LG reboots the mid-range with new X series of phones

LG X series

In addition to the LG G5, LG has announced a new series of smartphone that will be unveiled at Mobile World Congress. The new "X" series is starting with a pair of phones — the "X cam" and "X screen." They're decidedly aimed at the mid-range — "for customers who do not want or need all the bells and whistles that come with today's high-end phones," LG says — but borrow features seen on LG's high end devices.

The "X cam" (that lowercase is intentional, apparently) sports two rear cameras, with one ranging at 13 megapixels and the other at 5 megapixels. LG's being coy about what those two cameras actually do together. But the phone itself sports a 5.2-inch 1080p display and has 16GB of on-board storage with 2GB of RAM. It's got a 2,520mAh battery and is running Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box.

VPN Deals: Lifetime license for $16, monthly plans at $1 & more

The "X screen" is a 5-inch phone (OK, 4.93 inches) at 720p with a secondary 1.76-inch display, very much like what we've enjoyed on the LG V10. It's also got 16GB of storage and 2GB of RAM, a 2,300 mAh battery and is running Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It's got a single rear camera at 13MP, and an 8MP front-facer.

The X series will first launch in Asia, Europe and Latin America in March. The phones will officially be unveiled Feb. 22, the day after the LG G5 event at Mobile World Congress.

LG's X series will debut in key markets in Asia, Europe and Latin America starting next month. Visitors to MWC can see the new X series for themselves at LG's booth in Hall 3 of Fira Gran Via from February 22-25.

LG TO DEBUT "SPECIALIST" X SERIES SMARTPHONES AT MWC 2016

X cam and X screen Offer Key Premium Features Without the Premium Price

SEOUL, Feb. 15, 2016 ― Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, LG Electronics (LG) will bring to Mobile World Congress 2016 a new series of smartphones developed to offer customers a unique user experience by offering one exceptional feature at a price that rivals mid-range smartphones. The first two models in the X series ― X cam and X screen ― will debut at MWC in Barcelona on February 22. The X cam and X screen are designed for customers who do not want or need all the bells and whistles that come with today's high-end phones but still desire a great camera or advanced display.

The X cam sports dual cameras on the rear and delivers one of the most advanced camera experience in a mass-tier smartphone. Thanks to LG's seamless 3D Bending Glass, the X cam features an elegant curved finish on the front and with a profile of only 5.2mm, the device is extremely comfortable to hold in the hand. And unlike other boxy and heavier mid-range phones, the X cam tips the scale at only 118g.

The other model, appropriately named X screen, is equipped with an "Always-on" Second Screen which until now has only been available on LG's premium V10. The Second Screen sits above the main 4.93-inch HD In-cell Touch display and makes multi-tasking a cinch on the X screen. With the 1.76 inch Second Screen, users can easily access frequently used apps, answer calls without interrupting the current activity or just play music. The Second Screen also lets users check time, date, battery status and other notifications without ever having to turn on the phone. What's more, the X screen offers a stylish, sleek look with its crystal-clear glass fiber exterior and clean lines.

"Everyone has a favorite smartphone feature," said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "At LG, we think there's room for devices that do one thing very well and that customers shouldn't have to pay for features that they don't want. At the end of the day, we're committed to offering consumers more choices."

X cam Key Specifications: *