The LG K11 Plus and K40S represent LG’s attempts to capture the budget smartphone market. While both offer a similar overall experience, a key difference lies under the hood: the K40S utilizes a newer, more efficient chipset. This comparison dissects the nuances between these two devices, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG K40S is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762) chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift and improved power efficiency compared to the K11 Plus’s older 28nm MT6750. While both phones target the budget segment, the K40S offers a more modern experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - LMX410YC | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40 - LMX410YC | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - LMX410ZCW | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, July. Released 2018, July | 2019, August. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 148.7 x 75.3 x 8.7 mm (5.85 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 156.3 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.15 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 162 g (5.71 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~277 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.3 inches, 77.4 cm2 (~69.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6750 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T860MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", PDAF - LG K11+
8 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", PDAF - LG K11α | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 18mm, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moroccan Blue, Terra Gold, Black | New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue |
| Models | LMX410, LMX410FC, LMX410YC, LMX410HC, LMX410EO, LMX410ZCW, LMX410BCW, LM-X410S | LMX430HM, LM-X430 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.81 W/kg (head) | - |
LG K11 Plus
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Outdated chipset (MT6750)
- Less efficient power consumption
- Slower performance in demanding apps
LG K40S
- More efficient chipset (MT6762)
- Improved performance and responsiveness
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Potentially longer battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither LG provides detailed display specifications. Given their market positioning, both likely feature 720p+ LCD panels. However, the K40S benefits from the more modern chipset potentially allowing for better image processing and color reproduction. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical of this price bracket. Without specific brightness data, it’s difficult to assess which offers a better viewing experience outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable. However, given the market segment, both phones likely feature a primary camera around 13MP. The K40S’s more powerful chipset could offer improved image processing capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t be a deciding factor. Expect similar performance in good lighting conditions, but the K40S will likely excel in low-light scenarios due to its superior processing power.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG K40S’s Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762) is fabricated on a 12nm process, a significant improvement over the K11 Plus’s 28nm Mediatek MT6750. This translates to better thermal management and power efficiency. While both utilize an octa-core Cortex-A53 configuration, the K40S boasts a higher clock speed of 2.0 GHz versus the K11 Plus’s 1.5 GHz and 1.0 GHz split configuration. This higher clock speed, combined with the more efficient process node, will result in noticeably faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the K40S. The K11 Plus’s older architecture will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the K40S’s more efficient MT6762 chipset will undoubtedly deliver longer battery life on a single charge. The 12nm process consumes less power than the K11 Plus’s 28nm process, even with a similar battery capacity. While charging wattage is also unknown, the K40S’s chipset may support faster charging protocols, potentially reducing 0-100% charge times.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K11 Plus if you prioritize finding the absolute lowest price and are primarily using the phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the LG K40S if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday use, occasional gaming, and appreciate the benefits of a more power-efficient processor, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG K40S handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Helio P22 isn't a gaming powerhouse, the LG K40S can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at lower settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action. The K11 Plus’s older chipset will struggle even more with these titles, making the K40S the preferable choice for casual gaming.
❓ Does the LG K11 Plus suffer from significant lag when switching between apps?
Yes, the LG K11 Plus’s Mediatek MT6750 chipset and limited RAM (spec not provided, but likely 2-3GB) will result in noticeable lag when multitasking. Switching between apps will be slow and unresponsive, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The K40S offers a much smoother multitasking experience.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Absolutely. The K40S’s Helio P22 provides a snappier and more responsive experience for everyday tasks. Web pages will load faster, apps will launch quicker, and scrolling will be smoother compared to the K11 Plus. This difference is particularly noticeable when using demanding social media apps.
