The L series has made up the middle and bottom of LG's lineup for a few years now, and the company is unsurprisingly refreshing the line at next week's Mobile World Congress. The new L90, L70, and L40 phones stretch from the mid-range to the low end of the current hardware spectrum, so they probably won't be getting the same amount of marketing attention from LG or its carrier partners. On the plus side, all three phones run a skinned version of Android 4.4.

The L90 is th biggest of the new phones with a 4.7-inch display. But with a 960x540 resolution, 1.2Ghz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, and an 8 megapixel rear camera, it's already a step or two behind a lot of phones in the same size range. It might be worth considering for just the battery, however: it's a spacious 2,540mAh, and removable to boot. The L70 has a smaller 4.5-inch, 800x400(?) screen, 4GB of storage, and either an 8.0 or 5.0 MP camera (depending on the market), but the same processor and RAM. The battery will be 2,100mAh. The L40 drops down to a 3.5-inch, 480x320 display, a dual-core processor, and just 512MB of RAM, which might test KitKat's lower memory footprint to the limit. The battery is either 1540mAh or 1700mAh, and the rear camera is just three megapixels. All three phones are GSM only.

Physically, the new phones break somewhat with LG's current high-end designs by featuring a Samsung-style physical home button and two capacitive buttons. LG is quick to point out the mesh pattern on the plastic bodies, which will hopefully help reduce slips and drops. The new L series is probably aimed at prepaid markets and other typically frugal customers, so I wouldn't expect the bigger American carriers to leap at the new models right away. You might see them pop up on our shores a few months later, especially on smaller carriers like US Cellular.

LG hasn't announced a price or date for the L90, L70, or L40. Expect more information once Mobile World Congress rolls around.

SEOUL, Feb. 16, 2014 ― LG Electronics (LG) will be unveiling the third generation of its popular L Series smartphones at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2014. The L SeriesIII devices retain LG’s distinctive minimal design philosophy while boasting an impressive package that includes enhanced hardware, UX features and OS unmatched in its class. With the original L Series and L SeriesII having enjoyed tremendous success worldwide, the L SeriesIII is expected to continue the momentum with its handsome design and practical user benefits inspired by LG’s more premium G Series.

Key elements of LG’s design heritage can be found in all facets of the visually striking L SeriesIII smartphones. The seamless layout, delicate finishing, refined metallic frame and Quick Window smart cover all come together perfectly in the L SeriesIII. Quick Window, which comes in three vibrant colors, is the first cover from LG to be designed specifically for a mid-range smartphone. Quick Window also offers functional benefits beyond just protection from drops and bumps, as the see-through window allows one to see who’s calling and check the time without opening the cover.

All L SeriesIII models come with Android 4.4 KitKat, making them further stand out in the mid-tier market. LG has equipped the entire lineup with Google’s latest OS in order to provide the most up-to-date and optimized Android experience to a larger audience. In addition the refined UI that’s more beautiful and immersive, KitKat offers improved performance and a more intuitive user experience.

“In addition to inheriting the refined design aesthetic that is synonymous with LG’s premium devices, the L SeriesIII provides an array of user benefits that extend far beyond a simple upgrade,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “From the design to the OS to the UX, the L SeriesIII exemplifies LG’s commitment to bringing the best smartphone experience to as many consumers as possible. We’re confident that the L SeriesIII will be a strong volume driver in 3G markets.”

Visitors to MWC 2014 can experience the first three L SeriesIII smartphones ― L40, L70, L90 ― first-hand at LG’s Booth in Hall 3 of Fira Gran Via.

L Series III Design Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYsjqaO6jnw

L90 Key Specifications:

- Processor: 1.2 GHz Quad-Core

- Display: 4.7-inch IPS (960 x 540) qHD

- Memory: 8GB / 1GB RAM

- Camera: 8.0MP / 1.3MP

- Battery: 2,540mAh (removable)

- Operating System: Android 4.4 KitKat

- Size: 131.6 x 66.0 x 9.7mm

- Network: 3G (HSPA+21Mbps)

L70 Key Specifications:

- Processor: 1.2 GHz Dual-Core

- Display: 4.5-inch IPS (800 x 400)

- Memory: 4GB / 1GB RAM

- Camera: 8.0MP or 5.0MP / VGA ? depends on market

- Battery: 2,100mAh (removable)

- Operating System: Android 4.4 KitKat

- Size: 127.2 x 66.8 x 9.5mm

- Network: 3G (HSPA+21Mbps)

L40 Key Specifications:

- Processor: 1.2 GHz Dual-Core

- Display: 3.5-inch (480 x 320)

- Memory: 4GB / 512MB RAM

- Camera: 3.0MP

- Battery: 1,700mAh or 1,540mAh (removable) ? depends on market

- Operating System: Android 4.4 KitKat

- Size: 109.4 x 59.0 x 11.9mm

- Network: 3G (HSDPA+14.4Mbps)