The LG K41S and the alcatel 3L (2021) represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. Both devices utilize Mediatek’s Helio P22 chipset, but subtle differences in CPU configuration and charging capabilities create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the alcatel 3L (2021) edges out the LG K41S. While both share the same Helio P22 chipset, the alcatel’s dual-core CPU configuration – with faster and slower Cortex-A53 cores – provides a slight performance advantage in multi-tasking and app loading, justifying its position as the better overall choice.
| 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, 38 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 18. Released 2020, April 27 | 2021, January 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm (6.53 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) | 165.6 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.52 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191.7 g (6.77 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (only single sim model) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, Black, White | Jewelry Blue, Jewelry Black |
| Models | LMK410EMW, LM-K410EMW, LM-K410 | 6056D |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 330 EUR |
LG K41S
- Potential for better display quality based on LG’s brand history.
- Established brand recognition.
- May receive longer software support (though uncertain post-LG exit).
- Uniform CPU core configuration may result in slightly less efficient multitasking.
- Charging specifications are unknown, potentially slower than the alcatel.
- No specified fast charging support.
alcatel 3L (2021)
- Heterogeneous CPU core configuration for potentially smoother multitasking.
- 10W wired charging for faster replenishment.
- More affordable price point (typically).
- Alcatel’s brand reputation is less established than LG’s.
- Software updates may be less frequent.
- Build quality may be slightly lower.
Display Comparison
Neither LG nor Alcatel provided detailed display specifications. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. Without data on brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rates, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, LG’s historical focus on display technology suggests a potentially more refined visual experience, though this is speculative. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, typical for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar on both devices, relying heavily on software processing. Both will likely feature a primary camera alongside depth and macro sensors (the latter often of limited utility). Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The alcatel 3L (2021) doesn’t appear to offer any specific camera features beyond the standard fare, and the LG K41S’s camera specs are also unavailable. Expect adequate performance in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
Both the LG K41S and the alcatel 3L (2021) are powered by the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm). However, the alcatel 3L (2021) employs a slightly different CPU configuration: Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) versus the LG K41S’s uniform Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. This 'big.LITTLE' approach in the alcatel allows for more efficient task allocation – faster cores for demanding apps, slower cores for background processes – potentially resulting in smoother multitasking. Both devices likely feature 3GB or 4GB of RAM, impacting overall responsiveness. Thermal management will be passive on both, meaning sustained performance under load will be limited by the chipset's inherent capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the Helio P22’s efficiency and the target market, both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The alcatel 3L (2021) supports 10W wired charging, providing a tangible benefit over the LG K41S, for which charging specifications are absent. This means the alcatel will achieve a full charge faster, reducing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K41S if you prioritize a brand with a historically strong reputation for display quality (though specifics aren't provided here) and potentially better software support, assuming LG's post-smartphone exit support continues. Buy the alcatel 3L (2021) if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience thanks to its heterogeneous CPU core arrangement and benefit from the inclusion of 10W wired charging, a feature absent from the LG K41S’s specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the alcatel 3L (2021)'s CPU configuration actually make a noticeable difference in everyday use?
While the difference isn't dramatic, the alcatel 3L (2021)'s combination of 1.8 GHz and 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores allows the phone to intelligently allocate tasks. This means frequently used apps and processes get the faster cores, while background tasks run on the more efficient slower cores, potentially leading to a smoother experience when switching between apps.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the alcatel 3L (2021) significantly faster than a phone without specified charging?
Yes, 10W charging is a tangible benefit. A phone without specified charging likely relies on 5W charging, which is considerably slower. While not 'fast charging' in the modern sense, 10W will reduce the time it takes to fully charge the device, minimizing downtime.
❓ Given LG's exit from the smartphone market, is the K41S still a good buy in terms of software updates?
This is a valid concern. While LG initially promised updates for some devices, the long-term support for the K41S is uncertain. The alcatel 3L (2021) may receive fewer updates overall, but the support is likely to be more predictable given Alcatel's continued presence in the market.
