The LG K30 and LG K30 (2019) represent a curious case in the smartphone market – a refresh that largely maintains the same core hardware. This comparison isn't about identifying a clear winner based on performance leaps, but rather pinpointing the single, practical difference between these two nearly identical devices and determining if that difference justifies a purchase decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the LG K30 and K30 (2019) will offer an indistinguishable experience. The addition of 10W wired charging on the standard K30 is the sole differentiating factor, making it the slightly more convenient option for those prioritizing faster top-ups, even if marginally.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - T-Mobile |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 38 | 2, 3, 4, 7, 12, 66, 71 - T-Mobile |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, September | 2018, May. Released 2018, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 146.9 x 71.5 x 8.5 mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.33 in) | 148.6 x 75 x 8.6 mm (5.85 x 2.95 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 148 g (5.22 oz) | 168.1 g (5.93 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~277 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~73.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 77.4 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 7.1 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 13 MP, PDAF |
| 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 |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2880 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue | New Aurora Black, Blue |
| Models | LM-X320EMW, LMX320EMW, LMX320ZMW, LM-X320ZMW | LM-X410.F, LM-X410(FG), LM-X410.FN, LM-X410.FGN, LM-X410PM, LM-X410UM, LM-X210K, LM-K830 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 160 EUR |
LG K30 (2019)
- Identical performance to LG K30
- Potentially lower price point
- Same core functionality
- Slower charging speeds (likely 5W)
- No specified charging standard
LG K30
- 10W wired charging for faster top-ups
- Identical performance to LG K30 (2019)
- Same core functionality
- Potentially higher price point
- Marginal charging speed improvement
Display Comparison
Both the LG K30 and K30 (2019) share the same display specifications, which are not detailed in the provided data. Given their market segment, we can infer they utilize an IPS LCD panel, likely with a 720p+ resolution. The absence of information regarding refresh rate or peak brightness suggests a standard 60Hz panel with typical brightness levels for budget smartphones. Bezels are likely substantial, prioritizing cost reduction over a modern, edge-to-edge design.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not provided beyond the chipset details. Based on the K30’s positioning, we can expect a basic camera setup, likely featuring a single main sensor and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Image quality will be acceptable in well-lit conditions but will struggle in low light. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) suggests reliance on software-based stabilization, which will be less effective. Any additional sensors (like the often-included 2MP macro) will likely offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425, a 28nm chipset featuring a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This configuration is geared towards basic smartphone tasks – web browsing, social media, and light app usage. The identical chipset means performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the two models. The lack of information on RAM capacity suggests a modest configuration (likely 2GB or 3GB), which, combined with the Snapdragon 425, will limit multitasking capabilities. Thermal management will be adequate for the intended use case, as the Snapdragon 425 is a low-power processor.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the Snapdragon 425’s efficiency, both models should achieve all-day battery life with moderate usage. The key difference lies in charging: the standard LG K30 supports 10W wired charging, while the K30 (2019) does not explicitly mention charging capabilities, implying slower charging speeds. While 10W isn’t fast by modern standards, it will reduce the time required to fully charge the device compared to a slower, potentially 5W, charging solution.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K30 (2019) if you find it at a significantly lower price point and don't mind relying on slower charging speeds. It delivers the same core functionality for potentially less money. Buy the LG K30 if you value the convenience of 10W charging, even if the impact on overall charging time is relatively small, and are willing to pay a small premium for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 425 sufficient for running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Snapdragon 425 is capable of running basic applications like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, expect some lag when multitasking or running more demanding apps.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the LG K30 with the 10W charger?
Without knowing the battery capacity, it's difficult to provide an exact time. However, with a 10W charger, a full charge will likely take between 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the battery size and usage during charging.
❓ Will I notice a difference in performance between the two models when playing casual games?
No, you will not notice a difference in performance. Both devices utilize the same Snapdragon 425 chipset and will offer a similar gaming experience for casual titles. More demanding games may experience lag or require reduced graphics settings.
