Looking for an affordable smartphone? The LG K42 and LG K8 (2018) are both contenders in the budget market, offering essential features without breaking the bank. But which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The LG K42 generally edges out the K8 (2018) thanks to its more powerful processor and larger display. However, the K8's potentially lower price and slightly more compact design might appeal to some. Ultimately, the K42 offers a better overall experience for most users.
| 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, 28, 38 - Europe | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | Yes, 384 kbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Australia | 2, 4, 5, 12 - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 21 | 2018, February. Released 2018, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 146.3 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm (5.76 x 2.88 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 152 g (5.36 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | S-IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) - GlobalQualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) - USA |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 304Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 or eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, 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 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps (Global), 1080p@30fps (USA) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Green | Aurora Black, Moroccan Blue, Terra Gold |
| Models | LMK420, LM-K420, LMK420H, LM-K420H, LMK420E, LM-K420E, LMK420Y, LM-K420Y | X210 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 140 EUR |
LG K42
- More powerful processor
- Larger display
- Triple camera system
- Larger battery capacity
- Modern design
- 10W charging is slow
- May be slightly more expensive than K8
LG K8 (2018)
- More compact size
- Potentially lower price
- Decent battery life for its size
- Slower performance
- Single camera
- Smaller display
- Outdated design
Display Comparison
The LG K42 boasts a larger 6.5-inch display compared to the K8's 5.3-inch screen. While both utilize IPS LCD technology, the K42's larger size provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. Resolution is likely similar, but the K42's size advantage is noticeable.
Camera Comparison
The LG K42 typically features a triple-camera setup (13MP main, 5MP wide, 2MP depth) offering more versatility than the K8's single 8MP camera. While image quality on both phones is decent for the price, the K42's additional lenses allow for wider shots and better portrait mode effects. Low-light performance is likely better on the K42.
Performance
Here's where the K42 shines. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset and Octa-core CPU significantly outperform the K8's Snapdragon 210/425. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the K42. The K8 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones offer adequate battery life for a full day of moderate use. The K42's larger battery capacity (5000mAh) gives it a slight edge over the K8 (likely around 3000mAh). However, the K8's less power-hungry processor can help offset this difference.
Buying Guide
The LG K42 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a larger screen, and a more modern design. The LG K8 (2018) is a good choice for those seeking a very budget-friendly option, a smaller phone for easier handling, and don't need the latest features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the LG K42 worth the extra money compared to the LG K8 (2018)?
Generally, yes. The K42's improved performance and camera make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you value a smoother user experience and better photos.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The LG K42 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and larger display. The K8 will struggle with more demanding games.
