LG 5250 Cell Phone

If you recently bought LG's TP5200, you'll be disappointed to discover that Sprint PCS is selling an upgraded version of the phone, called the TP5250, for the same price. Those who waited will be happy to note that this identical-looking model offers some slight improvements, including compatibility with Sprint PCS's next-generation voice network. These small enhancements make a good phone even better.

At 3.5 ounces, the TP5250 weighs 0.7 ounces less than LG's older TP1100 and is slightly smaller (3.31 by 1.81 by 0.98 inches). It's also more refined-looking, with a dull-silver casing that has a splash of teal on the outside and more matching highlights on the inside. Our only gripes: The TP5250's retractable antenna is white instead of teal or silver, and the phone's finish is easily scratched, so you'll need to get a protective case.

On a less superficial level, the phone is comfortable to use, the six-line screen is of a good size, and the menus are easy to navigate. We would have preferred it if the backlit keys were rubberized, as they are on LG's TM-510 (for Verizon service). But they are well placed, and you get one-touch access to the wireless Web.

When the TP5250 is closed, the phone's external, single-line LCD shows the date, the time, the signal strength, the battery life, and voicemail notification. When a call comes in, the same LCD shows caller-ID info (if available), and the light strip on the outside of the phone flashes--even if the ringer is turned off.

If you compare this model to the older TP5200, you'll notice a couple of changes that make the phone's interface a tad snazzier. First, you can switch the start and end animations (three are included) as well as apply various screensavers (four are included). You can also add additional graphics and ring tones by purchasing Sprint PCS's optional Ringers And More service, which runs $4 per month for eight downloads.

Though this isn't an excessively feature-rich phone, the TP5250 has ample functionality. You'll find all of the standard features, such as a 199-name phone book, a scheduler, a call-history log, a voice-memo recorder that stores up to five minutes of notes, a calculator, and 28 ring tones. In addition, this phone ships with a couple of games--BlackJack 2 and Comanche, the latter of which is a poor man's helicopter arcade game. Like the TP5200, the TP5250 (CDMA 1900/AMPS 800) offers analog roaming and can be programmed to voice-dial up to 30 names. Also, with the release of Sprint PCS Contact Synchronization Software, this model, as well as the TP5200, can sync with Microsoft Outlook. That certainly is a nice perk.

It's worth pointing out that in an effort to improve audio quality and the power of the vibration mode, LG embedded the vibration engine within the phone itself (instead of in the earpiece, as it did with the TP5200). Since the TP5250 is loud, we appreciated this design change. Now the earpiece doesn't vibrate at the highest volume like it did with the TP5200. As for overall sound quality, we had no trouble hearing callers and vice versa.