LG K4 (2017): Plans | Pricing | Specs

Where to buy

For as tempting as the latest iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S handsets are, justifying the purchase of a $1,000+ device is a steep, steep ask. Unless your phone forms the nexus of your work and personal life, odds are the majority of fancy features premium smartphones offer will be overkill, and the advantages afforded by bleeding-edge hardware won't necessarily make up for their hefty price tag.

It's fortunate, then, that companies like LG offer plenty of affordable alternatives for those who don't need all the whiz-bang capabilities of the latest mobile technology. The LG K4 (2017) is a prime example of this. As the successor to the original K4 from 2016, the LG K4 (2017) combines low-cost hardware with a range of modern smartphone features suitable for casual phone users. Thanks to its budget-friendly price, this makes it an attractive option for young children, first-time phone buyers or anyone looking for a basic handset that doesn't skimp on features.

Design

• 5-inch LCD display is a big improvement over the original K4's screen
• Despite its age, Android 6.0 remains a competent and capable operating system

• Read more on the LG K4 (2017)'s design

  Like the rest of LG's K-series budget handsets, the K4 (2017) doesn't take too many risks with its design. The rounded corners and thin 8.1mm frame echo the style favoured by most modern smartphones, budget or not. Plastic is LG's material of choice here, which is par for the course for such a low-cost handset.

  The LG K4 (2017)'s screen has received a significant upgrade from its 2016 predecessor. Gone is the 4.5-inch TN display, replaced with a 5-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 854 x 480. It's not the highest definition you'll find in a budget handset these days, but it's still clear enough for general use.

  Internal storage is a little on the low side for a typical budget smartphone, too, with just 8GB of space available out of the box (in reality, this will be lower due to the space taken up by system files). That's a relatively easy issue to overcome since the K4 (2017) includes a microSD card slot for expanding its storage by as much as 32GB. Should you use that space to store your music library, you'll be glad to know that the K4 (2017) includes a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting traditional wired headphones as well as Bluetooth 4.2 support for pairing wireless headphones.

  The other noteworthy improvement LG has made to the 2017 revision of the K4 is updating it to Android 6.0 "Marshmallow". Though Android 6.0 is a little dated at this point, it's still a capable operating system and a considerable step up from the Android 5.1 installation included with the original K4. Among the numerous improvements Android 6.0 brought to the table, the most prominent include better battery management, greater control over the permissions granted to individual apps and contextual suggestions for when you can't find the tool or feature you're looking for.

Camera

• Higher-resolution sensors than you typically see at this price point
• Should be totally sufficient for basic photography

• Read more on the LG K4 (2017)'s camera

  Both the front- and rear-facing cameras have received a complete overhaul for the LG K4 (2017). An 8MP sensor now sits at the back while the selfie camera has more than doubled from 2MP to 5MP. Each is equipped with standard camera features like auto-focus, HDR and a built-in flash, plus the front camera supports a range of hands-free options for triggering the shutter including voice commands, smile detection and a motion-sensing mode that triggers only once a scene is still.

  For a budget smartphone at the lower-end of the pricing spectrum, this pairing is quite respectable. Whether you're looking to take basic happy snaps or step up your selfie game, the LG K4 (2017) should serve you quite well.

Performance

• Specs are modest even compared to other budget smartphones
• Light phone users should still find it adequate for basic functionality

• Read more on the LG K4 (2017)'s performance

  Budget smartphones have come a long way over the years, and today's handsets pack an impressive amount of bang for your buck. That said, the old adage "you get what you pay for" holds true for phones like the LG K4 (2017). Its quad-core MediaTek MT6737M processor is at the lowest end of MediaTek's offerings, performing its tasks at a slower pace than the chips you'll find in many competing budget handsets.

  The K4 (2017)'s 1GB of RAM is also on the lean side, meaning you can expect longer delays when opening up or switching between apps, and more complex applications like some 3D games may not run at all.

  Modest as its power is, the LG K4 (2017) should still prove adequate for folks who only need to perform basic tasks like checking their email and engaging in light web browsing.

Battery

• Pairing a 2,500mAh battery with low-power hardware is a recipe for impressive battery life
• LG's continued inclusion of a removable battery is great news for anyone always on the go

• Read more on the LG K4 (2017)'s battery

  LG typically delivers in the battery department, and that continues to be the case with the K4 (2017). Inside its shell lies a 2,500mAh battery that, when combined with the budget processor and low-resolution display, should see you through a full day without a hitch. LG doesn't give any specific details regarding expected battery life for the K4 (2017), but given that the phone's specs align quite well with those of the Alcatel Pop 4, we can get a good idea of how long it will last based on how the Pop 4 performed.

  In our testing, the Alcatel Pop 4 managed an impressive 9hr 20mins under the stressful Geekbench 3 battery benchmark, and that aligned with our real-world testing where the Pop 4 had no trouble lasting through a day on a single charge. It's safe to assume that you'll see similarly solid battery life with the LG K4 (2017).

  As a bonus, the LG K4 (2017)'s battery is easily removable, allowing you to swap in a spare if you need extra juice but don't have access to a power outlet. LG is one of the few smartphone manufacturers still offering removable batteries, and this gives it a distinct edge for folks who spend a lot of time on the road or in situations where plugging in for a recharge simply isn't possible.

Pricing and availability

• Price: ~$220
• Where to buy: Kogan

Specifications

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