The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the LG K40S and Motorola G Pure aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, subtle differences in their chipsets and features can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola G Pure emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones utilize Mediatek Helio chipsets, the G Pure’s Helio G25, with its mixed Cortex-A53 configuration, provides a modest performance edge, particularly in multitasking, and includes 10W charging, a feature absent from detailed specs for the K40S.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, September | 2021, October 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, October 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 156.3 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.15 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) | 167.4 x 75.6 x 8.8 mm (6.59 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 | Android 11 |
| 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) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.4, 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) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue | Deep Indigo |
| Models | LMX430HM, LM-X430 | XT-2163-4, XT2163-4, XT2163-6, XT2163-1, XT2163-2 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | $ 63.99 / C$ 123.00 |
LG K40S
- Potentially lower initial purchase price.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Reliable for basic communication tasks.
- Less powerful chipset compared to the G Pure.
- Charging specifications are not readily available.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Motorola G Pure
- More efficient chipset with big.LITTLE architecture.
- Includes 10W wired charging for faster replenishment.
- Better suited for multitasking and light gaming.
- May be slightly more expensive than the K40S.
- Camera performance is likely similar to the K40S.
- Still limited by RAM capacity.
Display Comparison
Neither LG nor Motorola provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. Expect similar viewing experiences, with neither offering exceptional brightness or color accuracy. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Without specific data, it's difficult to differentiate display quality beyond anecdotal evidence.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Detailed sensor information is lacking, but both likely feature a primary camera paired with depth or macro sensors of minimal utility. The image processing capabilities of the Helio P22 and G25 are similar, meaning image quality will be heavily reliant on lighting conditions. Without specific aperture or sensor size data, it’s impossible to definitively declare a winner. Expect acceptable results in good light, but significant noise and softness in low-light scenarios. Focusing on the primary sensor resolution is key, as the 2MP auxiliary cameras are unlikely to deliver meaningful improvements.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG K40S features the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, an octa-core processor comprised entirely of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. The Motorola G Pure, however, utilizes the MT6762G Helio G25. This chipset also has eight cores, but employs a big.LITTLE architecture: four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.5 GHz. This configuration allows the G25 to dynamically allocate tasks, offering better efficiency for lighter workloads and more power when needed. While the peak clock speed is the same, the G25’s architecture provides a slight advantage in multitasking and responsiveness. Both phones likely feature limited RAM (2GB-3GB), which will be a bottleneck for demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature battery capacities around 4000mAh, typical for this price range. However, the Motorola G Pure includes 10W wired charging, a specification absent from the LG K40S’s documentation. This means the G Pure will likely charge faster, reducing downtime. While battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, the G25’s potentially more efficient architecture could contribute to slightly longer runtimes on the Motorola G Pure. Without real-world testing data, it’s difficult to quantify the difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K40S if you prioritize a potentially lower initial cost and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Motorola G Pure if you anticipate more frequent multitasking, occasional gaming, or require a more reliable charging experience, even if it means spending a little more upfront. The G Pure’s chipset is better suited for handling multiple apps simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola G Pure handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While the Helio G25 is capable of running these games, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame rate drops. The limited RAM and processing power are significant constraints. It's best suited for casual gaming rather than competitive play.
❓ Is the LG K40S a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and WhatsApp?
Yes, the LG K40S is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks. The Helio P22 chipset is sufficient for these functions, and the phone's battery life should provide all-day usage with moderate use. However, if you anticipate needing to run multiple apps or browse the web frequently, the Motorola G Pure would be a better option.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and can it be expanded?
Both phones typically ship with 32GB of internal storage, which is relatively limited. Fortunately, both the LG K40S and Motorola G Pure support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 512GB or 1TB of additional storage, depending on the card. This is crucial for storing photos, videos, and apps.
❓ What Android version do these phones ship with, and will they receive software updates?
Both devices likely shipped with Android 10 or 11. Software update support is limited for phones in this price range. Expect minimal or no major Android version updates. Security patches may be infrequent. Don't rely on these phones receiving long-term software support.
