Looking back at LG's smartphone lineup, the GX F310L and X Screen offer distinct features and target different users. Both were budget-friendly options, but which one holds up better today? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and performance to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The LG GX F310L generally edges out the X Screen thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 600 chipset and faster CPU. While the X Screen's secondary display was a unique feature, the GX's superior performance makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - K500N |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - K500N |
| EDGE | Class 12 | - |
| GPRS | Class 12 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 3, 7, 20, 38 - K500DS |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, December. Released 2014, January | 2016, February. Released 2016, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 150.6 x 76.1 x 9.2 mm (5.93 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) | 142.6 x 71.8 x 7.1 mm (5.61 x 2.83 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 167 g (5.89 oz) | 120 g (4.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~298 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.93 inches, 67.0 cm2 (~65.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | True Full HD IPS Plus LCD | IPS LCD |
| | - | Secondary display, 80 x 520 pixels, 1.76 inches |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 320 | Adreno 306 |
| OS | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, HDR | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2.1 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, S-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort), OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | DMB TV tuner | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 700 h | Up to 120 h (2G) / Up to 120 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 20 h | Up to 9 h (2G) / Up to 14 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3140 mAh, removable | Li-Po 2300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White, Pink Gold |
| Models | F310L, F310LR | K500, K500n, F650K |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.55 W/kg (head) |
LG GX F310L
- More powerful processor
- Larger battery capacity
- Likely better camera performance
- Slightly larger display
- Older design
- Limited availability of replacement parts
- May lack some modern features
LG X screen
- Unique secondary display
- Compact size
- Potentially more affordable (depending on market)
- Weaker processor
- Shorter battery life
- Can feel sluggish
- Secondary display is a niche feature
Display Comparison
The LG X Screen's standout feature is its 5.3-inch main display and a 1.76-inch secondary display. The GX F310L features a 5.5-inch IPS display. While both offer decent viewing angles, the GX likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to more modern panel technology, though specific display specs are limited. The X Screen's secondary display is a niche feature, useful for quick notifications but not a primary reason to buy.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are difficult to confirm definitively for both models, but generally, the LG GX F310L likely has a slightly better camera due to its more modern chipset and potentially improved image processing. Both likely feature around 8-13MP rear cameras and 5MP front cameras. Image quality will depend heavily on lighting conditions and software optimization.
Performance
Here's where the GX F310L shines. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 chipset with a 1.7 GHz Krait 300 quad-core CPU significantly outperforms the LG X Screen's Snapdragon 410 (1.2 GHz Cortex-A53). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the GX. The X Screen can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The LG X Screen typically has a 2540 mAh battery, while the LG GX F310L has a 2940 mAh battery. While battery life is influenced by usage patterns, the GX's larger battery capacity and more efficient chipset should translate to slightly longer battery life overall.
Buying Guide
The LG GX F310L is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. The LG X Screen is a good fit for those who value the novelty of a second screen for notifications and quick glances, and are less concerned with raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the LG X Screen's secondary display useful?
The secondary display is a novelty feature primarily for quick notifications and glances. It's not essential and may not be worth the trade-off in performance.
❓ Where can I find replacement parts for these older LG phones?
Finding replacement parts for older LG phones can be challenging. Online marketplaces like eBay and AliExpress are your best bet, but availability may be limited.