The LG K41S and K61 represent LG's attempts to deliver affordable smartphones with a focus on essential features. Both devices utilize Mediatek Helio chipsets, but a key difference lies in their processing power. This comparison dissects the nuances between the Helio P22 in the K41S and the Helio P35 in the K61, revealing which phone offers a superior user experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG K61 is the better choice. Its Helio P35 chipset, featuring a faster core cluster, provides a noticeable performance boost over the K41S's Helio P22, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light multitasking. While both phones target the budget segment, the K61 offers a more future-proof experience.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40 |
| 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) | 164.5 x 77.5 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191.7 g (6.77 oz) | 191 g (6.74 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) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~82.5% 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 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP |
| 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 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAorWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DNLA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, Black, White | Titanium, White, Blue |
| Models | LMK410EMW, LM-K410EMW, LM-K410 | LMQ630EAW, LM-Q630EAW, LM-Q630 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 300 EUR |
LG K41S
- Potentially lower price point
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Likely lightweight and easy to handle
- Noticeably slower performance than the K61
- May struggle with multitasking
- Less future-proof
LG K61
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better suited for multitasking and light gaming
- More efficient chipset potentially leading to better battery life
- Slightly higher price point
- May not offer a significant camera upgrade
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither LG provides detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, given their market positioning, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The real difference lies in the processing power driving the display. A faster chipset, like the K61’s Helio P35, can contribute to smoother animations and faster app loading times, indirectly improving the perceived display experience. Without knowing peak brightness or color gamut coverage, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the K61’s superior processing power gives it an edge.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature similar camera setups focused on basic photography. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P35 of the K61 *may* offer slightly better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in improved dynamic range and noise reduction. Without detailed sensor information, it's difficult to make a definitive claim, but the K61’s more powerful chipset provides a foundation for better image quality. The presence of a dedicated camera app and software optimizations will also play a crucial role.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices is the chipset. The LG K41S utilizes the Mediatek Helio P22, an octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz using eight Cortex-A53 cores. The LG K61 steps up to the Helio P35, also an octa-core processor, but with a more sophisticated configuration: four cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. This 'big.LITTLE' architecture allows the P35 to dynamically allocate tasks to the faster cores when needed, resulting in a more responsive experience. The 2.3 GHz peak clock speed of the K61’s cores represents a significant advantage over the K41S, particularly for demanding applications. While both use the same 12nm process, the P35’s architecture is more efficient.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, both phones likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this price segment. The Helio P35 in the K61, being more efficient, *could* translate to slightly longer battery life despite potentially drawing more power during peak performance. Charging wattage is also unknown, making it difficult to assess charging speeds. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K41S if you prioritize extreme affordability and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. Buy the LG K61 if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, streaming, and occasional gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for that performance uplift.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG K61 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The LG K61's Helio P35 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. Expect medium or low settings for smoother gameplay. The K41S's Helio P22 will struggle more with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P22 and P35 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Helio P35 in the K61 provides a snappier experience when opening apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. The K41S's Helio P22 can feel sluggish in comparison, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging?
Neither the provided specifications nor typical market positioning for these devices suggest support for fast charging. Expect standard 5W or 10W charging speeds.
❓ Which phone is better for streaming videos from services like YouTube or Netflix?
The LG K61 is better suited for video streaming. The Helio P35's processing power ensures smoother playback and less buffering, especially at higher resolutions. The K41S may experience occasional stuttering or lag.
