LG Optimus F5 and F7 4G phones - announced ahead of MWC 2013

LG has raised the curtain on two mid-range 4G smartphones – the Optimus F5 and the Optimus F7 – as it bids to bring the superfast network technology to the masses.

Unveiled rather unceremoniously in a press release mere days before this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) kicks off in Barcelona, the handsets are billed as increasing "LG’s 4G LTE footprint”, as it looks to fill an apparent gap in the market for keenly priced 4G phones.

Featuring some very modest specs, the smartphones are clearly intended for the scores of new and entry-level buyers who’ll be looking to get on board with the 4G revolution that’s finally kicking into gear in the UK.

Highlights of the Optimus F5 include a 4.3-inch IPS display, a 1.2GHz dual core processor and a none-too-shabby five-megapixel shooter, while the Optimus F7 rocks a 4.7-inch True HD IPS display, a 1.5GHz dual core chip and an eight-megapixel primary snapper.

Both kits offer 8GB of onboard storage (expandable by a further 32GB via microSD), the latest Jelly Bean (4.1.2) version of Android preinstalled and a host of UI features, upgraded versions of exclusive LG apps and Live Zooming, which lets users zoom into a specific area while watching a video.

“LG continues to lead the industry with 4G LTE innovation and the Optimus F Series, a well-balanced an well-equipped 4G LTE smartphone for the mass market, embodies the best of our broad LTE patent portfolio and innovative UX features,” said CEO Dr. Jong-seok Park.

“With adoption of LTE expected to explode in 2013, we are sending a clear message to con-sumers with the Optimus F Series that LTE isn’t just for heavy content users and techies anymore. It’s for everyone.”

LG is expected to officially showcase the Optimus F5 and the Optimus F7 at its press conference at MWC, where it’s also likely to reveal pricing and availability details. So stay tuned.