The LG K22 and K20 (2019) represent LG’s attempts to capture the ultra-budget smartphone market. While both devices target users prioritizing affordability, a key difference lies under the hood: the K22 utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 215, while the K20 (2019) features a Mediatek MT6739. This comparison dissects these chipset choices and their impact on real-world performance, helping you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, the LG K22 offers a slight edge. The Snapdragon 215, despite its lower clock speed, generally provides a more consistent experience due to Qualcomm’s optimizations, making it a marginally better choice for longevity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - International | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 38 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 - Brazil | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 12. Released 2020, September 12 | 2019, August. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.13 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 148.6 x 71.9 x 8.3 mm (5.85 x 2.83 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 169.5 g (6.00 oz) | 152 g (5.36 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 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~197 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio (market/operator dependent) | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titan, Blue | New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue |
| Models | LMK200Z, LMK200E, LMK200B, LM-K200 | LM-X120EMW, LMX120EMW, LM-X120, LMX120BMW |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 100 EUR |
LG K22
- Potentially smoother multitasking due to Qualcomm optimizations.
- Slightly better power efficiency with the Snapdragon 215.
- Likely better long-term software support (though limited).
- Lower CPU clock speed compared to the K20 (2019).
- Limited performance for demanding apps and games.
- Basic camera capabilities.
LG K20 (2019)
- Higher CPU clock speed on the Mediatek MT6739.
- Potentially lower price point.
- Acceptable for basic communication tasks.
- Mediatek chipsets often exhibit less consistent performance.
- Potentially shorter battery life due to less efficient chipset.
- Limited software updates and support.
Display Comparison
Neither the LG K22 nor the LG K20 (2019) are known for their display prowess. Both likely feature similar LCD panels with resolutions around 720p+, given their market segment. Without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s safe to assume both displays are adequate for indoor use but will struggle in direct sunlight. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather basic readability.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Given the target market, both likely feature basic camera setups with a primary sensor and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. Image processing will likely be minimal on both, resulting in photos that are acceptable in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and won't significantly improve image quality.
Performance
The core difference between these phones is the chipset. The LG K22’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 215, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz. The LG K20 (2019) uses the Mediatek MT6739, also on a 28nm process, but with a slightly faster quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU at 1.5 GHz. While the MT6739’s higher clock speed *suggests* better performance, Qualcomm’s optimizations often translate to smoother multitasking and app launches, even with a lower clock speed. The Snapdragon 215 benefits from Qualcomm’s software ecosystem, potentially offering better app compatibility and stability. Both phones will struggle with graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. Both phones likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this price point. The Snapdragon 215’s slightly better power efficiency *could* translate to marginally longer battery life on the K22, but the difference will likely be minimal. Charging speeds are expected to be slow on both devices, likely utilizing Micro-USB and taking several hours to fully charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K22 if you need a phone that will reliably handle essential tasks for a longer period, even if it's just basic communication and light social media. The Snapdragon 215 offers a more refined, albeit still limited, experience. Buy the LG K20 (2019) if you prioritize finding the absolute lowest price point and your usage is extremely minimal – primarily calls and texts – and you don't anticipate heavy multitasking or demanding app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG K22 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag?
Yes, the LG K22 should be able to run Facebook and Instagram without major issues. The Snapdragon 215 is sufficient for these apps, although expect some loading times and occasional slowdowns when multitasking. The K20 (2019) will perform similarly, but may exhibit slightly more lag.
❓ Is either phone suitable for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Neither the LG K22 nor the LG K20 (2019) are well-suited for playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. The chipsets lack the processing power and graphics capabilities to deliver a smooth gaming experience. You may be able to run these games at the lowest settings, but expect significant frame rate drops and lag.
❓ How long will software updates be available for the LG K22 and K20 (2019)?
Software update support for both devices is likely limited. LG has largely exited the smartphone market, meaning neither phone will receive major Android version updates. Security patches may be available for a short period, but long-term support is not guaranteed.
❓ Does the LG K22 support 4G LTE connectivity?
Yes, both the LG K22 and the LG K20 (2019) support 4G LTE connectivity, allowing you to access mobile data networks for browsing, streaming, and app usage. However, speeds will vary depending on your carrier and location.
