Affordable LG K40 now available in the US (works on T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T)

After releasing the high-end G8 ThinQ and V50 ThinQ, plus the mid-range Stylo 5, LG this week launched a fourth 2019 smartphone in the US. This time, however, we're talking about a lower end model - the LG K40. Officially announced back in February, the K40 has had a product page on Best Buy's website since June and it's now finally available for purchase - you can get it online here for $179.99 unlocked.

The LG K40 sports a 5.7-inch display with 720 x 1440 pixels and a (now pretty standard) 18:9 aspect ratio. The handset is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor - decent enough for any non-intensive task - further offering 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of expandable storage space. Other features include shock resistance (but no water resistance), fingerprint scanner, 3D surround sound, dedicated Google Assistant button, an 8 MP rear camera, and a 3000 mAh battery.

This unlocked LG K40 is compatible with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile (including their prepaid brands), but not with Sprint. Sadly, the smartphone runs Android 8.1 Oreo at launch, despite the fact that the newer and better Android 9 Pie has been around since last year.

Until we get the chance to test the LG K40, we're not sure we can recommend buying it. In any case, if you're in the market for a cheap unlocked phone, you may want to take the K40 into consideration - perhaps you can find it in a Best Buy store near you and see if you like it or not.