The LG K20 (2019) represented a solid, if unremarkable, entry in the budget smartphone space. Now, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G aims to deliver a more modern experience with 5G connectivity and updated internals. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine if the A14 5G justifies an upgrade, or if the K20 still holds value for basic users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is the clear winner. Its Exynos 1330 (or Dimensity 700 depending on region) chipset offers significantly improved performance, and the inclusion of 5G connectivity future-proofs the device. While the LG K20 remains functional for basic tasks, the A14 5G provides a substantially better user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 38 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 66, 77 Sub6/mmWave - USA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, September | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, January 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 148.6 x 71.9 x 8.3 mm (5.85 x 2.83 x 0.33 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 152 g (5.36 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~197 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - SM-A146BOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - SM-A146P |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) - SM-A146BMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) - SM-A146P |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Mali-G68 MP2 - SM-A146BMali-G57 MC2 - SM-A146P |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI Core 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - USA onlymicroSDXC (dedicated slot) - International |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio (Exynos 1330 chipset only), recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (USA only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue | Black, Light Green, Dark Red, Silver |
| Models | LM-X120EMW, LMX120EMW, LM-X120, LMX120BMW | SM-A146B, SM-A146B/DS, SM-A146P, SM-A146P/DS, SM-A146U, SM-A146U1, SM-A146U1/DS, SM-A146W, SM-A146P/N, SM-A146P/DSN, SM-S146VL, SM-A146M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | $ 77.63 / C$ 151.00 / £ 97.00 / € 159.79 / ₹ 14,990 |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.28 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 130h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1334:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.8 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 307886 (v9)
GeekBench: 1727 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG K20 (2019)
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Functional for basic tasks
- Outdated processor
- Poor performance with modern apps
- No 5G connectivity
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- Significantly faster performance
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- May be slightly more expensive
- 15W charging is relatively slow
- Software updates may be limited
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 519 nits compared to an unmeasured, but likely lower, brightness on the LG K20. Both displays share a 1334:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color depth and black levels. However, the A14 5G’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. The K20’s display technology is likely a standard IPS LCD, while the A14 5G’s panel benefits from modern calibration techniques, resulting in a more pleasant viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but details are limited. The A14 5G likely benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms thanks to its newer chipset. While both may include a standard rear camera setup, the A14 5G’s processing power allows for features like better low-light performance and potentially more sophisticated computational photography. The LG K20’s camera is likely limited by its older processor and sensor technology. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A14 5G is largely a marketing gimmick and offers minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The LG K20’s Mediatek MT6739, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU. This is dwarfed by the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G’s Exynos 1330 (5nm) or Dimensity 700 (7nm) chipsets. The A14 5G’s octa-core CPU, utilizing Cortex-A78 and A55 cores, delivers significantly faster processing speeds and improved multi-tasking capabilities. The smaller fabrication process (5nm/7nm vs 28nm) also means better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling. Users will notice a dramatic difference in app loading times, web browsing speed, and overall responsiveness with the A14 5G.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 130 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the A14 5G’s more efficient chipset and 5G connectivity (which can be power-hungry) may impact real-world performance. The A14 5G supports 15W wired charging, while the K20’s charging speed is unknown but likely slower. The A14 5G’s efficiency gains mean it can potentially deliver similar battery life with more demanding usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K20 (2019) if you absolutely need the *cheapest* possible smartphone for calls, texts, and very light browsing, and 5G is irrelevant to your needs. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G if you want a phone that can handle modern apps, streaming, and occasional gaming, and you value the benefits of 5G connectivity for faster data speeds and improved network reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1330 (or Dimensity 700) in the Galaxy A14 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While not a flagship chipset, the Exynos 1330 and Dimensity 700 are relatively efficient. The 5nm/7nm fabrication process helps to manage heat effectively. Moderate gaming sessions should be fine, but extended, graphically intensive games may cause some throttling to prevent overheating. The K20's MT6739 would likely throttle *much* sooner.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones are more of a marketing feature than a practical tool. The low resolution results in images that lack detail and often appear blurry. It can be fun to experiment with, but don't expect professional-quality macro photography.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at reasonable frame rates?
The Galaxy A14 5G can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve consistently smooth frame rates. Expect playable performance at medium settings, but don't anticipate maxing out the graphics. The LG K20 would struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ How much faster is 5G on the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G compared to 4G LTE on the LG K20?
5G speeds can be significantly faster than 4G LTE, potentially offering download speeds several times higher. However, actual 5G performance depends on network availability and coverage in your area. In areas with strong 5G signals, you'll experience much faster downloads, streaming, and web browsing.
