The LG K22 and K40S represent LG's attempts to capture the ultra-budget smartphone market. While both devices aim for affordability, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly the chipset. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG K40S is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, built on a 12nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the K22’s Snapdragon 215, making it noticeably faster for everyday tasks and light multitasking. While battery life may be comparable, the K40S’s processing power justifies the slight price difference.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 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 | - |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.13 x 2.97 x 0.33 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 |
| Weight | 169.5 g (6.00 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 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio (market/operator dependent) | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titan, Blue | New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue |
| Models | LMK200Z, LMK200E, LMK200B, LM-K200 | LMX430HM, LM-X430 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 160 EUR |
LG K22
- Potentially better battery life under minimal use
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks
- Lower price point (likely)
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor app loading times
LG K40S
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More efficient chipset (12nm process)
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy use
- Slightly higher price point
- May experience more heat under sustained load
Display Comparison
Neither LG provides detailed display specifications. However, given their market positioning, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The K40S’s more powerful chipset *could* support slightly more complex image processing for potentially better color reproduction, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Brightness levels are likely similar, adequate for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. However, the K40S’s more capable chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The K22’s Snapdragon 215 will likely offer limited post-processing capabilities. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely marketing fluff and should not be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG K40S boasts a Mediatek Helio P22, an octa-core processor fabricated on a 12nm process. This translates to significantly higher clock speeds (2.0 GHz vs 1.3 GHz) and more cores than the K22’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 (quad-core, 28nm). The 12nm process node of the Helio P22 is more efficient, allowing for better sustained performance and potentially lower heat generation. The K40S will handle multitasking and app loading times far more smoothly. The Snapdragon 215 in the K22 is designed for basic functionality and will struggle with anything beyond the most essential apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the K22’s focus on efficiency with its Snapdragon 215, it *might* offer slightly longer battery life under extremely light usage. The K40S’s more powerful processor will consume more power, but the 12nm process helps mitigate this. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the K40S’s faster processing will allow for quicker task completion, potentially reducing overall screen-on time and offsetting some of the power draw.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K22 if you prioritize absolute simplicity and are primarily using the phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage. Its Snapdragon 215 is geared towards minimal power consumption. Buy the LG K40S if you want a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional social media browsing, or plan to use more demanding apps. The Helio P22 provides a significant boost in performance, making it a more versatile device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG K40S struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio P22 isn't a powerhouse, it's capable of running apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. You might experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical social media usage, it should be adequate. The K22's Snapdragon 215 would likely struggle more noticeably with these apps.
❓ Is the LG K22 a good choice for a first smartphone for an elderly user?
The LG K22's simplicity and focus on basic functionality make it a reasonable option for a first smartphone, particularly for users who primarily need calling and texting. However, its slow performance might be frustrating for even simple tasks. Consider the K40S if the user might want to explore more features or use apps beyond the basics.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
The LG K40S is the better choice for basic mobile gaming. The Helio P22's GPU will allow for playable frame rates in less demanding games. The K22's Snapdragon 215 will struggle even with simple 2D games. Don't expect a high-quality gaming experience on either device.
