The LG K41S and Samsung Galaxy A14 represent two distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The K41S, while older, offers a known quantity, while the A14 attempts to deliver more modern features and performance at a similar price point. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device provides the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G80 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the LG K41S’s Helio P22, making it better suited for multitasking and gaming. While the K41S may be cheaper, the A14’s improved processing power justifies the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 38 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| 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) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191.7 g (6.77 oz) | 201 g (7.09 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) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | - |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 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 | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, Black, White | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | LMK410EMW, LM-K410EMW, LM-K410 | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
LG K41S
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker performance
- Outdated chipset
- Likely limited software support
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful processor (Helio G80 or Exynos 850)
- Better multitasking and gaming performance
- Potentially longer software support from Samsung
- Slightly higher price
- HD+ display resolution may not be ideal for all users
- May include bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost reduction over premium display features. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing for the K41S, but it's likely a standard HD+ panel. The A14 also uses an HD+ panel. The key difference will likely be color accuracy and brightness, where the A14, being a newer device, may have a slight edge. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick on both models, typical for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given both phones target the budget segment. Details on sensor sizes are unavailable, but both will likely feature a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility (like the often-present 2MP macro). The A14’s image processing, benefiting from Samsung’s software expertise, may produce slightly more pleasing results. The K41S’s camera is likely to be more basic in its capabilities. Focusing on the primary sensor’s megapixel count and aperture is crucial, as auxiliary lenses add little value.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A14, in its Helio G80 configuration, features a more modern CPU architecture. The G80’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x2.0 GHz) provide a substantial performance boost over the K41S’s all-Cortex-A53 cores (Octa-core 2.0 GHz). The A14’s CPU is designed for more demanding tasks. The Exynos 850 version of the A14, built on an 8nm process, offers further efficiency gains, potentially leading to better sustained performance and thermal management. The K41S’s Helio P22 is adequate for basic use but will struggle with multitasking and graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific mAh capacities are not provided, both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The A14’s 15W wired charging is a standard offering for this price point. The K41S’s charging speed is also likely around 10-15W. The A14’s more efficient chipset (especially the Exynos 850 version) could translate to slightly longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K41S if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and are primarily using the phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It's a functional device for minimal smartphone needs. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you want a more responsive experience, better performance for apps and games, and the benefit of Samsung’s software features and potentially longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A14’s Exynos 850 chip overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is an 8nm chip, offering better thermal efficiency than the K41S’s Helio P22. While it won’t rival flagship processors, it’s unlikely to overheat significantly during moderate gaming. Expect some throttling after extended periods, but it should maintain playable frame rates for most mobile games.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones are of limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included for marketing purposes but rarely deliver satisfying results. Stick to using the main camera for close-up shots.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Helio G80 version of the A14 can likely run PUBG Mobile at balanced graphics settings and 60fps. However, achieving consistently smooth performance at higher settings may be challenging. The Exynos 850 version should offer a slightly more stable experience. The K41S will struggle to maintain a stable 60fps even at the lowest settings.
❓ How long will LG continue to provide software updates for the K41S?
LG has largely exited the smartphone market, meaning software support for the K41S is likely limited or already discontinued. The Samsung Galaxy A14, being a current Samsung device, will receive a longer period of software updates and security patches.
