The LG K42 and K52 represent LG’s attempts to deliver affordable smartphones with a focus on essential features. Both devices target the budget-conscious consumer, but a key difference lies under the hood. The K52 boasts a more powerful Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, while the K42 utilizes the Helio P22. This comparison dives deep into the implications of this chipset difference, alongside other key specs, to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG K52 is the better choice. The Helio P35 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the K42’s Helio P22, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both phones share similar battery and charging capabilities, the K52’s extra processing power justifies the potential 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38 - Europe | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 66 - International |
| Speed | Yes, 384 kbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Australia | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Australia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 21 | 2020, September 23. Released 2020, November 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 188 g (6.63 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 |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% 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 10, upgradable to Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 13 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n or Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Green | White, Blue, Red |
| Models | LMK420, LM-K420, LMK420H, LM-K420H, LMK420E, LM-K420E, LMK420Y, LM-K420Y | LMK520, LM-K520, LMK520E, LM-K520E, LMK520Y, LM-K520Y, LMK520H, LM-K520H |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 220 EUR |
LG K42
- Potentially lower price point
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Likely similar battery life to K52
- Noticeably slower performance than K52
- Less responsive user interface
- May struggle with multitasking
LG K52
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- Better image processing potential
- Potentially higher price
- Still utilizes slow 10W charging
- May not be a significant upgrade for very basic users
Display Comparison
Neither LG provides detailed display specifications beyond resolution. Given their market positioning, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here isn't on display quality, but rather on the processing power needed to drive the UI smoothly. The K52’s more capable chipset will contribute to a more responsive touch experience and potentially faster app loading times on the display, even if the panels themselves are similar.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P35 of the K52 will likely offer better image processing capabilities. This could result in improved dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The K52’s processor can handle more complex computational photography algorithms, potentially enhancing photos even with similar sensor hardware.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices is the chipset. The LG K42’s Mediatek Helio P22 features an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, all Cortex-A53 cores. The LG K52 steps up to the Helio P35, also an octa-core processor, but with a more sophisticated configuration: four cores 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 performance advantage. While both are 12nm chips, the P35’s architecture and higher clock speeds translate to a more responsive user experience, particularly noticeable when multitasking or launching demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both the LG K42 and K52 feature 10W wired charging. This is a relatively slow charging speed by today’s standards, meaning a full charge will take a significant amount of time. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the similar chipsets and target market suggest comparable battery sizes. The K52’s more efficient processor *could* translate to slightly better battery life under heavy use, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial. The charging speed is the primary limitation for both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K42 if you prioritize absolute affordability and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. You’ll be content with its performance for these simple functions. Buy the LG K52 if you want a more fluid experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or frequently switch between apps. The K52’s more powerful processor will significantly improve your daily usability and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG K52 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While the Helio P35 isn't a gaming powerhouse, the LG K52 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at lower settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action, and don't anticipate a high-graphics experience. The K42 will struggle significantly more with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P22 and Helio P35 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Helio P35’s big.LITTLE architecture and higher clock speeds result in smoother app launching, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The K52 feels less sluggish than the K42 when switching between apps or browsing the web.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge either the LG K42 or K52 with the 10W charger?
Expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours with the included 10W charger. This is a relatively slow charging speed, so it's best to charge overnight.
❓ Are there any significant differences in software updates or support between these two models?
LG has largely withdrawn from the smartphone market, so long-term software support for both the K42 and K52 is limited. Expect minimal updates beyond security patches, if any.
