LG 225

The LG 225 is one of a handful of no-frills, budget cell phones that target users who just want to talk. It is almost identical to its predecessor, the now-discontinued LG V1-125, and similar to its discontinued sister models, the LG PM-225 and LG CG-225, which were carried by Sprint and Cingular Wireless (now AT&T), respectively. Overall, reviewers and users consider the LG 225 a good voice-only phone. This compact clamshell device is about the same size as the V1-125, measuring 3.36 inches by 1.89 inches by 0.9 inches and weighing 3.26 ounces. The LG 225 has a postage-size external display, but the 128-by-160-pixel internal display is bright and readable. Input and interface delays are a common complaint among users, along with unexpected shutdowns and screen freezes, a mediocre speakerphone and a weak vibrate mode.

Calling features are this phone's strong suit, and LG 225 packs voice mail, text messaging, caller ID, call waiting and a 255-contact phonebook. And while voice quality ranks high, spotty reception is an issue. That may be due to network support rather than the LG device: TracFone leases its network space from AT&T, which ranks low for reception in major cell phone carrier surveys. Calling features aside, the LG 225 sports a few bells and whistles: games, screen savers, wallpaper, downloadable ringtones, an alarm clock, calculator, currency converter and stop watch. Unlike many other phones, the LG 225 and a few other TracFone handsets can display menus in English or Spanish. Another perk is the built-in camera (0.3-megapixel), although most reviewers and users consider it "typical" at best, and the phone's 1 MB of memory can store only about 20 photos. Still, the $40 LG 225 doesn't pretend to be a multimedia device, and as a voice-only phone, its market longevity speaks for itself.

Reviews for the LG 225 are limited, and write-ups from PCMag.com and CNET focus on its discontinued sister models -- the LG PM225 and LG CG225 -- which offered slightly different network-support features. Associated Content takes a brief look at the LG 225 next to several other products in TracFone's prepaid lineup, while users at PhoneScoop.com share their experiences with the entry-level device, noting pros and cons with frequent or long-term use.