The LG K42 and Q92 5G represent different tiers within LG’s smartphone lineup. The K42 targets the ultra-budget conscious, while the Q92 5G aims to deliver 5G connectivity and a more robust experience at a slightly higher price point. This comparison dissects the core differences, focusing on the impact of their contrasting chipsets and features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG Q92 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset provides a significantly faster and more responsive experience, coupled with the future-proofing of 5G connectivity. While the K42 offers affordability, the Q92’s performance gains justify 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38 - Europe | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | Yes, 384 kbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Australia | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 21 | 2020, August 24. Released 2020, August 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 166.5 x 77.3 x 8.5 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
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) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | 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
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 15mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 32 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Green | White, Dark Blue, Red |
| Models | LMK420, LM-K420, LMK420H, LM-K420H, LMK420E, LM-K420E, LMK420Y, LM-K420Y | LM-Q920N |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 360 EUR |
LG K42
- Extremely affordable price point
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Slow performance with Helio P22 chipset
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Slow 10W charging
LG Q92 5G
- Significantly faster performance with Snapdragon 765G
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Faster 15W charging
- Higher price compared to the K42
- May not be a substantial upgrade for very basic users
- Potentially larger physical size
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the core difference lies in the processing power driving the display. The Q92’s Snapdragon 765G will likely handle display rendering and animations more smoothly. Bezels are expected to be similar given the market segments, and both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The K42's Helio P22 will struggle with more demanding visual tasks.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, it’s difficult to make precise comparisons. However, the Q92 5G benefits from the Snapdragon 765G’s superior image signal processor (ISP). This ISP enables faster image processing, better noise reduction, and improved dynamic range. While both phones likely feature similar sensor resolutions in their primary cameras, the Q92 5G will likely produce higher-quality images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The K42’s Helio P22 chipset will limit its image processing capabilities.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The LG Q92 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the K42’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The 765G features a tri-cluster CPU configuration – a 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core, a 2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold core, and six 1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver cores – offering a far more sophisticated and efficient architecture than the K42’s homogenous octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. The 7nm process node of the 765G also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Q92 5G.
Battery Life
The LG Q92 5G offers 15W wired charging, a noticeable improvement over the K42’s 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed on the Q92 5G will result in significantly quicker top-ups. The more efficient Snapdragon 765G chipset also contributes to better battery life, even if the Q92 5G has a similar or slightly smaller battery capacity. Users prioritizing minimal downtime will benefit from the Q92 5G’s faster charging and potentially longer runtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K42 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the LG Q92 5G if you want a smoother, more capable experience with 5G connectivity, better gaming performance, and faster charging. It’s ideal for users who stream video, play mobile games, or want a phone that will remain relevant for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG Q92 5G’s Snapdragon 765G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with stable frame rates. The Adreno 620 GPU provides sufficient graphical power, and the 7nm process node helps prevent overheating and throttling during extended gaming sessions. Expect a significantly smoother experience compared to the K42’s Helio P22.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the LG Q92 5G worth the extra cost if 5G isn't widely available in my area yet?
Even if 5G coverage is limited now, the LG Q92 5G offers future-proofing. As 5G networks expand, you’ll be ready to take advantage of faster speeds. Furthermore, the Snapdragon 765G also provides excellent 4G LTE performance, so you’ll still benefit from a faster and more efficient experience on existing networks.
❓ How much of a difference will the faster charging make on the LG Q92 5G?
The 15W charging on the Q92 5G will noticeably reduce charging times compared to the K42’s 10W charging. While exact 0-100% times depend on battery capacity, you can expect to gain several hours of usage with a shorter charging session on the Q92 5G.
