The LG K51S and Nokia 5.3 represent compelling options in the sub-$200 Android smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they diverge significantly in their core processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia 5.3 emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 665 chipset, fabricated on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the LG K51S’s Helio P35, despite the similar core counts. While the K51S may offer a slightly larger display, the Nokia 5.3’s more efficient processor and inclusion of 10W charging make it the more practical daily driver.
| 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 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| 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 |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 18. Released 2020, April 27 | 2020, March 19. Released 2020, April 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 164.3 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194.5 g (6.88 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 32 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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, aptX |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, Pink, Blue, Red | Cyan, Sand, Charcoal |
| Models | LMK510EMW, LM-K510EMW, LM-K510 | TA-1234, TA-1223, TA-1227, TA-1229 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
LG K51S
- Potentially larger display size for better media consumption.
- May be available at a lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward Android experience.
- Less powerful Helio P35 chipset.
- Likely lacks fast charging.
- Potentially lower performance in demanding apps.
Nokia 5.3
- More efficient Snapdragon 665 chipset.
- Includes 10W wired charging.
- Better multitasking and app performance.
- May have a smaller display size.
- Potentially slightly higher price.
- Nokia's software update policy can be inconsistent.
Display Comparison
Neither LG nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications beyond size. However, the K51S’s larger display is likely to be a benefit for media consumption. Both phones likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Without knowing the peak brightness or color gamut coverage, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the larger canvas of the K51S is a tangible advantage for visual tasks. Expect both to have 720p+ resolution, typical for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both phones feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. Given the price point, image quality will likely be adequate in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s impossible to make a definitive judgment. However, Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 665 generally offers superior image processing capabilities compared to MediaTek’s ISP in the Helio P35, potentially resulting in slightly better photos from the Nokia 5.3.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia 5.3’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm) offers a clear advantage over the LG K51S’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The 11nm process node of the Snapdragon 665 translates to improved power efficiency and potentially better sustained performance under load. While both are octa-core CPUs with a similar core configuration (4x high-performance, 4x efficiency), the Snapdragon’s Kryo 260 cores are architecturally more advanced than the Cortex-A53 cores in the Helio P35. This means the Nokia 5.3 will handle multitasking and more demanding apps with greater ease. The K51S will struggle with heavier tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Nokia 5.3 includes 10W wired charging, a significant advantage over the LG K51S, which likely lacks any form of fast charging. While a larger battery capacity in the K51S could offset the slower charging, the Snapdragon 665’s superior power efficiency means the Nokia 5.3 will likely deliver comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. The convenience of even 10W charging is a major benefit for Nokia 5.3 users.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K51S if you prioritize a larger screen size and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. The K51S is a viable option for users on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Nokia 5.3 if you value smoother multitasking, slightly better gaming performance, and the convenience of even basic wired charging. It’s the better all-rounder for users who want a phone that can handle a wider range of applications without significant slowdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 5.3 be able to run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 665 in the Nokia 5.3 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings and frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. The LG K51S’s Helio P35 will struggle significantly with PUBG, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Does the Nokia 5.3 support software updates and security patches?
Nokia generally provides a reasonable level of software support, but their update schedule can be inconsistent. The Nokia 5.3 is likely to receive at least one major Android version update and regular security patches for a period of time. The LG K51S, being an older model, may have limited or no further software updates.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P35 and Snapdragon 665 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. While both phones can handle basic tasks, the Snapdragon 665 in the Nokia 5.3 will feel snappier when switching between apps, browsing the web, and opening applications. The Helio P35 in the LG K51S will exhibit more lag and slowdown, especially with multiple apps open.
