Without root, which you don't want right now and that's cool, you can't run apps that lets you see all of the way under the hood.
So the user storage apps report user space.
On my 16 GB phone, those apps say that I have about 2 GB for apps and data and just under 10 GB for an "internal SD card" (no actual card, just a piece of storage and a rose by any other name).
I'm missing 4 GB according to those apps. But they're not telling the whole story (and using root Linux commands, I've verified where every bit has gone).
If those apps say that you have 3 or 4 gigs, I promise you have far more.
Am I thinking of someone else or didn't I read that you had the LG Optimus F7?
If so, here's what you have -
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=4059
Notice how that site correctly identifies the 8 GB as "raw hardware" and 4.1 gigs available to the user.
Plus - you have a memory card slot so you're not stuck like some people.
Unless you are into heavy gaming, your phone as configured has room for a LOT of apps and you can choose what you want for user storage to plug in.
PS - it's probably fair for me to move this discussion to the LG Optimus F7 forum, but I can leave it here if others want.
Same thing happens with ZTE phones because this is true for all of them.