LG Smart Folder: A needed upgrade from Wine
Quick specs:
2GB RAM + 16GB ROM (+1GB ZRAM)
Snapdragon 210 (28nm)
Adreno 304
844 x 480 IPS LCD display 60Hz (290 ppi)
5MP back cam / 5MP selfie cam
Android 7.1 Nougat
1,940mAh Li-ion 10W
The direct sequel to LG Wine (Gentle/Smart Jazz, renamed with slight configuration such as 3G or 4G support), the past iteration has Android 5.1 Lollipop in it with a measly 1GB RAM and 4GB free memory, the LG Smart Folder is a direct competitor to Samsung Folder 2 with a more updated Android version and a slimmer form factor.
The specs borrows heavily from Folder 2 as well, and the underrated ZTE Helios X1 minus the tank-ish battery and larger speaker. Some notable changes includes better speaker quality, fancier colorways (I have the blue/white one) with a noticeable better signal reception capabilities. All in all, the LG Smart Folder is a slight improvement over the LG Wine/Gentle/Jazz series.
Talking about the real world usage, this is for people who wants to reduce their screen-on-time while not going full dumbphone mode. You can install most apps here with no problem, although you may want to keep the memory on check as it only has 16GB of internal memory. Thankfully, it is expandable via microSD card up to 256GB.
Using it for banking apps isn’t recommended since it has an old Android version and this phone does not recieve any security updates anymore.
As for its form factor, who wouldn’t want to flip it dramatically to shut up unwanted callers or lowkey flex in the public? You may feel like a K-Drama character while doing so. It’s an all plastic build with textured faux leather design so the grip is excellent. Buying a case isn’t necessary, but if you do, you’ll have to deal with the extra thickness, and the perils of finding a case for this to buy online.
Real world usage is great. Some occasional social media browsing, some YouTube, Spotify and texting/calling via 4G network is good. The battery life didn’t even break a sweat. It will easily last 3 days on light usage, and 2 for moderate. It has a bigger battery capacity than my smallest Android phone, the Rakuten Mini C330. But the C330 performs well with more RAM, more storage, a newer Android version (Pie) and a conversation starter.
This isn’t a small phone. It has a small screen, and it looks small when clasped shut, but opening it reveals its full size. Yes it can play Mobile Legends. Yes it can barely do Call of Duty: Mobile. Don’t think about playing Genshin Impact. Yes it can game. But would you want to? For the novelty or a cool party trick, go ahead. After flexing, just uninstall it.
If I would pick two to dual wield while outside, I would pick this over Samsung Folder 2, and the Rakuten Mini C330. The Smart Folder looks classy over the Folder’s plasticky, shiny build.
Next in line would be the Mode 1 Retro or the Mive Style Folder.
