The LG K31 and BLU View 3 present a curious case: both smartphones are powered by the exact same Mediatek Helio P22 chipset. This comparison isn't about raw performance, but rather how each manufacturer leverages this hardware, and where the value proposition diverges, considering brand reputation and potential software experiences.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the BLU View 3 likely offers a better value proposition. While both phones deliver similar performance due to the identical Helio P22 chipset, BLU typically positions itself as a more aggressively priced brand, making it the more sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 / 1900 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 21. Released 2020, August 21 | 2021, September. Released 2021, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 147.8 x 71.1 x 8.6 mm (5.82 x 2.80 x 0.34 in) | 160.2 x 76.7 x 9 mm (6.31 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.1 cm2 (~77.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, LG UX 9.1 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 3400 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Black |
| Models | LM-K300Q, LMK300, LGL355DL | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 50 EUR |
LG K31
- Established brand reputation (LG)
- Potentially cleaner software experience
- Wider availability of support and accessories
- Likely higher price compared to BLU View 3
- May receive fewer software updates
- No standout features
BLU View 3
- More aggressive pricing
- Potential for better value for money
- May offer more features for the price
- Less established brand reputation (BLU)
- Potentially more pre-installed software (bloatware)
- Limited software update support
Display Comparison
Given the lack of display specifications beyond the chipset, we can infer both devices target the entry-level market. Expect 720p+ resolution panels, likely IPS LCDs. The user experience will be similar, with neither phone offering high brightness or color accuracy. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget positioning. The absence of any mention of features like high refresh rates or Gorilla Glass suggests a focus on cost reduction.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it's difficult to make a meaningful comparison. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will be heavily dependent on sensor size and image processing. Given the price point, expect a primary sensor around 13MP, potentially paired with depth or macro sensors of lower resolution. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. The image processing algorithms employed by LG and BLU will likely differ, potentially leading to variations in color reproduction and dynamic range.
Performance
Both the LG K31 and BLU View 3 are equipped with the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, featuring an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This chipset is designed for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light app usage. Performance will be virtually identical between the two devices. The 12nm process node is relatively efficient, but don't expect to run demanding games or multitasking scenarios smoothly. RAM capacity, which is not specified, will be a key determinant of multitasking performance; more RAM will be beneficial on both.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the power efficiency of the Helio P22 and the target market, we can estimate capacities around 3000-4000 mAh. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but both phones should be able to last a full day with moderate use. Charging wattage is also unknown, suggesting slow charging speeds – likely 5W or 10W – via micro-USB.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K31 if you prioritize brand recognition and potentially a more refined (though still basic) software experience, and are willing to pay a slight premium. Buy the BLU View 3 if you prioritize getting the most hardware for your money, and are comfortable with a less established brand and potentially more pre-installed software.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22 chipset struggle with popular apps like TikTok or Instagram?
The Helio P22 is capable of running apps like TikTok and Instagram, but expect some lag and slowdowns, especially when multitasking or using the apps for extended periods. It's a basic chipset designed for light usage, and these apps can be demanding.
❓ Is the BLU View 3 likely to have a lot of pre-installed bloatware?
BLU phones are often known for including pre-installed apps, sometimes referred to as bloatware. While not always malicious, these apps can take up storage space and consume system resources. Be prepared to potentially uninstall some unwanted apps after setting up the BLU View 3.
❓ Can I expect regular software updates on either the LG K31 or BLU View 3?
Software update support is limited on both devices. LG has a history of inconsistent updates for its budget phones, and BLU typically provides minimal software support. Don't expect major Android version upgrades or frequent security patches.
