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.
🏆 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.
| 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 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 38 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 18. Released 2020, April 27 | 2020, February 18. Released 2020, April 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 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 |
| Weight | 194.5 g (6.88 oz) | 191.7 g (6.77 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 |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 93.6 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 32 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAorWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, Pink, Blue, Red | Titanium, Black, White |
| Models | LMK510EMW, LM-K510EMW, LM-K510 | LMK410EMW, LM-K410EMW, LM-K410 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 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.