LG launches Wine Smart flip smartphone

LG Electronics is introducing a new flip phone. First launched as the LG Gentle in Korea, the phone is coming to the rest of the world as the LG Wine Smart, reflecting its burgundy colour. The clamshell phone will make its international debut later this month in target countries including France, Italy, Poland, Spain, Kazakhstan, Japan and the UK. 

LG said the Wine Smart combines the familiarity of a folder phone with an easy-to-use touchscreen and the connectivity and power of a smartphone. The phone is powered Android 5.1.1 and includes a physical 3x4 numeric keypad for typing and hotkeys that provide access to frequently used features, such as phone dialer, address book, text messages or camera. The 3x3 home screen features larger-than-normal app icons. The Wine Smart also includes LG’s Safety Care feature to send emergency alerts and real-time location to pre-selected contacts whenever the user needs immediate assistance. 

Other specifications include a 3.2-inch HVGA display (480x320), 1.1GHz quad-core processor, 4GB storage plus a memory card slot, 1GB RAM, rear 3MP camera, front VGA camera, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a 1,700 mAh removable battery. Pricing details will be announced closer to launch.