A close look at the LG Optimus F series (pictures)

BARCELONA, Spain--LG's new F7 and the F5 are the first in a new smartphone family for LG. The midrange devices sit in between the lower-end L series and the flagship G line of smartphones.

Both phones have functional rather than standout designs. The F7 (pictured here) has a 4.7-inch IPS display with a wide and slim physical home button just below. You'll use virtual keys for other commands.

Of course, you'd expect a trim design. Controls like a volume rocker sit on one side.

On the rear side are the camera lens and a big reminder that you're using an LTE device.

The F5, which also comes in white, has a smaller 4.3-inch display.

Both handsets have plastic skins so don't expect a premium feel.

Though it's difficult to see here, the F7 (left) has a faint design on its rear cover; the F5 takes a more minimalist approach.