[3GScottishUser]

From Mobile Today (13/04/2005):

LG has unveiled a 3G handset being lined up as the first LG handset specifically for 3’s prepay proposition, ThreePay.
The 8180 is the latest in LG’s 8100 series, and is smaller than its siblings with a bigger memory. It is due to arrive in stores in two weeks.

LG is expected to launch the more capable 8380 in May, which will feature Bluetooth and expandable memory. Sales will be buoyed by a handset-specific advertising campaign.
LG also has a ‘super-slim’ range of 3G handsets planned for the second half of the year. (See image below).

http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/artman-test/publish/article_288.shtml

[3GScottishUser]

From Mobilegazzette.com (02/02/2005):

LG U8380 Preview


LG pretty much defined the "compact" 3G handset market with the LG U8110 clamshell, now extended to the U8120, U8130, U8138 and U8150. The U8380 is a variation of that theme, just a little better.

The main feature with the U8380 is the 1.3 megapixel primary camera - megapixel cameras are still relatively rare in 3G phones. In addition to running on UMTS (3G), this is a tri-band GSM phone. As far as we can tell, there's no Bluetooth and it may or may not have expandable memory, but the LG U8380 does support MP3 ringtones and various multimedia playback formats.

From what we can tell, the U8380 is basically a U8138 with a megapixel camera. Unlike some other LG U8000 series handsets, this comes with a largish external colour display too.

Really though, we've seen this type of handset before from LG.. about five times. The feature set (apart from the camera) is pretty mundance and there's really nothing we can get excited about. Sure, it's a pretty competent budget phone.. assuming it is budget phone, but other than that it lacks the class of many competing 3G handsets. Basically, LG have failed to inspire with this device.

No launch date for the U8380 has been specified, but it does appear to be exclusive to the Hutchison 3 network.

(For images see previous post above or link below):

http://www.mobilegazette.com/lg-u8380-preview.htm