is unlikely to ever see any major revision or improvement during the 2 years I’m stuck with it.
That all said it is probably fine for someone who just wants to make a few calls and doesn’t really want a smartphone or decently designed software. It could have all been solved by installing Windows Mobile/Google Android or Symbian.
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:43 pm
I agree with most of the comments. There was a lot of promise with the spec but it doesn’t really live up to it. For me, the wi-fi is the biggest let down. As Dave said, it is likely that Orange have locked it off so you are charged by them for all data transfer. Regardless of whether you have a ‘red house’ or ‘green house’ (UMA) visible on the top left of screen, it seems only to connect through Orange. Maybe there’s a case for Orange to answer under the Trades Description Act! Mine also turns itself off in my pocket and the LG software is eccentric.
October 4th, 2009 at 11:41 am
I got my Lg GT505 yesterday and I am incredibly impressed. My wi-fi works fine, I’ve had no problems with it at all. I find the phone easy to use and the touch screen is perfect. Texting is simple and the camera is decent.
October 9th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
I live in Spain and can only get the manual in Spanish, which is not helping me get to grips with this phone. Have tried LG 3 times without response.
Would appreciate any help.
October 18th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Had mine for 2 months, wi-fi trouble free (get the Opera browser), no trouble with phone in pocket/keylock – thoroughly impressed.
Only downside is it is a bit erratic in what videos it plays. Sometimes with 2 files that are the same file type, only one plays, whilst the other the phone claims is ‘not supported’ don’t understand that.
Overall a brilliant phone.
October 18th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I have to agree with above, I have had this phone for a week now, it was free on an upgrade on Orange. The first day it frustrated me, but it was just so different from my last phone, you expect it to be similar but now I am used to it I like it. Text is not so complicated as people suggest, once used to it no problems with the wi fi, it connects fine to home hub, no problems receiving mail when phone in lock mode as some reviews suggest. The only thing I have noticed is it sometimes says I have no signal but I manage to make calls fine so not sure what thats about, overall quite pleased so will be keeping.
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I’ve had the phone a few months and have found good points and bad points. Had problem with it switching off and after taking it back to Orange twice my son discovered the battery was loose. Have inserted a little piece of paper to keep it fitted in tighly. No problems now !!
October 25th, 2009 at 12:27 am
Just bought this phone. Extremely pleased with it, but my only gripe is the qwerty keyboard and how the keys are insanely close to each other which makes typing anything but a breeze. But I guess all phones have their flaws. I think most people with major gripes with this phone are on the ‘Orange’ network in the UK. Im on Vodafone NZ with the standard LG UI and its a pleasure to use, very responsive too! So I think you guys should try flashing your phones back to the LG UI, because really this phone is very good.
October 28th, 2009 at 5:26 am
I’ve had this phone for about 2 months now, and at first I thought ‘give it the benefit of the doubt’ but now its getting me cross.
My first gripe is the touch screen is not very sensitive and you have to give it a right good tap to get it to work. Also when you’re typing a txt it will suddenly shut the keyboard for no reason. The keypad lock is also not very good. The other day I managed to ring my friend at 4am (I’m working nights this week) by accident when my phone was in my pocket and left her a rather long voicemail!
And my biggest problem which is making using this phone a nightmare is the battery!! You expect that with a phone with all its features and a big screen it’s going to use more battery but you dont expect that if you make one phone call and take one photo, your battery will have died by tea time! This weekend I turned my phone on an 8am (it was fully charged), I took 3 photos and sent a few txts and by lunch time the battery was dead!!
I’m going to ring Orange because I’m sick of it. I’ve been having to carry my old phone in my handbag incase my battery dies!
November 24th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
I have read all the above comments and agree with most of them. ALL problems seem to be with the ‘Orange’ network. I have made several calls to Orange with regards to the battery life. It stays charged for less then 8 hours a day. I only receive 1 call or send a quick text before it is flat as a witches (you know what?). It is the bain of my life, I wish I had never upgraded it as I have always had Nokia’s in the past and now feel it is my fault for being disloyal. Orange the network just dont want to know or help but are willing to carry on taking £36+ a month from me. I probably receive 10p worth of service! When you call them their recording states ” we are dedicated to providing excellent customer service” I have been a loyal customer to them for 14 years and I am now locked into another 24 month contract, furious!
November 26th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
I’ve only had this phone 2 days and the screen is broke, I cant go on wifi and Orange won’t replace the screen.
December 1st, 2009 at 11:06 am
Has anybody had a problem with the phone dying only hours after charging it. I know you’re all saying replace the battery! But I have done and it’s still doing the same thing. I’m having to charge it up most days.
December 6th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Can anyone tell me if this phone has multi-tasking? I can’t seem to find this information on any reviews.
December 7th, 2009 at 7:42 am
I finally had enough of the battery lasting no more than 3 hours and I rang Orange. They admitted that there was a problem and were logging all reported faults and sending them to LG. So can I ask you all to ring Orange and report it. They are currently awaiting instructions from LG for a way to resolve it so the more people who phone the quicker it will be remedied.
December 7th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
please answer to my question
does this phone have multi tasking? can you run several apps at once and switch between them using a task manager or anything like that?
December 12th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Do not be fooled by Orange, this phone does not have a WiFi feature, just UMA for messaging so you will be charged for browsing the internet even if you are ‘connected to WiFi’. This is the second time Orange have mis-sold me a UMA phone instead of a WiFi one and they are now saying that there is nothing that they can do about it 4 months into my contract, when I have been having this problem and trying to get it rectified since the beginning.
December 13th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Thanks for all above comments, I’ve just been offered this phone from Orange but cant make up my mind.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:59 am
I’ve just chosen this phone on a free upgrade from Orange. My son has the Arena which I’ve just found out has been discontinued, so they advised that this was the equivalent. Oh gosh, I do hope its going to be ok after reading all of these comments, we’ll soon see, thanks all
December 27th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
OMG can someone please help me. This phone is driving me mad. On the front screen it has the popular contacts icon where you can add up to 10 peoples name that you use the most. Once this has been clicked on I cannot get rid of it, does anyone know how to get rid of it?. I’ve read the manual and it doesnt mention it in there. I’ve had my phone for a week now and its happened about 4 times now and each time to get rid of it I’ve had to reset my phone.
December 30th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Jade, to get rid of your ‘popular contacts’ screen, just under the top info bar (where it shows signal strength & battery status), you should find two small round buttons. The one that looks like a head & shoulders (on the right?) is hopefully highlighted (on mine it’s orange). Drag it over to the left-hand button (currently grey). You might need the stylus to do it. Hope this helps.
January 5th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Have just been offered the above from Orange as a replacement for a Samsung U900 (speaker having died) as presently out of stock. Now that I have read the above, I think I’ll just wait for the new stock to come in. Many thanks guys.
January 6th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Hi there, I got this phone today as a replacement from Orange (my previous handset has been discontinued) but I cant seem to get the touchscreen to work at all, its driving me mad, any tips or is it faulty? thank you in advance. Also in reply to an above question I think it does have multitasking. Jess
January 12th, 2010 at 9:12 am
Hi, really frustrated with the battery scenario, erratic and battery after a full charge can last anywhere between 8 hrs and 2 days. Took it back to Orange and they replaced it., the second phone had the same problem and after hours on the phone they have replaced it with the same model. They say it is policy, like Caroline after 14 years with Orange and no previous phone problems this is a real nightmare.
January 15th, 2010 at 9:51 am
Battery Problems STILL. I have now had a new replacement phone and this is still the same. I contacted Orange for the 5th time and was put in touch with their technical people who were very helpful and just as flumoxed as I was. After going through the usual making sure I didn’t have bluetooth on or a low signal he suggested that I put it on 2G as the 3G signal was intermittant in the area and this may be the reason.
Anyway he told me to get back to him if it didn’t resolve it. Guess What? Yep it’s stil the same! So today I will ring Orange and quote the consumer Law saying that the handet is not fit for purpose and under the act they have to either replace it with something that does work or give me my money back! I’ll keep you updated!
January 15th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Further Update on the Battery Problem. Just come off the phone (no not my mobile – it’s on charge!) to the Technical guy at Orange and he has suggested that I put the phone on charge for 16hrs then run it down completely then do it again a couple of times. He reckons that people don’t charge it properly when they first get it! So here goes!
January 16th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
Had a GT505 for about five months now. Not had any big problems with it until yesterday. It seems to work fine when it is switched off, but not when it is switched on! When off, you can switch it on properly and charge it OK.
When the phone is switched on, none of the buttons or the touchscreen respond. It picks up the network as it is booting up and displays as connected, but the display is never updated. The time stays fixed at the time at which it was switched on. The only way to turn it off now is to remove the battery. The phone will not charge when switched on, either. Needless to say, my PC does not recognise it, apart from a brief moment when the phone is first switched on, but it then thinks it’s a Sony Ericsson W810I, or something. LG customer service are not very helpful… anyone any clues, other than to get a different phone?
(Before that, gripes were minor… Found the browser a bit slow and tetchy, irritated by the lack of ability to copy text from the web or from an sms, etc., to paste it elsewhere, but the main annoyance is the phone always switching itself on and off in my pocket, even in a firm case. Oh, and the lack of a full manual anywhere.)
January 24th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
Got the phone yesterday and haven’t had many major issues apart from it being a hell of a lot more complicated than my last phone (a, um, Nokia 3310!!). A bit worried about people saying that wi-fi isn’t really wi-fi and I will still be charged..? Anyone know anymore on this?
Also, people are suggesting to get the Opera web browser. However, there are two versions: Opera Mobile and Opera Mini. Does anyone know which one to get for the phone, how to get it, and if it will stop us being charged for using the internet?
Thanks for everyones comments, I hope those who are struggling resolve their issues… and those who aren’t… help us all please!!
RockSt*r
January 27th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Can anyone explain why the videos I have recorded on the phone have no sound when uploaded to the PC and laptop. They are fine when viewed on the phone-really frustrating as I have some on there to upload to Youtube! I’m not computer literate but my son and bro in law are and they cant work out why there is no sound either. Havent phoned Orange yet-the touch screen locking before you have time to press numbers does my head in!
January 31st, 2010 at 6:02 pm
I too have had battery problems since I first got the phone last August. I have had 4, yes 4 replacement handsets and a replacement battery and still it’s not holding it’s charge. I have been on the phone to Orange, each time they fob me off with a different excuse as to why it’s not got a decent battery life! You’ll laugh at some of them!!
The next ‘test’ they want me to do is leave the sim card out over night and monitor how quickly the battery dies. I’ll keep you posted on this. So frustrated, I just want a phone that I can rely on. Doesn’t have to be all singing, all dancing! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
I’ll be quoting Maz’s comment from the consumer law when they call me back tomorrow to see how the ‘test’ went. Let’s hope we get somewhere!!
February 4th, 2010 at 1:18 am
Had it for about 2 months now, had about 3 handset replacements and a battery replacement. Problem being it just turns itself off all the time! in my bag when I’m asleep! my last LG did the same its just too delicate or something. Battery life not the best either, again another factor I found with the old LG (secret) I dont know why I keep getting LGs tbh.
Its got an amazing camera and the screen. QWERTY keyboards a fail though. Complete shambles for texting I can now never be bothered texting anyone back. Also wouldnt recommend getting a big memory card and filling it up because it slows the phone down dramatically.
Its a good phone but I’m still trying to get a Blackberry off Orange, might just go buy one.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:19 am
I just read Emmas comment above, story of my life atm lol