The LG K40S and K51S represent LG’s attempts to capture the ultra-budget smartphone market. While visually similar, a key differentiator lies under the hood: the chipset. This comparison dives deep into the performance implications of the Mediatek Helio P35 in the K51S versus the Helio P22 in the K40S, helping you determine which device offers the best value for everyday tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG K51S is the better choice. Its Helio P35 chipset, with its faster core clock speeds, provides a noticeable performance boost over the K40S’s Helio P22, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. The K40S remains viable for extremely basic use cases.
| 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, 28, 38 |
| 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 | 2020, February 18. Released 2020, April 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.3 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.15 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) | 165.2 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 194.5 g (6.88 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 |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 93.6 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 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 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 | 64GB 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 |
| Quad | - | 32 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 13 MP, 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 |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAorWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue | Titanium, Pink, Blue, Red |
| Models | LMX430HM, LM-X430 | LMK510EMW, LM-K510EMW, LM-K510 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 200 EUR |
LG K40S
- Potentially lower price point
- Sufficient for basic communication tasks
- Likely similar battery life to K51S (depending on usage)
- Significantly slower processor
- Less responsive user experience
- Struggles with multitasking
LG K51S
- Faster and more efficient processor
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- Better suited for casual gaming
- Likely slightly higher price
- May not offer a substantial camera improvement
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither LG provides detailed display specifications beyond resolution. Given their market positioning, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The real-world difference in display quality will likely be minimal, focusing on viewing angles and color reproduction rather than peak brightness or advanced features like HDR. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical for this price bracket. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to assess which offers a better outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar camera setups focused on affordability. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the K51S’s slightly more powerful processor could translate to faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization. Focusing on the main sensor’s megapixel count and aperture would be more informative, but this data is unavailable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG K51S boasts the Mediatek Helio P35, featuring an octa-core configuration split into 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This contrasts with the K40S’s Helio P22, which utilizes a homogenous octa-core setup of 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The P35’s faster cores provide a significant advantage in single-core performance, impacting app launch times and overall responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the P35’s architecture allows for more efficient task handling. The K51S will demonstrably outperform the K40S in demanding applications and multitasking scenarios. RAM configurations are not specified, but the chipset difference will be the primary bottleneck.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. Given their similar form factors and target market, they likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unknown. The K51S’s more efficient processor *could* translate to slightly better battery life, but this would be dependent on usage patterns. Without concrete charging speed data, it’s impossible to determine which phone offers faster charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K40S if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for essential communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage. Buy the LG K51S if you want a more fluid experience for social media, casual gaming, and multitasking, even if it means spending a little more. The K51S offers a tangible performance upgrade that justifies the price difference for anyone beyond the most basic smartphone needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG K51S handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Helio P35 in the K51S provides enough processing power to run TikTok and Instagram without significant lag or stuttering. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it will be a noticeably smoother experience than the K40S, especially when switching between apps.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P35 and P22 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and email?
Absolutely. The faster cores in the Helio P35 result in quicker app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience. While both phones can handle basic tasks, the K51S will feel significantly snappier, even when running multiple apps simultaneously.
❓ Can the LG K51S run mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The LG K51S can *run* these games, but expect to play them on low to medium settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The Helio P35 isn't a gaming powerhouse, and demanding titles will push the processor to its limits. The K40S would struggle significantly with these games.
