Still, with no 3G and a down-range set of features, LG's quoted optimum battery life of up to 200 hours on standby or talktime of up to 2 hours is quite low; we'd have expected a lot higher for a non-3G handset. In typical usage tests, however, we managed to keep the phone operational for up to 3 days with little music playback and average amounts of calls and texts.

The performance on voice calls was dependably good, with no problems during our tests, and clear, loud speech through the earpiece.

Low-key mobile phone

Although it's grabbed headline with some head-turning handsets, the LG KF300 is a more modest sort of handset that's not aimed at the gadget-loving mobile buyer.

Its low level features list covers the basics without much to excite, and its flip phone look is steady rather than stunning. Its chief attraction is the added usability layered on a familiar LG user interface experience, with that large clear numberpad and easy-access hotkeys bound to appeal to some users.

While it may not be one for everyone's mobile phone wish list, there's certainly a market for this sort of low-key handset.

Network availability: Orange

Looks: 3.5/5
Ease of use: 4/5
Features: 2.5/5
Call quality: 4/5
Value: 4/5