The LG K41S and K51S represent LG’s attempts to capture the ultra-budget smartphone market. While visually similar, a key difference 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 K41S, helping you determine which 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 K41S’s Helio P22, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. The price difference is typically minimal, making the K51S the clear winner.
| 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, 38 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 18. Released 2020, April 27 | 2020, February 18. Released 2020, April 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm (6.53 x 3.01 x 0.33 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 | 191.7 g (6.77 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 | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~81.7% 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) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 32 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, 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, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, Black, White | Titanium, Pink, Blue, Red |
| Models | LMK410EMW, LM-K410EMW, LM-K410 | LMK510EMW, LM-K510EMW, LM-K510 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 200 EUR |
LG K41S
- Potentially lower price point
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Likely similar display quality to K51S
- Noticeably slower performance than K51S
- Less responsive user interface
- May struggle with multitasking
LG K51S
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient power management
- Better suited for light gaming
- Slightly higher price (typically)
- Similar display quality to K41S
- May not be significantly better in low-light photography
Display Comparison
Both the LG K41S and K51S likely feature similar LCD panels, given their market positioning. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they target the standard for this price range – likely HD+ (720 x 1600). The display experience will likely be comparable, focusing on basic visibility rather than color accuracy or high refresh rates. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, as minimizing these is a feature reserved for higher-end models.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the main sensor and image processing algorithms. Given the price point, we can expect a primary sensor in the 13-16MP range. The presence of 2MP macro or depth sensors is probable on both, but these contribute minimally to overall image quality. The Helio P35 in the K51S *may* offer slightly better image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially resulting in marginally improved photos, but the difference will likely be subtle.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones is the chipset. The LG K41S utilizes the Mediatek Helio P22, an octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz using exclusively Cortex-A53 cores. The K51S, however, steps up to the Helio P35, also an octa-core processor, but with a more sophisticated configuration: four Cortex-A53 cores running at 2.3 GHz paired with four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz. This 'big.LITTLE' architecture in the P35 allows for more efficient power management – using the faster cores for demanding tasks and the slower cores for background processes. The 15% clock speed increase on the faster cores of the P35 translates to a tangible improvement in app launch times and overall system responsiveness. While neither chipset is a gaming powerhouse, the K51S will handle less demanding titles with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, typical battery sizes for phones in this segment range from 3000mAh to 4000mAh. The Helio P35 in the K51S, with its more efficient architecture, is likely to deliver slightly better battery life than the K41S, even with a similar capacity battery. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both phones likely support standard 10W or 15W charging, resulting in approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K41S if you prioritize absolute affordability and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. Buy the LG K51S if you want a more fluid experience, occasionally play mobile games, or frequently switch between apps. The K51S’s extra processing power offers a significant quality-of-life improvement for a small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG K51S handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While the Helio P35 can run these games, you'll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low and accept lower frame rates for a playable experience. The K51S is not a dedicated gaming phone, but it offers a better gaming experience than the K41S due to its more powerful processor.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P35 and P22 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The K51S will feel snappier when opening apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. The K41S may exhibit lag or stuttering during these activities, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging?
Neither phone is officially advertised with fast charging support. They likely support standard 10W or 15W charging, meaning a full charge will take around 2-3 hours.
❓ Which phone is better for taking photos of documents?
Both phones will likely perform adequately for document scanning, but the K51S's potentially improved image processing could result in slightly clearer and more legible scans. Ensure good lighting conditions for optimal results.