LG G4011 Cell Phone

The new G4011 from LG puts the fun in functionality with its exceptional good looks and easy-to-use features. The 4011 provides the perfect solution for living in our wireless world.

This no-nonsense unit is designed for people looking for a small, inexpensive, and functional handset without bells and whistles. An AT&T Wireless version of the equally minimalist LG G4010 on Cingular's roster, the LG G4011 should satisfy anyone needing a cell phone and little more.

If slim and light is what you want, the G4011 has your number, measuring 3.2 by 1.7 by 0.8 inches and weighing 2.9 ounces. Nonetheless, the keypad is surprisingly roomy, and it features a four-way navigation key and a dedicated button to access AT&T's mMode Internet service. The monochrome screen, however, is a bit dull, making wireless Web surfing a less engaging experience.

Included is an earbud headset with a button that allows you to answer and end calls without opening the cover. The feature would be more useful, though, if the phone had an external LCD. As it is, you'll have to open the cover anyway if you want to check caller ID.

The 100-entry phone book handles five contact listings per entry, but you get only eight speed-dial locations. The selection of 40 polyphonic (32-chord) ring tones, however, should be ample for most people, as you can set specific tones for up to 25 contacts. But if those still aren't enough, more are available for download. The G4011's other features, such as a personal organizer and a calculator, are identical to those found on the G4010. Additionally, you get a choice of five wallpapers, and you can sync to your PC Outlook contacts with free downloadable software.

We tested the dual-band (GSM/GPRS 850/1900) phone in the Chicago area. Call quality was adequate; callers said we sounded clear, but they could tell we were using a mobile. On our end, the audio was decent, but the volume doesn't crank up loud enough for prolonged use outdoors.

The G4011's battery life was good. We beat the promised talk time of eight hours by an additional hour, and we coaxed eight days of standby time, a few hours short of the rated eight and a half days.