The CU515 comes in a standard, black clamshell shape, with a stylish, cool exterior and elegant interior. A large 176 x 220 color display that supports more than 65,000 colors dominates the inside of the top cover, while the outside cover sports a supplementary 96 x 64 LCD display that shows the time, call information, battery and signal strength, and more. Most of the phone's features and onscreen menus are controlled by a five-way button on the handset's backlit control pad. And neither communication or storage are a problem thanks to the integrated USB slot and expandable microSD/TransFlash memory card slot, which supports up to 4 GB. Lastly, the phone includes an internal antenna that's safely tucked away, keeping the design compact and portable.

Calling Features

The CU515's internal phone book can hold up to 500 contacts, while the built-in speakerphone makes it easy for your whole family to chat with grandma at once. The phone also includes Push-to-Talk functionality, which lets you instantly speak with one or up to 30 people at once. And because the CU515 is Bluetooth enabled, you can configure wireless headsets to the phone and enjoy total hands-free operation. Other calling features include voice dialing--which makes calling your friends, family, and associates as easy as saying their names--and a host of built-in ringtones.

Messaging, Internet, and Tools

The CU515 is a messaging and wireless Internet powerhouse. With support for AT&T's HSDPA network built right into the phone, you'll be streaming and downloading at speeds so fast your head will spin. More significantly, the phones 1.3-megapixel camera and video recorder opens up a whole new world of message opportunities. You can send photos, graphics, and videos to friends, or, when used in combination with AT&T's Video Share, you can share real-time streaming video with family. The latter feature is terrific should you want to share baby's first steps with your in-laws or show your pal the winning touchdown in real time.

The phone also supports instant messaging via AOL Instant Messenger, Windows Live, and Yahoo! Messenger. Text messaging is about as easy as it can get on a numeric keypad thanks to the phone's T9 predictive text technology, which anticipates and finishes your words as you type. And the CU515 is ideal if you need basic Internet access, as it includes a built-in WAP 2.0 web browser and an e-mail client that supports Yahoo!, AOL, MS Live, and POP3/SMTP protocols.

A number of handy software tools are also bundled with the CU515, including a calculator with a unit conversion feature, a calendar, an alarm clock, date finder, a notepad, and a tip calculator. Or you can use the phone's Bluetooth capability to set up a wireless link with a Bluetooth accessory--such as a wireless headset--or connect to a computer or handheld device to exchange and synchronize data. The unit also supports USB mass storage, meaning you can use your phone as a portable hard drive, making for easy file transfers between phone and PC.

Imaging and Entertainment

With such features as a built-in audio player, stereo Bluetooth headphone capability, and an integrated camera, the CU515 shines in the entertainment department. When the feeling hits, you can jam out to your favorite music on the unit's advanced MP3 player, which supports MP3, WMA, AAC, and AAC+/eAAC+ files. Because the CU515 also sports a microSD/TransFlash memory card slot, you can easily load up all your favorite music and bring it with you (cards sold separately). Additional audio features include a customizable equalizer with visualization, playlist management, and the ability to sync music from your PC to your phone using Napster or eMusic.

The phone's 1.3-megapixel camera, meanwhile, offers such features as an 8x digital zoom, video recording, customizable shutter tones, brightness and white balance controls, and an image editor that lets you resize, crop, color, and rotate your photos.

Vital Statistics

The LG CU515 offers 55 MB of built-in memory and includes a lithium-ion battery that offers 3.5 hours of talk time and 400 hours of standby time. Running on the 850/900/1800/1900 GMS/GPRS/EDGE and 850/1900 UMTS/HSDPA frequencies, the phone measures 1.97 by 3.78 by 0.71 inches (W x H x D), weighs 0.2 pounds, and comes with a one-year limited warranty.