The LG K40 and Motorola Moto G31 represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The K40, an older model, focuses on providing basic functionality at a low price point. The Moto G31, while still affordable, aims to deliver a more modern experience with a more powerful chipset and improved features. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Motorola Moto G31 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a significantly more responsive experience for everyday tasks and light gaming compared to the LG K40’s Helio P22. While the K40 may be cheaper, the G31’s performance uplift justifies the potential price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, February. Released 2019, April | 2021, November 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| 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) | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.37 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) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~76.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo), LG UX 7 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 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 |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, New Moroccan Blue, New Platinum Gray | Mineral Grey, Baby Blue |
| Models | LMX420, LMX420EMW, LM-X420 | XT2173-3 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 120 EUR |
LG K40
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward interface
- Outdated chipset
- Slow performance
- Likely limited software support
Motorola Moto G31
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Smoother user experience
- Better gaming performance
- More modern features
- Slow 10W charging
- Potentially higher price
- 2MP macro camera is largely useless
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost reduction over premium display features. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing for the LG K40, but it’s likely a lower-resolution panel than the Moto G31’s. The G31’s display benefits from the more powerful chipset’s ability to drive a smoother experience, even if the panel itself isn’t high-end. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given the budget nature of both devices. Details regarding sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable for the LG K40, but it’s reasonable to assume a basic camera setup. The Moto G31 likely features a more refined image processing pipeline thanks to its more modern chipset. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the G31 is largely a marketing gimmick; its image quality will be limited. Focusing on the main sensor’s capabilities is more important, and the G31’s chipset will likely provide better image processing for that sensor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG K40’s Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762) uses eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This is an older architecture focused on efficiency, but lacking in raw power. The Motorola Moto G31’s Helio G85 (MT6769Z) is a significant upgrade, employing a big.LITTLE architecture with two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores provide a substantial performance boost for demanding tasks, making the G31 noticeably faster in app loading, multitasking, and gaming. The G31’s GPU is also superior, offering a better gaming experience. While RAM configurations aren’t specified, the G31’s chipset is better equipped to handle more RAM efficiently.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for the LG K40, but it’s likely in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Moto G31’s battery capacity is also unspecified, but its 10W wired charging is a significant limitation. While a larger battery capacity is desirable, the Helio G85’s efficiency could offset a slightly smaller battery size compared to the K40. The 10W charging on the G31 will result in a slow 0-100% charge time, potentially taking over 3 hours. The K40’s charging speed is also likely slow, but without specific data, a direct comparison is difficult.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K40 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic calling, texting, and very light app use. It’s a functional device for those with minimal demands. Buy the Motorola Moto G31 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or want a phone that will feel more responsive and future-proof, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto G31 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G85 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, but it's a significantly better gaming experience than the LG K40's Helio P22.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Motorola Moto G31 with the 10W charger?
Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take over 3 hours with the included 10W charger. This is a significant drawback, so planning overnight charging is recommended.
❓ Is the LG K40 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the LG K40 is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like calls and texts. Its Helio P22 chipset is sufficient for these functions, and its lower price point makes it a viable option for users with minimal smartphone needs.
❓ Does the Moto G31 receive regular software updates?
Motorola's software update schedule for budget devices can be inconsistent. While the Moto G31 launched with Android 11 and is eligible for Android 12, future updates beyond that are not guaranteed. The LG K40 is likely to have limited or no further software support.
