We always thought that LG’s first ever high-end camera phone was a bit of a sleeper hit, and the resurgence in popularity of the KU990i Viewty Lite bears this out.

One of the first mainstream touch screen phones, the LG Viewty Lite also has a 5 megapixel camera replete with dedicated snapper features like SmartLight for night-time imagery and manual focus, as well as 120 frames per second video recording for super slo-mo shots.

So, does does the Viewty Lite have what it takes to stand shoulder to shoulder with today’s hot handsets? Let’s find out.

Difference between LG KU990 Viewty and KU990i Viewty Lite

First, let’s get the differences between this revamped device and the original touchphone from back in the day clarified, once and for all.

The LG Viewty Lite:

-       - no longer has the snazzy Schneider-Kreuznach lens, but is still a 5MP affair.

-       - loses the images stabilisation/anti-shake functionality from the camera.

-       - lighter battery, lowering amount weight of handset

-       - is longer shipped with the data cable, LG installation software and headphone accessories that were packed in with the original LG Viewty.

So not much beyond the camera, then. Aside from the loss of the S-K lens, the Viewty Lite is indeed a tad lighter when it comes to add-ons.

Design and specs

Showing how little has changed in the post-iPhone landscape is the LG Viewty Lite. A flowing rectangular form factor with flashes of metal, the LG Viewty Lite cuts an imposing figure with just three buttons on the front for receiving and ending calls, as well as a menu/back up key.

Be sure to forgive the friends who see it and mistake it for a new snapper…

The 3” TFT touch screen is the only other landmark on the 103mm long device, sitting comfortably on the front of the handset. Along with the impressive camera, the touch interface is the other appealing factor of the device, with a simple haptic feedback providing a reassuring vibration with every virtual button press and menu selection.

The 5 megapixel camera is undoubtedly the Viewty Lite’s crowning glory, far less of a 2007 debut, but still capable of strong still and moving images.

Equipped with a xenon flash as well as ISO and white balance options, images taken can be fiddled with to an impressive degree, whilst the ability to upload videos directly to YouTube is still a great touch.

Viewing and editing photos is equally hands-on, with a variety of post-processing options to tinker with your masterpiece before presenting your mobile masterpiece to the web.

The choice to provide such a great high-end camera and fail to add a lens cover seems a strange one, as the lens juts out on the

A jog-slider on one side of the handset performs multiple functions, from menu selection to zooming just as you would find on a dedicated camera, whilst the camera button and lock are found nearby. The opposing side is home to a USB port as well as a lanyard hook.

In terms of media playback, the Viewty Lite is very robust with a player that allows video and music support for MP3, AMR, WMA and DivX formats. 

Looking at the device, the Viewty Lite exudes class and style and is a testament to how a little bit of forethought and is. Taking cues from high-end gadgets with curved edges and metallic accenting, the KU990i looks as good as it always has.

Turning the device on will slightly underwhelm those swayed by the charms of other touch phones, as they are presented with a slightly utilitarian interface eschewing the graphical flourishes many devices go for.

Digging below the surface shows off easy access to a wealth of options at your fingertips, the interface making up for in clarity what it might lack in polish.

The problems lie in the lack of customisation, with only a few themes and wallpapers available, and it being very difficult (even more so with the software required not being supplied with the Lite) to add a bit of personality to the device.

Calling and connectivity

The messaging side of things is handled ably by a touch interface, offering an alphanumeric keypad for both texting and dialling contacts as well as a full handwriting mode for those stylus lovers.

The Viewty Lite lacks Wi-Fi, but the 3G HSDPA connectivity allows a quick data download option.

The browser is great and works well with 3G, the large screen allowing for zooming and panning around the screen with ease. 

Verdict

If you want a great and stylish camera phone, the KU990 Viewty Lite is a great choice for those on a budget. With a 5 megapixel camera, touchscreen support and a strong feature set, the Viewty Lite is well matched with many of the mid-range phones around, and is perfectly pitched to enjoy a second wind in the prepay market.