The LG K22 and K42 represent LG's entry into the ultra-budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on the impact of their respective chipsets on performance and efficiency, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG K42 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process and featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance boost over the K22’s Snapdragon 215. While neither phone excels in any single area, the K42 offers a smoother user experience for everyday tasks.
| 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, 28, 38 - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | Yes, 384 kbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 - Brazil | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Australia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 12. Released 2020, September 12 | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 21 |
| 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) | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 169.5 g (6.00 oz) | 182 g (6.42 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 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% 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 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB 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 |
| Quad | - | 13 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| 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 |
| Radio | FM radio (market/operator dependent) | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titan, Blue | Gray, Green |
| Models | LMK200Z, LMK200E, LMK200B, LM-K200 | LMK420, LM-K420, LMK420H, LM-K420H, LMK420E, LM-K420E, LMK420Y, LM-K420Y |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 140 EUR |
LG K22
- Potentially lower price point
- Simpler user experience
- Functional for basic tasks
- Significantly slower performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Likely slower charging
LG K42
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient chipset (12nm)
- 10W wired charging support
- Slightly higher price
- May not offer substantial camera improvements
- Still an entry-level device
Display Comparison
Neither LG provides detailed display specifications. However, given their market positioning, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The K42’s slightly higher price point *might* translate to marginally better color accuracy or brightness, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. PWM dimming rates are unknown, making it difficult to assess potential eye strain.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. However, both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The K42’s slightly higher price *could* indicate a marginally better primary sensor, but this is unconfirmed. Expect limited low-light performance and a reliance on good lighting conditions for acceptable results. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered marketing features rather than significant photographic tools.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG K42’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) boasts an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, a significant upgrade over the K22’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 (28nm) quad-core 1.3 GHz processor. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio P22 is far more efficient, leading to lower power consumption and potentially better thermal management. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the K42. While both CPUs use the Cortex-A53 architecture, the increased core count and higher clock speed of the Helio P22 provide a substantial performance advantage. The K42 also benefits from a more modern GPU, enabling slightly better graphics performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the lower power consumption of the Helio P22 in the K42, it’s likely to offer comparable or even slightly better battery life than the K22, despite potentially having a similar capacity. The K42’s inclusion of 10W wired charging is a notable advantage, allowing for faster replenishment compared to the K22, which likely supports only 5W charging or slower. This means less downtime and more usable time between charges for the K42.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K22 if you prioritize absolute simplicity and minimal cost, and your smartphone usage is limited to basic calling, texting, and light app usage. It's a functional device for those needing a very affordable backup phone. Buy the LG K42 if you want a more responsive experience for social media, web browsing, and occasional gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for improved performance and 10W charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG K42 handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P22 chipset in the K42 provides sufficient processing power for smooth operation of most social media applications. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it will handle scrolling, video playback, and basic editing without significant lag, unlike the K22 which may struggle with these tasks.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Snapdragon 215 and Helio P22 noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The Helio P22’s octa-core CPU and more efficient 12nm process result in a demonstrably faster and more responsive user experience. You’ll notice quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and less lag when navigating the interface on the K42 compared to the K22.
❓ Can the LG K42 run mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The LG K42 can *run* these games, but not at high settings. Expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially with reduced frame rates to maintain a playable experience. The Snapdragon 215 in the K22 would struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Does the LG K42 support fast charging beyond the 10W specification?
No, the LG K42 is officially rated for 10W wired charging. While it *might* charge slightly faster with a higher-wattage charger, it won't support any proprietary fast-charging protocols.
