The LG K40S and K50S represent LG’s entry into the highly competitive budget smartphone market. Both devices share a core chipset, the MediaTek Helio P22, making a direct comparison crucial for consumers seeking the best value. This analysis dives deep into the nuances of each phone to determine which offers a superior experience for everyday tasks and light usage.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a balanced experience, the LG K50S emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones utilize the same Helio P22 chipset, the K50S often benefits from slightly larger display real estate and potentially optimized software, leading to a marginally smoother user experience. However, the difference is minimal.
| 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, August. Released 2019, September | 2019, August. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.3 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.15 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) | 165.8 x 77.5 x 8.2 mm (6.53 x 3.05 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 194 g (6.84 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 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 105.5 cm2 (~82.1% 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 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB 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 |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 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 | 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, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue | New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue |
| Models | LMX430HM, LM-X430 | LMX540HM, LM-X540, LM-X540BMW, LMX540BMW |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 200 EUR |
LG K40S
- More compact size for easier handling
- Potentially lower price point
- Similar performance to K50S for basic tasks
- Smaller display may be less immersive
- Potentially smaller battery capacity
LG K50S
- Larger display for better media consumption
- Potentially larger battery capacity
- Slightly improved multitasking (depending on RAM)
- Larger size may be less comfortable for some users
- Potentially higher price point
Display Comparison
Both the LG K40S and K50S feature displays driven by the same MediaTek Helio P22 chipset, meaning graphical performance will be similar regardless of screen size. However, the K50S typically boasts a larger display, often around 6.5 inches compared to the K40S’s 6.1 inches. While resolution remains similar, the larger screen on the K50S provides a more immersive viewing experience. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and peak brightness are often omitted in budget specs, but users should expect standard IPS LCD performance with adequate, but not exceptional, outdoor visibility. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both the K40S and K50S is likely to be similar, given the shared chipset and typical budget camera setups. While megapixel counts may vary slightly between models, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P22 is the limiting factor. Expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Focusing on the main sensor’s megapixel count and aperture is more indicative of potential image quality.
Performance
The core of both devices is the MediaTek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) chipset, paired with an Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This configuration delivers adequate performance for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light app usage. The 12nm process node offers reasonable power efficiency, but don’t expect flagship-level performance or sustained gaming sessions. RAM configurations are crucial, but not specified in the provided data; however, both phones likely ship with 2GB or 3GB of RAM, which will impact multitasking capabilities. The shared chipset means thermal management will be similar, with neither phone likely to experience significant throttling under moderate loads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a key differentiator, though specific mAh values aren’t provided. The K50S, with its larger overall size, often incorporates a slightly larger battery. However, the power draw of the shared Helio P22 chipset and display technology will be comparable. Charging wattage is also typically low on these devices (likely 10W or 15W), resulting in relatively slow charging times. Expect a full charge to take several hours. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K40S if you prioritize a more compact form factor and potentially lower price point. Its smaller size makes it easier to handle for users with smaller hands or those who prefer a phone that fits comfortably in a pocket. Buy the LG K50S if you prefer a larger display for media consumption and multitasking, and are willing to accept a slightly larger device. The K50S’s larger screen can enhance the viewing experience for videos and browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22 chipset struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio P22 is an entry-level chipset and will likely struggle to run demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty at high settings. You may be able to play at the lowest settings with reduced frame rates, but expect noticeable lag and performance issues. These phones are better suited for casual gaming.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the K40S and K50S?
Both devices likely ran LG’s UX skin on top of Android, but software updates are a concern for older budget phones. The K50S, being a slightly later release, *may* have received one additional software update, but neither phone is guaranteed to receive ongoing security patches. Expect a relatively stock Android experience with LG’s customizations.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
The 2MP macro camera on both the K40S and K50S is largely a marketing feature. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images that are often blurry and lack detail. It's unlikely to provide significant improvements over using the main camera in standard photo mode.
