The LG K31 and Motorola Moto E (2020) represent the lower end of the Android smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. However, beneath the similar price points lie significant differences in their core hardware, specifically the chipsets. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications for everyday tasks and light gaming.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Motorola Moto E (2020) emerges as the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 632, built on a 14nm process, delivers noticeably smoother performance and better multitasking capabilities compared to the LG K31’s Mediatek Helio P22. While both phones are entry-level, the Moto E offers a more responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 30, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 / 1900 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 21. Released 2020, August 21 | 2020, June 05. Released 2020, June 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147.8 x 71.1 x 8.6 mm (5.82 x 2.80 x 0.34 in) | 159.8 x 76.6 x 8.7 mm (6.29 x 3.02 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.1 cm2 (~77.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~78.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM632 Snapdragon 632 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 10, LG UX 9.1 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 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 | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 3550 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Midnight Blue |
| Models | LM-K300Q, LMK300, LGL355DL | XT2052DL |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 90 EUR |
LG K31
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward Android experience.
- May offer slightly longer standby time due to less powerful processor.
- Noticeably slower performance compared to the Moto E.
- Less efficient processor leading to potential battery drain.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Motorola Moto E (2020)
- Smoother and more responsive user experience.
- More efficient Snapdragon 632 processor.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- Potentially better camera image processing.
- May be slightly more expensive than the LG K31.
- Basic camera setup with limited features.
- Still an entry-level device with inherent limitations.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for detailed analysis of brightness or color accuracy. However, given their market segment, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The focus here isn't display quality, but rather the chipset's ability to efficiently render content on these screens. Bezels are expected to be relatively substantial on both models, typical for this price range.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones featuring basic camera setups. Without specific sensor size or aperture data, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the Snapdragon 632’s image signal processor (ISP) generally offers better image processing capabilities than the Helio P22’s ISP, potentially resulting in slightly better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos taken with the Moto E. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests these are largely marketing features with limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto E (2020) features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 632, fabricated on a 14nm process, with an octa-core CPU configuration utilizing both Kryo 250 Gold (1.8 GHz) and Silver (1.8 GHz) cores. This architecture allows for efficient task allocation, prioritizing performance when needed and conserving power during lighter workloads. Conversely, the LG K31 utilizes the Mediatek Helio P22, a 12nm chip with eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. While the K31's cores have a slightly higher clock speed, the Snapdragon 632’s more advanced architecture and process node provide a significant advantage in sustained performance and power efficiency. This translates to smoother app switching and a more responsive user interface on the Moto E.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the Helio P22’s less efficient 12nm process, the LG K31 may experience faster battery drain under similar usage conditions compared to the Moto E. The Snapdragon 632’s power efficiency, combined with optimized software, could translate to longer real-world battery life for the Moto E, even with a similar battery capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown, making it difficult to assess 0-100% charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K31 if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and extremely light app usage, and you prioritize a potentially lower upfront cost. Buy the Motorola Moto E (2020) if you want a more fluid user experience, better multitasking, and a slightly more capable processor for handling social media, streaming, and casual games. The Moto E offers a better balance of performance and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto E (2020) struggle with popular apps like Facebook or Instagram?
While the Snapdragon 632 isn't a powerhouse, it's capable of running apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly. You might experience occasional slowdowns with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical social media usage, it should be adequate. The LG K31's Helio P22 may exhibit more noticeable lag.
❓ Is the LG K31 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the LG K31 is a viable option for basic communication. Its Helio P22 processor is sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and using simple apps. However, if you anticipate even light app usage beyond these core functions, the Motorola Moto E (2020) offers a more future-proof experience.
❓ Can either of these phones handle casual gaming?
The Motorola Moto E (2020) is the better choice for casual gaming. The Snapdragon 632 provides enough processing power for less demanding titles. The LG K31’s Helio P22 will struggle with even moderately demanding games, resulting in low frame rates and stuttering.
