LG G4?

The key difference between the LG G4 and the G3 is a faint curve to the screen. And when I say faint, I mean faint. This is nothing like the steeply curved sides on the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and doesn’t give the phone anywhere near the sex appeal of Samsung's far more expensive curio.

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The curve makes the phone ever so slightly banana shaped, so the mouth-piece rests nearer your yapper when you’re on a call. Unlike the bendy LG G Flex 2 or famously curved Nokia 8110 (of Matrix fame), the curve here is so faint that it makes hardly any difference at all. OK, it does fit a little better than straight phones do when pocketed in tight jeans, and it does feel nice in your hand, but that’s about it.

LG claims the curve makes the phone “20% tougher” – 20% tougher than what, we’re not sure, although the little bit of flex it has could, potentially, spread the force of an impact better than more rigid handsets. Like the Galaxy S6 Edge all signs point to a classic case of something that’s been done because it can be done, not because it offers any benefits you'll really care about.

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It’s not just the curve we’re dubious about. The edge of the G4 is glossy plastic made to look, a little, like metal. We’d hoped this was a trait consigned to the smartphone graveyard along with the chromed-plastic edge on the Galaxy S5. The LG G4’s is nowhere near as bad as that, but it’s not a material that stands up to the likes of the metal iPhone 6, HTC One M9 or Galaxy S6 in terms of cachet.

Still the LG G4 is a phone that is put together well. It has good heft without being too heavy, and it doesn’t creak when put under stress. Splash out a little more and you can get a rear made from a thin layer of genuine leather, as opposed to the plastic back (although if you opt for leather you also get a plastic back bundled in the box).

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If you’ve not squeamish about leather, this is the version to go for. The seam helps guide you to the rear buttons, and is super-grippy. It makes the LG G4 look more classy, and closer in value to its illustrious competitors. It doesn't feel great, though. There's no warmth or softness to the the leather, so it doesn't give you the feel of slipping on your favourite, worn leather jacket.