1. Camera ready

Although the LG G4 Beat is distinctly aimed at the mid-tier market, the camera capabilities compare very favourably with its bigger siblings. In fact, it boasts so many top camera features, we think it’s up there with the some of the best in its class.

The rear camera boasts a whopping 8-megapixels and the 5-megapixel front camera has an LED flash.

Manual mode on the rear camera is a top feature: this means you have full control over your shots. For serious photographers, this includes ISO, shutter speed, white balance and exposure.

The Colour Spectrum Sensor measures light and registers colour, so your shot will be as accurate as possible to the original. In addition, Laser Auto Focus will create the sharpest images possible.

Budding cinematographers can take video in full HD 1080p.

2. 'Let me take a selfie'

If you’re an admitted selfie fanatic, the Gesture Interval Shot on the front-facing camera will have you smitten: you can take a selfie with a hand gesture, making it much easier to capture that perfect shot. And it will even capture four images, so you are sure to look your best.

3. Small packages

The LG G4 Beat  may be a compact phone – it weighs in at 139g – but makes the most of its dimensions with a 5.2-inch full HD display LCD screen. The display is incredibly crisp and sharp and highly responsive.

The battery is small: 2,300mAh with 8GB of storage but this serves the tidy phone very well and you’re likely get a good day’s usage out of it.

It runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor and has 1.5GB of RAM. It's running Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, and it's enabled to connect to Vodacom's super-fast LTE network. 

4. On trend

When it comes to looks, the LG G4 Beat offers a choice of subtly toned metallic covers. We love the silver, gold and white textured covers; the muted metallics are stylish add a distinctly upmarket feel to this phone.