LG K51S vs K41S: Which Budget LG Phone Delivers More Performance?

The LG K51S and K41S represent LG’s entry into the ultra-budget smartphone market. Both devices aim to provide essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, but they differ significantly in their underlying processing power. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best performance for everyday tasks.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the LG K51S is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, with its higher clock speeds and more refined Cortex-A53 architecture, provides a noticeably smoother experience for multitasking and app loading compared to the K41S’s Helio P22.

PHONES
Phone Names LG K51S LG K41S
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 381, 3, 7, 8, 20, 38
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2020, February 18. Released 2020, April 272020, February 18. Released 2020, April 27
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions165.2 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)165.8 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm (6.53 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight194.5 g (6.88 oz)191.7 g (6.77 oz)
 MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditionsMIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glassScratch-resistant glass
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 93.6 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetMediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie)Android 9.0 (Pie)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 3GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad32 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens13 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single13 MP, 1/3.1", 1.12µm8 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAorWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsTitanium, Pink, Blue, RedTitanium, Black, White
ModelsLMK510EMW, LM-K510EMW, LM-K510LMK410EMW, LM-K410EMW, LM-K410
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 220 EUR

LG K51S

  • Faster processor (Helio P35)
  • Improved multitasking capabilities
  • Potentially better camera image processing

  • Likely slightly higher price than K41S
  • May not offer significant improvements in battery life

LG K41S

  • Lower price point
  • Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
  • Acceptable performance for light users

  • Slower processor (Helio P22)
  • Noticeably slower app loading times
  • Less responsive user experience

Display Comparison

Both the LG K51S and K41S likely feature similar LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, but the focus here is on performance, not display quality. Expect both to offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of multiple sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a role. The Helio P35 in the K51S generally offers a more capable ISP than the P22 in the K41S, potentially resulting in slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. Expect both phones to feature basic camera capabilities suitable for casual snapshots, but not for serious photography.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG K51S utilizes the Mediatek Helio P35, an octa-core processor featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. The K41S, conversely, employs the Helio P22, also an octa-core chip, but with all cores running at a consistent 2.0 GHz. While both use the Cortex-A53 architecture, the P35’s higher clock speeds on its primary cores translate to faster single-core performance, crucial for responsive app behavior. The P35’s architecture also benefits from slight improvements over the P22, leading to better overall efficiency. This means the K51S will handle multitasking and app switching more fluidly.

Battery Life

Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Helio P35’s improved efficiency in the K51S could translate to slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery to the K41S. Charging wattage is also unknown, but given the budget nature of these phones, expect relatively slow charging speeds on both.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG K51S if you prioritize responsiveness and smoother performance for everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and light gaming. The extra processing power will be noticeable in app launch times and multitasking. Buy the LG K41S if your primary concern is absolute cost and you only need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage. The K41S will suffice for minimal smartphone needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the LG K51S handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Helio P35 in the K51S provides enough processing power to run social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. The higher clock speeds and improved architecture compared to the K41S’s P22 will result in a more responsive experience when scrolling through feeds and loading content.
❓ Is the performance difference between the K51S and K41S noticeable for basic tasks like making calls and sending texts?
For extremely basic tasks like making calls and sending texts, the performance difference is minimal. However, even these tasks benefit from the K51S’s faster processor, resulting in quicker app launch times and a slightly more responsive interface. The difference becomes more apparent when switching between apps or opening multiple applications.
❓ Can the LG K51S run mobile games?
The LG K51S can run some mobile games, but it's not designed for demanding titles. Expect to play less graphically intensive games at lower settings. The Helio P35’s GPU is adequate for casual gaming, but will struggle with modern, high-end games.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging?
Details on charging speeds are unavailable. However, given the budget nature of both devices, it's unlikely either supports fast charging. Expect relatively slow charging times with the included charger.