Xiaomi Redmi K40S vs LG K40S: A Performance and Value Showdown

The LG K40S and Xiaomi Redmi K40S represent different approaches to the budget smartphone market. The LG K40S aims for affordability, while the Redmi K40S packs a flagship-adjacent chipset into a competitive price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the vast majority of users, the Xiaomi Redmi K40S is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset delivers dramatically faster performance, coupled with 67W fast charging, making it a significantly more capable and future-proof device despite a potentially similar price.

PHONES
Phone Names LG K40S Xiaomi Redmi K40S
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 201, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2019, August. Released 2019, September2022, March 17
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, March 17
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back
Dimensions156.3 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.15 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.30 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight186 g (6.56 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
 MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditionsSplash resistant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~276 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Adreno 650
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide)-
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single-20 MP, (wide)
Triple-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Single13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm20 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 38 min
TypeLi-Po 3500 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsNew Aurora Black, New Moroccan BlueBlack, Gray, Blue, Green
ModelsLMX430HM, LM-X430-
PriceAbout 160 EURAbout 260 EUR

LG K40S

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface
  • Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Outdated chipset architecture
  • Slower charging speeds

Xiaomi Redmi K40S

  • Exceptional performance with Snapdragon 870
  • Ultra-fast 67W charging
  • More future-proof for demanding applications

  • Potentially higher price than the LG K40S
  • May experience slightly more heat under heavy load
  • Software experience may vary based on region

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Redmi K40S's positioning, it likely features a higher-quality panel with a faster refresh rate. The LG K40S, targeting a lower price bracket, likely utilizes a standard 60Hz LCD. Bezels are expected to be larger on the LG K40S due to cost constraints. Color accuracy is also likely to be superior on the Redmi K40S.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the Redmi K40S, being a more premium device, likely features a larger main sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The LG K40S likely relies on a simpler camera setup optimized for cost. The Redmi K40S is more likely to offer features like improved low-light performance and better dynamic range. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is also more probable on the Redmi K40S.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is immense. The Xiaomi Redmi K40S’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a significant leap over the LG K40S’s Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12nm). The Snapdragon 870 features a Kryo 585 CPU with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, alongside a more powerful Adreno GPU. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a far superior gaming experience. The Helio P22’s Cortex-A53 cores, clocked at 2.0 GHz, struggle with demanding tasks. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 870 also provides better power efficiency, reducing thermal throttling during sustained workloads.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Redmi K40S’s 67W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC3 support is a game-changer. A full charge in just 38 minutes significantly reduces downtime. The LG K40S likely offers slower charging speeds, potentially requiring over two hours for a full charge. While the LG K40S might have a slightly larger battery capacity, the Redmi K40S’s fast charging effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG K40S if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset is sufficient for these use cases. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K40S if you value performance for gaming, multitasking, or demanding applications, and appreciate the convenience of incredibly fast charging. The Snapdragon 870 offers a substantial upgrade in processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Redmi K40S handle demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 in the Redmi K40S is more than capable of running demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings. While it won't match the performance of the latest flagship chips, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Redmi K40S safe for the battery's long-term health?
Yes, Xiaomi incorporates battery protection technologies to mitigate the effects of fast charging. The 67W charging is designed to intelligently manage the charging process, preventing overheating and minimizing battery degradation over time. The phone also supports PD3.0 and QC3, which offer optimized charging profiles.
❓ Can the LG K40S reliably run multiple apps simultaneously?
The LG K40S's Helio P22 chipset and limited RAM will struggle with heavy multitasking. Running several apps concurrently may result in noticeable slowdowns and app reloads. It's best suited for running one app at a time.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on the Redmi K40S?
While not specified in the provided data, Redmi K40S typically comes in configurations of 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. It's important to note that neither device supports microSD card expansion.