by Mike Leader
Neat and compact size
The LG L40 from the LG Legacy range is a base model handset from the Korean manufacturers offering you a good Android experience without breaking the bank.
It's relatively small 3.5 inch screen size makes it easy to handle and carry, in a compact and lightweight unit available in black or white, while a Gorilla Glass covering makes the screen scratch resistant and shatterproof.
LG now favour an IPS type touchscreen in many of their smartphones and you will find colours bright and rich with this type of screen, as well as being easy to view at wide angles and in strong light such as when you are out and about on a sunny day.
Knock to unlock
We love the improved "Knock to unlock" feature which as it suggests, work by tapping or knocking out a code on the screen which you can set to your preference, to unlock the phone.
We also like the one-touch button on the side which opens LG's QuickMemo, available on all of LG's L series phones such as the Optimus L5 and L7. You can also customise this button to open any app of your choice.
Strong performance
The 1.2 GHz dual core processor means you will find that the LG L40 performs very well indeed, with the small format screen helping to reduce the amount of power the phone needs.
The latest Android version 4.4.2 'KitKat', also uses less power than previous versions which also gives you the benefit of longer battery life.
Camera with geotagging function
The 3.2 megapixel camera is a "snapshot" level device with fairly basic functionality and there is no flash, but geotagging is present as is video recording and a whole host of enhancements are available via Google Play market, many of which are free.
Screen mirroring function with Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is notable for the inclusion of Wi-Fi direct which means you can display your content on a device such as a Smart TV using screen mirroring, or play your music on a Wi-Fi enabled device with no complicated set up procedures - it just works!
Strong feature set
Other features include Google's voice controls including voice memo and voice activated calling, while inclusion of stereo Bluetooth, an FM radio with RDS and a 3.5mm headphone socket are to be admired at this price point.
Our summary
The outstanding price plans currently being offered by TalkTalk from just £5 a month make this handset astonishing value for money.
For the price on offer the level of features on the handset is almost unsurpassed, and whether you are looking for your first handset or a spare, or even one for the kids you will find this combination of handset plus price plan impossible to better.
