The LG K40 and K40S represent LG’s entry into the ultra-budget smartphone market. While appearing nearly identical on a specifications sheet, the K40S was often positioned as a regional variant or a slightly refreshed model. This comparison dives deep to uncover any meaningful distinctions between these two devices, helping you determine if the K40S justifies its existence over the original K40.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the LG K40 and K40S are functionally equivalent. The K40S’s primary advantage lies in potential software updates or regional availability. If pricing is similar, the K40S is the slightly safer bet, but don't pay a premium for it.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, February. Released 2019, April | 2019, August. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 153 x 71.9 x 8.3 mm (6.02 x 2.83 x 0.33 in) | 156.3 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.15 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 144 g (5.08 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~76.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.4% 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 8.1 (Oreo), LG UX 7 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, New Moroccan Blue, New Platinum Gray | New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue |
| Models | LMX420, LMX420EMW, LM-X420 | LMX430HM, LM-X430 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 160 EUR |
LG K40
- Potentially lower price point
- Identical performance to K40S
- Wide availability in some regions
- May receive fewer software updates
- Potentially older software version out of the box
LG K40S
- Potential for newer software updates
- May be the only available model in certain regions
- Slightly optimized software (potentially)
- May be priced higher than the K40
- Identical performance to K40
Display Comparison
Both the LG K40 and K40S feature displays that prioritize affordability over cutting-edge technology. While specific panel details (like IPS LCD type and resolution) are consistent, the real-world experience will be similar. Neither device boasts high brightness levels, making outdoor visibility a challenge. The absence of features like HDR support or high refresh rates is expected in this price bracket. The focus is on providing a functional display for basic tasks, rather than a premium viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both the K40 and K40S is expected to be modest. The primary camera sensor details are not provided, but given the price point, it's likely a standard sensor. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The inclusion of a 2MP depth sensor on both models is a common tactic to enable portrait mode effects, but the limited resolution will result in less detailed bokeh. The front-facing camera will likely offer similar performance, suitable for casual selfies and video calls. Don't expect flagship-level image processing or features.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 chipset, paired with an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This configuration is geared towards handling everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. The Helio P22’s 12nm process node offers reasonable efficiency, but it’s not a powerhouse for demanding games or multitasking. The identical CPU and chipset mean performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the K40 and K40S. RAM configurations are likely similar, further solidifying the performance parity.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a critical factor for budget smartphones. While the exact mAh rating isn't specified, both devices likely feature a battery around 3000-3500mAh. Given the power efficiency of the Helio P22 and the relatively basic display, users can expect all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are likely slow, utilizing standard micro-USB charging. The K40S may have slightly optimized power management through software, but the difference will be minimal in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K40 if you find it at a significantly lower price point and availability isn't a concern. It delivers the same core experience as the K40S for less. Buy the LG K40S if you prioritize potential for newer software versions or if it's the only model readily available in your region, offering a degree of future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the LG K40S worth upgrading to from the LG K40 if I already own one?
Given the identical chipset and likely similar specifications, upgrading from the K40 to the K40S isn't recommended unless you specifically need potential future software updates or find a compelling trade-in offer. The performance difference will be negligible.
❓ Will the LG K40S receive Android updates?
LG has largely exited the smartphone market, so long-term software support for both the K40 and K40S is uncertain. The K40S *may* receive one additional update compared to the K40, depending on regional software rollouts, but don't expect major Android version upgrades.
❓ Can the LG K40S handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Mediatek Helio P22 is not a gaming-focused chipset. While you can *run* PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile on the K40S, you'll likely need to use the lowest graphics settings and may experience frame rate drops, especially during intense action. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for demanding gamers.
