LG Chocolate BL40: photos and more deets

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Photos of the under wraps mobile of the moment, the LG BL40, have appeared on a German forum confirming some things we knew and some we didn’t.

You can see from the shots that we have confirmation that this next Black Label phone is indeed sexy. The 21:9, 800 x 345 res screen is there for all to see. What we now know is that it’s got a 5-megapixel Schneider-Kruznach lens camera, 355MB of onboard storage (expandable by microSD), Wi-Fi and an FM transmitter.

It’s of little surprise that it also runs on the S-Class operating system given what we’ve already witnessed in the promo video and LG’s push of the jury’s out software. Perhaps the most interesting news of all, though, is the image over the jump…

…a sibling! What is this? Another Black Label Chocolate handset? A feature phone? One for the style conscious and function frightened? That’s my guess. Looks rather like a MP3 player too. With the BL40 set to launch next month, expect to be hearing more developments on a bi-weekly basis. Only a matter of time before a German website spills the beans.

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(via Engadget)

LG Chocolate II: the hugely popular handset is back for 2009

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LG is comin’ right back attcha this August with the second incarnation of their most popular mobile phone of all time, the LG Chocolate. The Chocolate II (TD working title) is described by the Korean tech giant as a “disruptive force in conventional mobile screens in an effort to maximize usability while inheriting the original minimalist-inspired style and iconic design of its predecessor”. Make of that what you will.

What we do know is that original LG Chocolate sold 21 million times over since its launch in 2006 and that they’re aiming for the new version to be just as special which is why they’re naming it as their fourth Black Label (top of the LG range) mobile phone after the Shine, Secret and the original, of course.

More details, pictures and prices ahead of next month’s launch. For now, we’ll have to satisfy ourselves with a picture of the old model. Still looks good but not very satisfying. Sorry.

SHINY VIDEO REVIEW: Nokia N86 8MP

If you need a need to have more megapixels than anyone else, then I wouldn’t advise buying a Nokia N86 8MP. For a short while, it’s going to be the top cameraphone, along with the Viewty Smart but give it a few months and the Samsung Pixon12 will blow them both out the water.

That said, I doubt the Pixon12 will have as good a lens on it as either of the other two. So, if you’ve got your head firmly fixed on your shoulders, then I suggest you lend an ear as I dole out my verdict on the very best in camera phones form the House of Nokia…

The N86 isn’t going to be for everyone. In fact, it’s probably for a quite a small section of people but those who don’t want or need a touchscreen, who like a good camera on their phone and who want things the Nokia way will be pleased, if slightly underwhelmed with the handset.

If it weren’t for the laggy processor and slight lack of sex appeal, I’d herald it for all. But I can’t. So I won’t. Those on a free upgrade will certainly not be upset.

There’s some deals if you’re happy to go on an 18-month contract with the phone free for around £40 per month. It’s a lot of cash but at least the price plans are generous.