The LG K22 and Nokia G11 Plus represent the extreme end of the smartphone spectrum – devices aimed at first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable, ultra-affordable secondary device. While both fall into the budget category, they take drastically different approaches to processing power, with the K22 relying on an older Qualcomm Snapdragon and the G11 Plus opting for a newer Unisoc chipset. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which phone delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Nokia G11 Plus is the superior choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, offers a significant performance advantage over the LG K22’s aging Snapdragon 215. While charging is slow at 10W, the octa-core architecture provides a smoother, more responsive 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 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 12. Released 2020, September 12 | 2022, June 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, July 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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) | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 169.5 g (6.00 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.67", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0" |
| 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio (market/operator dependent) | FM radio |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titan, Blue | Lake Blue, Charcoal Grey |
| Models | LMK200Z, LMK200E, LMK200B, LM-K200 | - |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 130 EUR |
LG K22
- Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer)
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- May offer slightly longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Extremely slow performance
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Likely limited software support
Nokia G11 Plus
- Significantly faster performance thanks to the Unisoc T606
- Octa-core processor enables smoother multitasking
- Larger battery capacity (5000mAh)
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic camera system
- May be slightly more expensive than the LG K22
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the LG K22’s panel, but given its price point, it’s likely a low-resolution IPS LCD. The Nokia G11 Plus also utilizes an IPS LCD, but the focus here isn’t on visual fidelity. Both will likely suffer from narrow viewing angles and limited brightness. The absence of features like high refresh rates or even full HD resolution means the display experience will be basic on both phones. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate at the expense of a modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be limited. Details regarding sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but given the price bracket, both likely feature basic sensors. The Nokia G11 Plus may have a slight edge due to the potential for more advanced image processing capabilities within the Unisoc T606 chipset. However, don’t expect exceptional image quality in low-light conditions or detailed photos. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
This is where the most significant difference lies. The LG K22’s Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215, fabricated on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz. This is an extremely entry-level chipset, designed for minimal power consumption rather than performance. In contrast, the Nokia G11 Plus utilizes the Unisoc T606, built on a more efficient 12nm process. Its octa-core configuration – consisting of two Cortex-A75 cores at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz – provides a substantial uplift in processing power. The A75 cores offer significantly better single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and responsiveness, while the A55 cores handle background tasks efficiently. The Unisoc T606 will deliver a noticeably smoother experience when navigating the UI, opening apps, and multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for the LG K22, but it’s reasonable to assume a capacity similar to the Nokia G11 Plus. The Nokia G11 Plus features a 5000mAh battery, which, combined with the more efficient Unisoc T606 chipset, should provide all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, charging is limited to 10W wired, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. The Snapdragon 215 in the LG K22, while less powerful, may also offer decent battery life due to its lower power consumption, but the overall user experience will be compromised by the sluggish performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K22 if your primary need is extreme simplicity and a minimal feature set, and you're willing to accept significantly slower performance. It's best suited for users who only need basic calling, texting, and very light app usage. Buy the Nokia G11 Plus if you prioritize a more fluid user experience, even with basic apps, and want a phone capable of handling multitasking and slightly more demanding tasks without significant lag. It’s the better option for anyone looking for a functional, modern smartphone on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 chipset in the Nokia G11 Plus capable of running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 is sufficiently powerful to run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. Its octa-core architecture and Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable performance boost over older, quad-core chipsets, ensuring a smoother user experience for everyday tasks.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Nokia G11 Plus with the 10W charger?
With the included 10W charger, expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 3-4 hours. While slow, the 5000mAh battery provides ample usage time, mitigating the inconvenience of the slower charging speed.
❓ Will the LG K22 struggle with basic web browsing?
Yes, the LG K22’s Snapdragon 215 chipset is quite limited. Web browsing, especially with multiple tabs open, will likely be slow and laggy. Expect long page load times and a generally unresponsive experience.
❓ Are software updates likely for either of these devices?
Software update support is limited for both devices. LG has largely exited the smartphone market, so updates for the K22 are unlikely. Nokia typically provides a limited number of updates for its budget devices, but long-term support is not guaranteed.
