TECHNOLOGY

LG Zero sports a new swanky design

The cool factor of aluminium is clearly stapled in its cutting edge image.
November 30, 2015
Functionality is not the only appeal of aluminium. The shiny metallic material has developed a global image associated with modernity and cutting edge technology.
This perhaps, is not surprising given that the very visible material can be seen in such well publicized – and nifty- things like spaceships, cutting edge fighter-planes, and even in more humbly sized, but equally debonaire James Bond gadgetry. The cool factor of aluminium is clearly stapled in its cutting edge image.

The September release of the Korean launched LG phone, rebranded the LG Zero in Europe, has started to make waves recently, yet for reasons not often associated with the latest smart phone.
All the buzz so far has focused on its somewhat unusual look rather than on the latest technological innovation. The completely aluminium clad phone is the latest product to use the alloy more for its fashion appeal than anything else. The shiny glittering phone, available in gold or silver aluminium, has featured heavily as a style item in recent LG promoted ad campaigns.

So what makes an aluminium based phone so unusual and desirable ? Well, for starters the LG Zero is the first smart phone to opt for an all-metallic exterior. Competitors have been reluctant to go for this look due to fear that the aluminium exterior may interfere with satellite signals. The Zero has addressed this potential issue by complementing the device with a plastic fitting on the top and bottom of the phone where the antennas are placed to avoid any signal interruptions.
LG Class launched in Europe as LG Zero by Geeky Gadgets
For a phone to go out of its way as the Zero has to accommodate a fresh look over technological achievement, attests to the shiny bristling coolness of the « aluminium look ».

The Zero clearly does exude a look of sophistication and modernity- even if admittedly the phone is a mid range device with limited cutting edge technology. This becomes quickly apparent when looking at the device's features, which include a 5-inch display with 720 x 1280 pixels, and a quad-core Snapdragon 410 processor. However at the end of the day, cool is likely to rule, especially at the relatively affordable price of 299 euros (320 USD).

The "Class" moniker refers to its stylish exterior as the smartphone utilizes brushed metal looks to give a luxurious impression.

Andreas Müller
Technology journalist, Notebook Check
For those on the look out for this phone, and we suspect there will be many, you will likely need to wait a few extra weeks. The phone is currently only available outside of South Korea in Italy- although it is expected to enter new markets in the near future.