LG K4 Comprehensive Review Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of LG K4

Introduced in early 2016, the LG K4 was a smartphone designed to offer essential features for users at an entry-level price. While it may not boast the high-end specifications found in flagship devices, it was appreciated for delivering the fundamental smartphone experience without breaking the bank.

Network and Connectivity

The LG K4 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, ensuring a wide range of connectivity options for users. The 2G bands included GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, making it suitable for global use. Multi-band support in 3G and 4G, with bands such as HSDPA 850, 900, 2100, and LTE bands 1, 3, 7, 8, and 20, offered reasonable coverage across different regions. The connectivity speed was adequate with HSPA at 21.1/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 with 150/50 Mbps, providing fast data transfer for its category.

Design and Build

The LG K4 featured a compact and manageable body, measuring 131.9 x 66.7 x 8.9 mm and weighing only 120 grams. This made the device lightweight and easy to carry around, potentially appealing to those who prefer smaller devices. The smartphone was available in Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) variants, providing flexibility based on the user's needs.

Display

Equipped with a 4.5-inch IPS LCD display, the LG K4 offered decent clarity with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels (~218 ppi density). While not the sharpest screen, it provided vibrant colors and satisfactory viewing angles, which suited general tasks like browsing the web and sending messages.

Performance

The LG K4 operated on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and was driven by a Mediatek MT6735M chipset for models K120E and K130E, enhancing the performance with a Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. For the K121 model, a Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 chipset paired with a Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU was utilized. The device’s GPU varied between Mali-T720MP2 and Adreno 304 based on the specific model. While not powerful by today's standards, it enabled satisfactory performance for light applications and basic smartphone functions.

Memory and Storage

With an internal storage of 8GB and 1GB RAM, the LG K4 was not intended for heavy multitasking or storing large files. However, it included a microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand the storage further for additional apps and media, thus providing an affordable solution for more extensive data management.

Camera Capabilities

Sporting a 5MP main camera with an f/2.8 aperture and autofocus, the LG K4 could capture adequate photos in well-lit conditions. An LED flash complemented its capabilities for low-light environments. The device also supported video recording at 720p@30fps. On the front, a 2MP selfie camera provided basic functionality for video calls and snapshots, fitting the needs for social media usage at the time.

Audio Features

The device included essential sound features, such as a loudspeaker for speakerphone conversations and media playback, along with a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to connect standard headphones or external speakers.

Comms and Connectivity

For wireless connectivity, the LG K4 featured Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with support for Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP and LE ensured a stable connection for wireless peripherals. Location services included GPS and GLONASS, providing accurate location tracking. However, the absence of NFC limited some of the advanced connectivity options like contactless payments. An FM radio with RDS was available, offering entertainment and information on-the-go.

Sensors and Additional Features

Basic sensors like an accelerometer and proximity sensor were integrated to enhance user convenience by adapting to different uses such as browsing or gaming. Despite its basic nature, these sensors played a crucial role in improving user interaction with the device.

Battery Performance

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1940 mAh battery, the LG K4 allowed users to replace the battery if needed, extending the device's lifespan beyond the depletion of its original battery. The stand-by time was commendable, with up to 510 hours on 2G and 500 hours on 3G. For talk time, users could expect up to 20 hours on 2G and about 9 hours on 3G, reflecting efficient power consumption considering the hardware limitations.

Color Variants and Models

Available in White and Indigo, the LG K4 provided basic aesthetic choices for consumers. Various models like K130, K120, and K121 offered slight variations in hardware configurations, catering to specific market needs and preferences.

Market Position and Pricing

Launched at about 100 EUR, the LG K4 targeted budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks. By presenting affordable pricing combined with essential features, it attracted a segment of users looking for basic functionality without luxury costs.

Conclusion

The LG K4 was a practical choice for users desiring basic smartphone capabilities without excess expenditure. While it hasn't revolutionized the market with innovative features, it met the essential requirements of communication, connectivity, and media for its time, making it a noteworthy option in the entry-level category during its release.