The LG K31 and Samsung Galaxy A12 represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. Both devices offer a full Android experience, but significant differences in chipset and display quality separate them. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone delivers the best value for budget-conscious buyers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the better choice. While both phones share a similar endurance rating, the A12’s Helio P35 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the K31’s Helio P22, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 / 1900 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 21. Released 2020, August 21 | 2020, November 24. Released 2020, December 21 |
| 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) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 205 g (7.23 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 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.1 cm2 (~77.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, LG UX 9.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | Go |
| 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, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | LM-K300Q, LMK300, LGL355DL | SM-A125F/DSN, SM-A125F/DS, SM-A125F, SM-A125M, SM-A125U, SM-A125U1, SM-A125N, SM-A125W |
| Price | About 130 EUR | € 78.89 / $ 60.00 / £ 69.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 123h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1363:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 107189 (v8)
GeekBench: 1034 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG K31
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable battery life
- Functional Android experience
- Slower processor (Helio P22)
- Likely lower display brightness
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Samsung Galaxy A12
- Faster processor (Helio P35)
- Brighter display (472 nits)
- 15W fast charging support
- May be slightly more expensive
- 2MP macro camera is largely ineffective
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
Display Comparison
Both the LG K31 and Samsung Galaxy A12 feature displays with a 1363:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar levels of black depth. However, the Galaxy A12 pulls ahead with a measured peak brightness of 472 nits, offering significantly better visibility in direct sunlight compared to the K31, which lacks published brightness data. While both are likely LCD panels, the A12’s higher brightness makes it the more practical choice for outdoor use. The nominal contrast ratio suggests neither display will offer exceptional color vibrancy.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given the market segment, image quality is unlikely to be a key differentiator. It’s safe to assume both rely heavily on software processing to enhance images. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is impossible. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A12 is largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Focusing on the main sensor performance, the A12 likely has a slight edge due to the more powerful ISP within the Helio P35.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Mediatek Helio P35 chipset represents a clear upgrade over the LG K31’s Helio P22. The P35 utilizes a big.LITTLE architecture with four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz, while the K31’s P22 features eight Cortex-A53 cores all clocked at 2.0 GHz. This means the A12 can handle more demanding tasks with greater efficiency, particularly benefiting from the faster cores during peak loads. While both are 12nm chips, the P35’s architecture provides a tangible performance advantage, translating to quicker app launches and smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
Both the LG K31 and Samsung Galaxy A12 achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. The A12 supports 15W wired charging, which, while not fast by modern standards, is a benefit over the K31, where charging speed is unspecified. The similar endurance ratings suggest that despite potential differences in battery capacity (not specified for either device), power efficiency is relatively balanced between the two chipsets.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K31 if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for essential communication and minimal app usage, and you are on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 if you prioritize a slightly smoother user experience, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and a bit more headroom for multitasking and casual gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A12 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio P35 isn't a powerhouse, it's sufficient for running social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. You might experience slight slowdowns with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical usage, the A12 should provide an acceptable experience.
❓ Is the LG K31 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the LG K31 is a perfectly adequate choice for basic communication. Its Helio P22 chipset is capable of handling calls, texts, and simple apps without significant issues. However, if you anticipate using your phone for anything beyond these core functions, the Galaxy A12 is a better investment.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 handle light gaming, like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The Galaxy A12 can handle light gaming titles like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics settings. The Helio P35 provides a modest gaming experience, suitable for casual play. More graphically intensive games will likely require reduced settings or may not run smoothly.
