Released nearly a decade apart, the LG K30 (2019) and the LG Optimus L5 II Dual E455 represent vastly different eras of budget smartphone design. While both aimed for affordability, their internal components and target users differed significantly. This comparison dissects the core hardware to determine which device offers the better experience in today's context.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the LG K30 (2019) is the superior choice. Its more modern Snapdragon 425 chipset, built on a smaller 28nm process, delivers noticeably better performance and efficiency compared to the older Mediatek MT6575 in the L5 II. While neither phone excels, the K30 offers a more usable experience for modern apps.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 38 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, September | 2013, February. Released 2013, April |
| 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) | 118.4 x 62.2 x 9.2 mm (4.66 x 2.45 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 148 g (5.22 oz) | 100 g (3.53 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) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~73.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~61.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6575 (40 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | PowerVR SGX531 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), LG Optimus UI 3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 4GB (1.75GB user available), 512MB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 642 h |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (3G) | Up to 10 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 1700 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue | Indigo Black, White, Pink, Titan |
| Models | LM-X320EMW, LMX320EMW, LMX320ZMW, LM-X320ZMW | - |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.43 W/kg (head) 0.66 W/kg (body) |
LG K30 (2019)
- More modern chipset (Snapdragon 425)
- Better performance for apps and multitasking
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Limited RAM (likely 2GB or less)
- May not receive further software updates
LG Optimus L5 II Dual E455
- Potentially longer battery life due to older, less demanding chipset
- Simpler operating system (likely older Android version)
- Dual SIM capability
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Limited app compatibility
Display Comparison
Detailed display specifications are unavailable for both devices. However, given their market segments, both likely feature LCD panels with resolutions around 480x800. The K30 benefits from being a newer device, potentially offering slightly better color reproduction and viewing angles. The L5 II's older technology likely results in lower peak brightness and wider bezels.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It's safe to assume both feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. The K30, being newer, likely benefits from improved image processing algorithms, even with similar sensor resolutions. The larger process node of the MT6575 may limit the image signal processor's capabilities, resulting in lower-quality images from the L5 II, particularly in low-light conditions. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading without sensor size information.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG K30’s Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425, fabricated on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz. This architecture is significantly more efficient and capable than the LG Optimus L5 II’s Mediatek MT6575, built on a larger 40nm process, with a single-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU. The 28nm process of the Snapdragon 425 allows for lower power consumption and reduced heat generation, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user interface. The Cortex-A53 cores, while still entry-level, offer a substantial architectural improvement over the Cortex-A9, providing better performance per clock cycle.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable. However, the Mediatek MT6575’s 40nm process is inherently less efficient than the Snapdragon 425’s 28nm process. While the L5 II might have a slightly larger battery, the K30’s more efficient chipset will likely result in comparable, or even better, real-world battery life under moderate usage. The K30 also benefits from potentially supporting more efficient charging technologies, though specifics are unknown.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K30 (2019) if you need a device capable of running more recent versions of Android and handling basic modern apps like social media and messaging without significant lag. Buy the LG Optimus L5 II Dual E455 if you prioritize a potentially longer-lasting battery due to the older, less power-hungry chipset, and are comfortable with a significantly slower and more limited user experience, primarily for calls and texts.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG K30 (2019) run modern apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
The LG K30 (2019) should be able to run WhatsApp and Facebook, but expect some lag and slower loading times. The Snapdragon 425 is sufficient for basic social media usage, but it's not a powerhouse. The LG Optimus L5 II will struggle significantly with these apps due to its older chipset.
❓ Is the LG Optimus L5 II Dual E455 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the LG Optimus L5 II is a viable option if your primary use case is calls and texts. Its older chipset is sufficient for these basic functions, and the potentially longer battery life could be beneficial. However, be prepared for a very slow and limited user experience if you attempt to use more demanding apps.
❓ Can I expect any software updates on either of these phones?
It's highly unlikely that either phone will receive further software updates. The LG K30 (2019) may have received a few updates during its lifespan, but it's now past its end-of-life. The LG Optimus L5 II is even older and has almost certainly stopped receiving updates.
