As many LG fans are aware, anything from the Black Label series of LG is worth checking out. After all, this series launched the LG BL40 and the LG KG800, both of which are among the most popular mobile phones ever released by LG.

It seems that users have begun to equate the Black Label series to high class, high quality mobile phones. The newest member of the Chocolate family has a lot of expectations to live up to, and upon closer inspection, the LG BL20 Chocolate does not disappoint.

What We Like about the BL20

Aimed primarily at fashion-conscious mobile phone users, the BL20 combines stylish design with useful functions and great features. It stays true to the hip and trendy style associated with the Black Label series. This slider looks fantastic with its sophisticated black exterior and striking red keypad. The design is sleek and minimalist,

The TFT display screen measures 2.4 inches and has a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels that delivers exceptional image quality. One of the best features of this phone however is its 5.0 megapixel camera with impressive Schneider-Kreuznach optics, LED flash and autofocus function.

Typical of other Chocolate handsets, the BL20 has several touch-sensitive buttons which light up in a stunning red, keeping in harmony with the over-all colour theme of the handset. A usual complaint on touch-sensitive buttons is that you are prone to press the next button by mistake. However, this is not the case with the BL20 because there is sufficient space in between each button to minimize the odds of pressing another button by accident.

Another great thing about the new Chocolate handset is that its volume rocker is touch sensitive. To make it even easier for you to find it, the rocker has also been slightly raised and not totally flat. You'd need to press a little hard on the button though, which is actually good because otherwise, it would be too easy to press the button by accident.

What We Don't Like about the BL20

There are two things we don't like about the BL20, although these may seem rather nit-picky. For one thing, the display screen and even the handset itself frequently shows fingerprint marks. This may be because of the kind of material used. In order to keep the BL20 looking clean, you will have to wipe it rather often.

Another complaint about the BL20 is that the slider feels too tight and gives off a rather unpleasant, scraping sound whenever it is opened. In addition, the uppermost button row where you will find the send, delete and end keys are located a bit too close to the edge. If you have thick fingers, you might find it uncomfortable to press these keys.

The Final Verdict

Taking into account its affordable price, its suave design and its nifty features, the LG BL20 Chocolate definitely lives up to all expectations. The complaints against the unit are very minor and can easily be overlooked.