First heard of this line of 3G phones (LG KU250) a couple months back during a dinner meeting with several Smart executives and MediaQuest President Doy Vea. They mentioned that this LG phone has been chosen by the GSM Association in their “3G for All” campaign. Their February press release indicates at least 12 GSM operators will be introducing this model in their respective networks.
Globe Telecoms was also there with their CEO being quoted saying:
As the first to commercially launch 3G & HSDPA in the Philippines, we at Globe Telecom are most excited with the announcement of the “3G For All” winner in this Congress, as this breakthrough initiative of the GSMA will enable us to improve handset affordability, one of the barriers to 3G service adoption in the Philippines. We believe that there is a huge un-served, mass-market segment in the Philippines which this “3G for All” initiative will address; we look forward to 3G becoming a mass-market proposition within the next years. We commend the GSMA in its efforts to support the industry with a timely and effective market intervention ensuring that the price gap between 2G and 3G handsets is being narrowed by the delivery of this affordable, feature-rich 3G handset.
Inquirer.net also posted the news the other day that Smart made an announcement on the LG unit. The unit will retail for P6,290 (around USD$130) though I think they’ll be much cheaper in Greenhills and street stalls. Before this, there wasn’t any 3G capable phones out there that sells less than Php10 that I know of. On top of the 3G capability, the LG KU250 supports GPRS (but no EDGE), 10MB shared memory and external micro SD card slot, bluetooth and USB as well as a 1.3MP camera.
Second inline from the GSMA recommendation is the Nokia N6151 which has an almost similar features as the LG one but I guess the price was the major deciding factor.
It is cheap. Hope that it will be marketed well because we all know how hooked to Nokia phones Pinoys are. Most of the folks I know haven’t even heard of LG phones yet.
For them, if it’s not a Nokia phone, it’s not a phone.
This came in a tad late for me. i was choosing Smart 3G, Bayantel or Destiny for my ISP. I wanted a 3G phone with a price range of 5k.
Maybe when my cell conks out. Which may be in two or three years pa.
I want one.
I hope it can handle basic 3G functions such as video call, internet connectivity, and streaming, which should make up for the lack of it’s internal memory.
Wait did you say the mem’s expandable? Yay!
Hi, some iPhone news. You’ll probably get this from gizmodo or engadget first but here they are…
http://www.pmptoday.com/
I mean, iPhone ads and the release date. Now’s probably a good time to discuss, the probable iPhone Philippine carrier. Do you think Smart and Globe are going to engage in a bidding war to the death or maybe to some sort of compromise. Remeber, this is only iPhone 1G. iPhone 2G is probably going to be cheaper.
last year i searched for the cheapest 3g phone. Back then it was the Sony Ericsson K608i. which was going for P8,000. Smart was selling it too then but it was a popular package that in a few weeks, it was sold out. I got mine for a slightly higher price in Makati but it’s still below P10K. This is still my main phone which I use for accessing the net via 3g.
I’m glad that there’s now an alternative to low cost 3g units if it’s 3g you’re looking for.
Abe, when and how can we use 3G phones just like the SIM card-powered HSDPA (Huawei) Globe Vissibility? Zimm
I saw an ad on Philippine Star last Saturday. They say it will be available on Smart Wireless Centers starting June 5. I’m going to check it out today
@ Zimm - I think LG will have their own software like that of the Nokia PC Suite then you hook it up via the USB cable.
anyone help me can you give me a specific location where to buy that phone. craving to have that phone… thanks in advance
is headset or earphones included in the package????
the problem with this phone is the accessories. where can you find LG batteries and everything?
if you go to LG service centers to look for accessories and everything, how much they will charge you? definitely!, it will be expensive!!! that is the problem with this phone…no accessories yet available in the market like sony eric, nokia and moto..
Yes, the package will come with the usual accessories like the charger, USB cable and headset.
just bought lg ku 250 3g phone. please advise appropriate memory card specifications as to capacity, brand, etc. ty
It is indeed the cheapest 3G phone as of now. You can surf the net, video streaming, video calls, has MP3 player and memory is also expandable using SD micro. All that with just 6K+ PhP. Check out the net for its full features. It is now available in Smart wireless centers. I also plan to buy one tomorrrow.
My sister and I bought this phone today at Globe. It didn’t came with a headset. It has a charger and a USB cable. But no headset. It’s a big frustration since we’re also after the mp3 feature. Been to different telecom shops but we can’t find a headset that fits the socket.
The socket for the headset is the same as their USB cable. The end looks a bit weird. It’s flat like Samsung’s but Samsung’s won’t fit either. It doesn’t work with Vodafone headsets either. We’re looking for a bluetooth headset but nobody can claim that it’s compatible with LG. They haven’t tried it yet.
If you know where to find LG headset accessories, please tell us. [soujirou.okita@gmail[dot]com]
FYI, there are no default games.
For the memory, it has 10mb internal memory. Smart claims that it’s expandable to 2gb and supports FAT system.
CDR King’s 1GB Kingstone MicroSD works fine so far.
hello po! bumili ako ng ku250 kahapon , pero ndi ako maka browse… na activate ko na & na download yung settings tapos may 3g icon nman pero lagi na lang “Cannot Connect”… bakit kaya ?
“connection failed” pala
do i know how much is d prize of dis ku250 unit? tnx everyone!!…
Globe has an introductory price of around Php6,500 until end of the month.
Smart is offering the same handset for only p6290.
Is this available anywhere else aside from Globe and Smart centers? Meron na ba sa greenhills? Openline? How much?
Hi ALL,
This is my first NON-NOKIA Phone.
I bought this phone just this afternoon from a Globe Hub in Galleria w/ 0% Interest for 12 months!!
That’s only P500+ per MONTH!
Aside from the missing headset (2gb SD would be useless w/o it), it’s a very intuitive phone especially I’ve always been a Nokia boy even from the 90’s.
It’s ergonomically slim (unlike 6300 or ultra slim edition which could be a torment when typing long msgs over the keypad)
This is truly featured rich phone for it’s price and SIZE!
Grab your P500 /mo 3G phone TODAY!!
http://www.cellphoneitch.com
wow! you can connect the LG phone to your laptop and use it as a modem.
Pero na try nyo nang mag download ng mg files using torrent and P2P softwares like limewire, gnutella, etc..?
how’s the interface of this phone? what is the maximum sms messages you can save? does it have a hole for placing cellphone straps?
sino po ba nakabili na ng headset nito? kc useless ang mp3 kung walang kasamang headset.
How come Globe took the headset out of the package? Is Smart doing the same thing?
I read somewhere that the headset socket is mini-USB, has any KU250 owner been successful in finding headsets in computer shops?
damn! can’t find this anywhere in SM City Cyberzone
how much is the price at Greenhills? openline?
does it come with headset?
the package does not have a headset. it requires you to buy a separate one. there was a stall in greenhills that solds lg headsets for P250. or you could try buying it at the lg service centers located in pasig and qc (i don’t know where exactly).
i think the unit is just available in smart and globe hubs only for now.
i have tried a 1g card and it worked but when i moved my files the mem card was corrupted. not really sure what caused it as i have yet to have the mem card checked.
yes it does have a hole for straps located at the side near the camera.
anyway, where can i dl games that would launch?
i had downloaded games from globe so many times but the games would not launch
i got my KU250 this monday from Globe and it comes free for a Gplan 800 and up… P 3,xxx cash out for Gplan 500
VGA cam in front and 1.3 mp cam at the rear, great resolutions and lots of settings to choose from…
no headset with the package though sounds are coming out good thru the built-in spkr… no headsets available at SM carpark yet…
bluetooth and USB connections work fine too…
512Mb microSD works best, my friend says, haven’t tried higher mem…
best phone for my money, so far…
Please confirm if the unit from Smart doesn’t include headset as well? I’m planning on buying one this friday. Thanks!
hey. I already have the LG250. IT’S REALLY REALLY NICE..
no need for too expensive 3G phones. This phone has it all.
by the way, where can we find a headset for this phone? I’ve looked for the headset at SM Megamall Cyberzone..none’s available yet. if you have any idea where please email me naman and i’d really appreciate it. cheneilmonreal@yahoo.com
thanks!!!
walang headset for both Globe and Smart…LG in Pasig is located in Brgy. Maybunga…from Ortigas going to Cainta, after C5, turn right at C. Raymundo…then turn left at a drugstore (South something yung name)…LG is on your left…not available in Greenhills so all Ku250’s are locked on their respective networks…not available sa Sun Cellular…battery lasts 5 days ng normal use…
walang LG sa malls?
LG KU250 is sold in ome stores without the device driver. Windows does not recognise this device without the cd. Pl give the driver for downloading.
it’s really cheap, yet I can’t still afford it. hoping this coming seasons that the price will decline up to 50% so I can buy it. really that this phone has it ALL. Sana huwag siyang ma phase-out agad.
can LG KU250 and its accessories be bought directly from LG pasig?
Tang Ina!!!!! When I connect to the internet and use it as a modem, There are so many times that the “PAGE CANNOT DISPLAY” occur.. I don’t know if the problem is on the LG unit or the 3G provider SMART!! They automatically charge P10 in my load even though I can’t search!!!! How bout yours? Is it working properly? or sometimes only?
nkakita nko sa smart wireless center! ang mura nga nya! Php 6,290. and guess what, that phone is the winner for 3GForAll contest in other countries, meaning maganda tlga ang specifications nya. wlang headset na kasama if u buy. it is sold separately.
pag sweldo ko bibili ako.
hay! when i heard about d LGku250 i didnt take much n atenti0n hwever when i search it’s feat. at d inernet i was surprys dat a 3g ph0ne c0st only 6K+ n 8s very cool n i pruv dat as an adict fone master u must check frst d feat. b4 u gve ur own critzion, i wish i cn nw earn my target m0ney s0 that i cn nw buy my ownLGKU250 to replce my lost N6600
According to user feedback, the KU250 only has a WAP browser — which the telcos do not tell their subscribers or buyers.
“Yan marahil ang dahilan kung bakit connection failure ang nararanasan ng marami…
But users’ posts on tipidpc revealed that the Opera Mini may be downloaded and used to surf html sites.
Maybe LG, Smart and Globe should make sure that Opera Mini is already installed in the KU250 handsets. Otherwise, they should tell their subscribers to download it themselves.
Meron ako nabili na LGKU250 sa tyange dun sa greenhils! sa 2/F. pede nyo pa tawaran. ito nabili ko na lang ng P5,900!. hanapin at pagtyagan nyo magtanong. It’s somewhere there. Sa mga owners na nito. Meron ba ito camera FLASH? kc niresearch q ang features nya at sbi meron daw itong flash? Please w8 ko reply nyo. Kc un sa akin wala.
san kaya to pde ipa OPENLINE??? me alam ba kau na mura pa OPENLINE??ty
bought a lg ku250, tried the internet but my 500 load was gone after a few slow, unreliable connections. maybe the P10/30 min. internet fee, had gone to 6.50/min normal gprs rate, or i got problems with my setting?
ok nabasa ko na lahat ng reviews nyo, convince na talaga ako, bibili na talaga ako…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..ng head set
LG 25O IS NICE AND AFFORDABLE 3G PHONE… I GOT THE PHONE FROM SMART. HEADSET IS NOT INCLUDED… WHERE CAN I BUY IT?
nakabili ako ng dalawa 6k each.. nabenta ko yung isa ng 7k… hehe astig… ok talaga toh.. d best.. ;p
This is my first 3G phone, and I’m so frustrated I cannot browse the internet. 2x already the smart tech guys sent the settings to my phone, and still to no avail. Now, I’m waiting for another 24hrs monitoring for this to work. Hopefully, this will work now.
already bought the phone. right now, nagda-download ako ng pc suit from http://www.smart.com.ph... 2 hrs nako nag-dl nakaka-21% pa lang ako.. grabe..wala na nang headset, alapang cd na kasama sa package?? i think its unfair… although maganda talaga yung features nya..
ung memory up to wat capacity po b? kya ba nya ung 2gb n hindi naghahang sabi kc nung iba naghahang daw,. pls help me po
Lala, there’s a CD installer that comes with the package. Mine had, but I cant get the 3G to work
Hi,
I bought LG KU250 last month…been enjoying it’s features however I could not download the pics coz there was no CD driver included in the package… other brands have it. Been asking the Globe, where I got the phone regarding this…but till now have not provided any. Please provide us buyers then, the soonest. Thanks.
If internet problem probably if not correctly configured it needed sometime and try restarting the phone. If browsing ang problem bka hindi wap site yun kase wap lang available.. you can download opera mini it works well with websites.. i bought this phone sa smart..
ang mga katanungan nyo walang headset! basahin nyo manual.. optional tlga ang headset but new batch of this phone that sells out meron na daw headset kahit nakalagay sa manual na optional.. by august ang sabe nila and ng lg mag lalabas na daw ng accessories ng LG KU250 so wait lang kau…
about the features of the phone… works well with windows 98 and xp havent tried sa vista and it works well you just need to configure it correctly.. parati nako nag iinternet.. download sa limewire, download sa kung saan saan..
about its features wala kong masasabe.. super video call me.. video message at lahat lahat na
im using 1GB and works well hindi lag… and my friend uses 2gb… CDRKING Micro SD works fine din is you ask.. hhhhmm ano pa ba mga tanung d2 aun lang THANX!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!! I LOVE THIS PHONE…
just got this phone two days ago..
key features:
1.3 Megapixel Camera
VGA cam in front for Video Calling
Bluetooth
Micro SD slot..(can go up to 2gb)
and many more..
This phone is truly bang for the buck!
too bad though for some users who got this phone earlier..from my lurking..i found out that the headset was not included with the early batch of this phone that was provided to the telcos(globe,smart)you have to get it from LG stores.with regards to the pc suite for this phone.
point your browsers here..
http://www.betterthan3g.com under devices section
” a)3G capable Video Stream And 384kbps DSL speed Internet through pc where unit funtion as a modem. (hope per kb will be affordable)
b)GPRS internet depends on 3G capable area.
If you are likely in the METRO cities.. no probs.
c)Auto detect difference in sms and mms create message
d)Email through wap and PC through IMAP, pop3 and smtp.. (look for Provider recognized email provider, edsamail, mozcom.. etc.)
e)GIF (Animated/Moving) Wallpaper.. (where in nokia is not capable).
f)Music player could categorized by playlist, genre, artist , album etc.. even album pictures automatically if tags is edited in mp3 tag editing software through pc.
could multitask like (WINDOWS) texting while playing mp3/games/editing calendar/whew…
g)tested on 2Gb and 1Gb Kingston MicroSD purchased in CDR king for the price of 1300 i think and 800 for the later.
h)Of course, VIDEO CALL capable should be in 3G cellsite areas. Reciever & Caller should also have a 3g capable phone and in 3g area.
i)Stereo capable speakers.. and when compared to nokia..nahhh.. almost similar to samsung stereo phones.. so clear and load.
j)most of 12k+ and 21k+ pesos nokia features are present in this phone.
k) could function as an extended USB Storage device in PC (similar to flash disk when set on its settings)
l)OS i think is SAVAJe not symbian, could play JAD application or games
m)has a list of cell operators in abroad (almost 400+ i think)
n)great my business card features (buy it to see it)
o)just what others said.. contacts details are amazing
p)PC suite software are fast to load than nokia, very simple but effecient..(nice GUI)
q)screen is 170 X 220 if you want to know wallpaper sizes to download.
r)camera is great when daytime with super fine features.. much detailed pics (wallpaper to pc)
s) Dual cam VGA at front 1.3 MP at back zoom 4 to 8 i think
t)zoomable picture viewer, DETAIL to grid type viewing of pics,and etc.. (many feats.)
u)TRIBAND and wcdma.. for geeks, graph memory manager, battery automatically charge when connected to pc via cable, bundle with warranty/usbcable/manual.
just got this phone two days ago..
key features:
1.3 Megapixel Camera
VGA cam in front for Video Calling
Bluetooth
Micro SD slot..(can go up to 2gb)
and many more..
This phone is truly bang for the buck!
too bad though for some users who got this phone earlier..from my lurking..i found out that the headset was not included with the early batch of this phone that was provided to the telcos(globe,smart)you have to get it from LG stores.with regards to the pc suite for this phone.
point your browsers here..
http://www.betterthan3g.com under devices section
” a)3G capable Video Stream And 384kbps DSL speed Internet through pc where unit funtion as a modem. (hope per kb will be affordable)
b)GPRS internet depends on 3G capable area.
If you are likely in the METRO cities.. no probs.
c)Auto detect difference in sms and mms create message
d)Email through wap and PC through IMAP, pop3 and smtp.. (look for Provider recognized email provider, edsamail, mozcom.. etc.)
e)GIF (Animated/Moving) Wallpaper.. (where in nokia is not capable).
f)Music player could categorized by playlist, genre, artist , album etc.. even album pictures automatically if tags is edited in mp3 tag editing software through pc.
could multitask like (WINDOWS) texting while playing mp3/games/editing calendar/whew…
g)tested on 2Gb and 1Gb Kingston MicroSD purchased in CDR king for the price of 1300 i think and 800 for the later.
h)Of course, VIDEO CALL capable should be in 3G cellsite areas. Reciever & Caller should also have a 3g capable phone and in 3g area.
i)Stereo capable speakers.. and when compared to nokia..nahhh.. almost similar to samsung stereo phones.. so clear and load.
j)most of 12k+ and 21k+ pesos nokia features are present in this phone.
k) could function as an extended USB Storage device in PC (similar to flash disk when set on its settings)
l)OS i think is SAVAJe not symbian, could play JAD application or games
m)has a list of cell operators in abroad (almost 400+ i think)
n)great my business card features (buy it to see it)
o)just what others said.. contacts details are amazing
p)PC suite software are fast to load than nokia, very simple but effecient..(nice GUI)
q)screen is 170 X 220 if you want to know wallpaper sizes to download.
r)camera is great when daytime with super fine features.. much detailed pics (wallpaper to pc)
s) Dual cam VGA at front 1.3 MP at back zoom 4 to 8 i think
t)zoomable picture viewer, DETAIL to grid type viewing of pics,and etc.. (many feats.)
u)TRIBAND and wcdma.. for geeks, graph memory manager, battery automatically charge when connected to pc via cable, bundle with warranty/usbcable/manual.
Called up LG on monday, the headsets are already available from their main office. I don’t know if the telecom shops are picking up their accessories. Maybe some shops will agree on an order-basis.
Oh yeah, from what I read, LG Ku250 3G does not work with Vista. But you can set it up as a dial-up modem. (sucks…) For more instructions, you can call up Smart.
wow! i just luv the review made by CoffeeMate..i got the phone yesterday and been researching on what the users think of it…so far, i read many positive feedback…the article CoffeeMate wrote is very informative..
…I love its features but, where could I buy this phone(LG KU250/U250)with headset in its package? Please tell me, I’m begging you… C:C
hey! where can we find a headset for this phone, ku250? I’ve looked for the headset but not yet available. if you have any idea where can i buy LG accessories please email me exagge_yang@yahoo.com.
i like my phone ku250 but the questions are:
-where can i buy LG accesorries here in davao?
-is it same price with nokia accessories?
just email me if you have some idea bout my concern exagge_yang@yahoo.com
THANKS im waiting and hoping for it!
i like to buy one
thanks to you
does this fon work well with macintosh?
is this better than nokia 6300?
im planning to get one soon.
Hello po! Saan po kaya pwedeng bumili ng LG KU250 na openlined/SMART Locked please not GLOBE locked for installment? I gonna pay via ATM(MetroBank World Cash Card) at a rate of P700/montH. Free shipping po ba here papunta Oriental Mindoro? Please include USB Cable and headset. Thanks po! Please email me at abraham_dsl@yahoo.com
Also, I don’t wanna go to Manila to buy personally…kahit padala ko na muna Western union yung initial cash outlay? Thanks!
ay grabe convincing talga…kaso no money..ahahahahha
uhm,sana pag bibili na ko may headset na…
anuh pa ba?
kapag ba bumili may mem card nang kasama??
thankz!!
Wow.. so beautifdul!
i love it
my dad likes it
everybody wants it!!
its so cool and cheap at the same time!!
^-^
maganda la lang headset la pa naman akong pagbilhan dto ilocos sur. meron na kaya sa vigan o san fernando. e-mail dak man padak nga ilokano no ada amo u asideg candon nga pagatangan headset.
arceascaesar@yahoo.com
nga pala, meron na bang pwedeng download na games nito, kong meron san download…………..
salamat
pls help d ako makaconnect internet. laging page cant display. sinubuakn ko magsearch ng opera mini for LG KU250 wla naman para sa LG KU250. pwede ba ung LG KU 310
I had mine a week ago. fed it with a 2GB microSD from CDRKing–works fine, although merong lag ng 2-3 seconds when opening folders containing lots of files. (in my case-mp3’s and 3gps videos–about 60 of them).
Was able to download a few java games but are old ones. Would you know any sites offering free games that can work with this phone?
Over all-the phone is great for the budget conscious phone freaks.
Im still on a hunt for the headset though.
wow! im so excited na magkaroon ng lg ku250.. badtrip nga lng ung smartwireless center d2 sa palawan.. out of stock! i avail it on the promo for contract extension sa smartbro.. P525/month at 12 months.. pwede na.. kc hulugan nman.. tatawagan nlng daw ako pag dumating na ung stocks.. hay.. hndi na ako maka2log.. gus2 ko n maexperiece ung mga sinasabi nyo n fetures… actually na-bookmark ko n 2ng website.. open ko nlang if ever makuha ko na ung unit.. thnx a lot for this site! astig!
i had buy this LG ku250 at globe telecom.. its so nice and faster browser kasi HSDPA na sya… like WLAN mas Mabilis itong LG ku250… take note maoopen line mo sya sa P1000 only medyo mahal pero ok lang pero wala me balak ipa open…. also its more fun kasi makakpag send ka ng pics mo using mms sa mga email address mo.. with no assel…. di ba… i had been buy bluethoot headset at compatible sya… try nyo….
hello, last month of june while im in sm mall visiting the new trends of mobile i saw lg ku250 its great a cheapest and all 3g taht you ever want is there i dream it i make my word i will buy it yesterday i go to smart i buy it dream come true with a help ofcoures of my husband its a good phone clear sound and all the acceess of other phone its just only different but in nokia user you need to try new phone to see and open your mind that there a lots of good phone that ordinary nokia
eLLoW po!!! My husband plan to buy a LG-KU250 as a gift on my birthday! He told me that it’s a great phone than what i wanted, the nokia N70. It’s cheapest but it has all i wanted. I hope so… Well, im so excited!!!
…la syang games and apps..where can I download compatible apps for this phone?
Talaga po bang pwede ang video call sa LG KU250? Akala ko po kasi wala siyang cam sa front? Pwede po?
hi
im planing to buy this buy after two days..
installment sa globe..
sa mga bagong ng.avail sa globe nitong LG KU250, my kasamng headset naba at cd driver?
guys, could u help me out with the video settings of this phone…i transferred some of the clips from my pc but whenever i try to play them, im getting “unsupported file type”…what kind of media player do i have to install? the extensions of the clips are: avi and mpeg…what do i do, help!
thanks much in advance!
for evil_asset:
You should convert avi, mpeg, etc to 3gp. The phone only supports 3gp file extension (as far as I know and have tested)
One negative comment about the phone is its keypad. Mejo may katigasan (malutong) and maingay. Most likely maririnig ka ng katabi mo sa cubicle sa office kung nag te txt ka=).
Another is yung position ng “C”. Pag nag eerase sa text, I always get to press the “-” (key above the “C”) instead of the “C”. Maybe its just me, nasanay sa my old nokia phone.