The LG K41S and Realme C11 (2021) represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The K41S, utilizing Mediatek’s Helio P22, prioritizes a balance of performance and efficiency. The Realme C11 (2021), powered by the Unisoc SC9863A, aims for affordability, but at what cost to user experience? This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and efficiency, the LG K41S is the better choice. Its Helio P22 chipset, built on a smaller 12nm process, offers a more responsive experience than the Realme C11 (2021)'s 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, despite the core count similarities. While the Realme C11 offers reverse wired charging, the K41S provides a smoother overall 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 18. Released 2020, April 27 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm (6.53 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191.7 g (6.77 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | Splash resistant design |
| 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 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB 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 | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, Black, White | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | LMK410EMW, LM-K410EMW, LM-K410 | RMX3231 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 80 EUR |
LG K41S
- More efficient processor (Helio P22 12nm)
- Potentially smoother performance for everyday tasks
- Likely better thermal management
- Lacks reverse wired charging
- Display specs are unknown
Realme C11 (2021)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially larger screen size
- Lower price point (likely)
- Less efficient processor (Unisoc SC9863A 28nm)
- Slower performance and potential for throttling
- Less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable. The Realme C11 (2021) benefits from a slightly larger screen size, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience, but without knowing the panel quality, it's difficult to assess a clear advantage. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices targeting basic photography needs. Detailed sensor information is missing, but both will likely feature a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Image processing will be the key differentiator, and Realme generally employs more aggressive image enhancement algorithms. Without detailed specs, it's difficult to declare a winner, but the K41S's more capable processor *could* allow for slightly faster image processing.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG K41S’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) is significantly more efficient than the Realme C11 (2021)’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the Unisoc utilizes a big.LITTLE architecture with slower Cortex-A55 cores for all eight cores, whereas the Helio P22 uses Cortex-A53 cores at a higher 2.0 GHz clock speed. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the K41S. The larger manufacturing node of the Unisoc chip will also generate more heat, potentially leading to thermal throttling during sustained use. The K41S will likely handle basic gaming better due to its more powerful CPU.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the Realme C11 (2021) includes 10W wired charging and reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the K41S. The Unisoc SC9863A’s lower efficiency will likely necessitate more frequent charging, despite the reverse charging capability. The K41S’s more efficient Helio P22 should provide longer screen-on time for users who don’t rely on reverse charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K41S if you need a phone that feels responsive for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, and you value a more efficient processor for longer battery life between charges. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if your absolute top priority is cost and you occasionally need to use your phone as a power bank for other devices via reverse wired charging, accepting that performance will be noticeably slower.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Realme C11 (2021) struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Realme C11 (2021) can run these apps, the Unisoc SC9863A’s lower processing power and less efficient architecture may result in noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading content. The LG K41S, with its Helio P22, will provide a smoother experience for these common tasks.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on the Realme C11 (2021) fast enough to significantly charge another phone?
No, the 10W reverse wired charging on the Realme C11 (2021) is quite slow. It's best suited for providing a small emergency charge to another device, rather than fully replenishing its battery. Expect a very gradual charge rate.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both phones can handle less demanding games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but the LG K41S will likely maintain a more stable frame rate and experience less overheating during extended gaming sessions due to its more efficient processor.
