The Allview V4 Viper and LG Optimus L9 II represent a bygone era of ultra-affordable smartphones. While both devices aimed for accessibility, they took different approaches to achieving it. The V4 Viper leverages a newer, albeit entry-level, Mediatek chipset, while the L9 II relies on Qualcomm’s older Snapdragon 400. This comparison dissects these architectural choices and their impact on real-world performance and efficiency.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, basic smartphone, the Allview V4 Viper emerges as the better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, offers a slight performance edge and potentially better battery life compared to the older, 28nm Snapdragon 400 in the LG Optimus L9 II.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 38 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, September | 2013, August. Released 2013, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 145.8 x 70.9 x 8.5 mm (5.74 x 2.79 x 0.33 in) | 128.4 x 66.5 x 9 mm (5.06 x 2.62 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 138 g (4.87 oz) | 120 g (4.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~312 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.1 cm2 (~78.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~71.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | True HD-IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Dual-core 1.4 GHz Krait |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8230 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradаble to 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 1.3 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 HS |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 480 h (2G) / Up to 480 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 7 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 10 h 50 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 2700 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2150 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Red | White, Black |
| Models | - | D605 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.42 W/kg (head) 0.82 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.13 W/kg (head) | 0.47 W/kg (head) 0.46 W/kg (body) |
Allview V4 Viper
- More modern chipset (Helio A22)
- Potentially better battery life due to 12nm process
- Quad-core CPU offers better multi-tasking
- Allview is a less established brand
- Software support may be limited
LG Optimus L9 II
- Qualcomm Snapdragon brand recognition
- Potentially more readily available accessories (though aging)
- LG had a longer history of software updates (though likely ended)
- Older, less efficient 28nm chipset
- Dual-core CPU limits performance
- Likely limited software support
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are available, so a direct comparison is difficult. However, given their market segment, both likely feature LCD panels with modest resolutions. The age difference suggests the V4 Viper *may* benefit from slightly improved color reproduction and viewing angles, but this is speculative. The absence of information prevents assessment of brightness or outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a meaningful comparison is limited. Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. The absence of information regarding sensor size, aperture, or image stabilization makes it impossible to determine which device captures better images. It's safe to assume neither will excel in low-light conditions. Any claims of advanced features on either device should be viewed with skepticism.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Allview V4 Viper’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. The LG Optimus L9 II utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (28nm) with a dual-core Krait CPU at 1.4 GHz. While the Snapdragon 400’s Krait cores were architecturally more advanced *at their time*, the A22’s quad-core configuration and significantly smaller 12nm fabrication process provide a performance advantage in multi-threaded tasks and improved power efficiency. The 28nm process of the Snapdragon 400 will generate more heat and consume more power for the same workload. This translates to potentially shorter battery life and more noticeable throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is unknown for both devices. However, the Mediatek Helio A22’s 12nm process gives the Allview V4 Viper a significant advantage in power efficiency. This means the V4 Viper will likely achieve longer battery life on a similar capacity battery compared to the LG Optimus L9 II. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the Snapdragon 400’s higher power draw could result in slower charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Allview V4 Viper if you need a device for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing, and prioritize a slightly more modern chipset for potential software compatibility. Buy the LG Optimus L9 II if you prefer a brand with a longer track record (though support is likely limited) and can accept the compromises of an older, less efficient processor. Both are best suited for users on extremely tight budgets or as secondary devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Allview V4 Viper run modern apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
The Mediatek Helio A22 is capable of running basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, but performance may be sluggish with multiple apps open or during intensive tasks. Expect some lag and slower loading times compared to more powerful processors.
❓ Is the LG Optimus L9 II still receiving software updates?
It is highly unlikely that the LG Optimus L9 II is still receiving software updates. LG has discontinued support for this device, meaning it may be vulnerable to security threats and lack the latest features.
❓ Which phone is better for playing basic mobile games?
The Allview V4 Viper’s Helio A22 chipset will provide a slightly better gaming experience than the Snapdragon 400 in the L9 II. However, neither phone is suitable for demanding games. Expect to play only very simple, older titles at low settings.
❓ How does the 12nm process of the Helio A22 benefit the Allview V4 Viper?
The 12nm fabrication process means the transistors within the Helio A22 are smaller and more densely packed. This results in lower power consumption, less heat generation, and improved efficiency compared to the older 28nm process used in the Snapdragon 400.
