LG Optimus L series 2 boast Jelly Bean, kicks off with L7 2

The success of the Google Nexus 4 has renewed interest in LG, so there's never been a better time to introduce the second generation of LG Optimus L series phones. After the disappointment of the first L series, the LG Optimus L Series 2 better be one L of an improvement.

The original L series launched last year -- with less than stellar results. The line-up included the thoroughly mediocre LG Optimus L7 and the budget-friendly LG Optimus L3, a truly terrible phone that earned an abysmal one and a half stars in our review. Let's hope the series 2 phones have pulled their socks up -- specifically, fingers crossed LG has learned from the excellent Nexus 4.

The new generation of L series kicks off with the L7 2, or L7II. Never mind the specs, we haven't got further than the name and already we're facepalming.

Anyway, the 4.3-inch L7 2 offers a mediocre 1GHz dual-core processor with a meagre 768MB RAM. It has 4GB of storage and an 8-megapixel camera, and it's powered by Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Apparently, the home button lights up an' all.

The LG Optimus L3 2 -- or LG Optimus L3II, if we must -- is a 3.2-inch phone with a 1,540mAh battery. The Optimus L5 2 -- sigh, the L5II -- has a 4-inch screen and 1,700mAh battery. There'll be dual-SIM versions of the new phones, but I doubt we'll see them in this country.

Prices and availability on UK networks have yet to be announced, but the L7 2 launches in Russia this week. We'll have more details on the new phones at the end of the month at Mobile World Congress, the annual phone fiesta where mobile manufacturers, networks, and assorted phonicular types gather in Barcelona to show off this year's phones. We'll be there mob-handed as always, so keep it CNET for all the essential news, previews and videos of the coolest new phones, tablets and other telephonic kit.

LG also talks up a smattering of features on top of the standard Android software: QuickMemo lets you scribble and send a note with your fingertip. You can customise the Quick Button to quickly launch your favourite app, such as the camera, browser, music player or QuickMemo.

And there's a handful of features to keep you feeling safe and secure: emergency call forwarding, an alert if your phone isn't used for a while, and an option to contact a loved one in case of emergency.

Is LG set for a new lease of life after the success of the Nexus 4? Or have other phones left LG behind? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.