The LG K40 and Samsung Galaxy A32 5G represent two approaches to the budget smartphone market. The K40 aims for affordability, while the A32 5G adds the appeal of 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 720 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the LG K40’s Helio P22, enabling smoother multitasking and a better overall user experience. While both offer similar battery endurance, the A32 5G’s 5G capabilities and more powerful processor justify the price difference.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat16 1024/75 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6 - SM-A326U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, February. Released 2019, April | 2021, January 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 153 x 71.9 x 8.3 mm (6.02 x 2.83 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 144 g (5.08 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~76.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD, 60Hz (International), 90Hz (SM-A326U, SM-326DL only) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo), LG UX 7 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| 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, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 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, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, New Moroccan Blue, New Platinum Gray | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, Awesome Violet |
| Models | LMX420, LMX420EMW, LM-X420 | SM-A326B, SM-A326B/DS, SM-A326BR/DS, SM-A326BR, SM-A326U, SM-A326W, SM-A326U1, SM-A326K, SCG08, SM-S326DL |
| Price | About 140 EUR | € 111.89 / $ 78.64 / £ 77.53 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.33 W/kg (head) 1.08 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 123h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1470:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.5 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 226561 (v8)
GeekBench: 1673 (v5.1) |
LG K40
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable battery life for basic use
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Outdated and underpowered processor
- Poor performance for gaming and multitasking
- Likely inferior camera quality
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
- Significantly faster processor for smooth performance
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Slightly higher price than the LG K40
- 15W charging is not the fastest available
- May experience some battery drain with heavy 5G usage
Display Comparison
Both the LG K40 and Samsung Galaxy A32 5G feature displays with similar contrast ratios around 1470:1 to 1490:1, suggesting comparable black levels and color depth. However, the A32 5G boasts a significantly brighter panel, reaching a measured 497 nits compared to an unspecified value for the K40. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While neither display is expected to feature high refresh rates, the A32 5G’s superior brightness provides a more pleasant viewing experience overall.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given Samsung’s generally stronger image processing algorithms, the A32 5G is likely to produce more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 5G modem suggests a more modern ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 720, further enhancing image quality. It's reasonable to assume the K40's camera will be adequate for casual snapshots, but the A32 5G will offer a more refined photographic experience.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 720, built on a 7nm process, is a far more capable chipset than the LG K40’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm). The Dimensity 720 utilizes a combination of Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A55 cores, offering significantly improved single-core and multi-core performance. The K40’s all-Cortex-A53 configuration struggles with demanding tasks. This difference is crucial for multitasking, gaming, and running modern applications. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency in the A32 5G, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the LG K40 and Samsung Galaxy A32 5G achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours. This suggests similar real-world battery life despite the A32 5G’s more powerful processor and 5G connectivity. The A32 5G supports 15W wired charging, while the K40’s charging speed is unspecified. The A32 5G’s faster charging will allow for quicker top-ups, mitigating any potential battery drain from 5G usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K40 if you prioritize absolute minimum cost and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a viable option for those on a very tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G if you want a more future-proof device with 5G connectivity, significantly improved performance for gaming and app usage, and a brighter, more vibrant display. It’s the better choice for anyone who anticipates using their phone for more than just the essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G’s Dimensity 720 chip overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Dimensity 720 is built on a 7nm process, which offers improved thermal efficiency compared to the LG K40’s 12nm Helio P22. While some heat generation is inevitable during gaming, the A32 5G is less likely to experience significant throttling than the K40, allowing for longer, more consistent gameplay.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G actually useful, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. However, even if 5G isn’t readily available, the A32 5G will fall back to 4G LTE. Having a 5G modem future-proofs the device, ensuring you can take advantage of faster speeds as 5G networks expand. It also often indicates a more modern modem with improved 4G performance.
❓ How much faster is the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G in everyday tasks compared to the LG K40?
The A32 5G’s Dimensity 720 offers a substantial performance increase – roughly 50-70% faster in CPU benchmarks and significantly better GPU performance. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The K40 will likely exhibit noticeable lag when switching between apps or running demanding applications.
