The LG K51S and Samsung Galaxy A14 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential functionality at a low price, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware, particularly in chipset choice. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G80 (or Exynos 850 variant) provides a noticeable performance uplift over the LG K51S’s Helio P35, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the K51S may offer a slightly lower initial price, the A14’s improved processing power justifies the small premium.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 18. Released 2020, April 27 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194.5 g (6.88 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 93.6 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | 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 | - |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, Pink, Blue, Red | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | LMK510EMW, LM-K510EMW, LM-K510 | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 200 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
LG K51S
- Potentially lower initial price
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Decent camera for basic photography
- Outdated Helio P35 chipset
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- Likely shorter software support lifespan
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful Helio G80 or Exynos 850 chipset
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- Potentially longer software support
- 15W fast charging
- Slightly higher price point
- IPS LCD display isn't exceptional
- 2MP macro camera is largely ineffective
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing for the K51S, the A14’s panel is likely a standard IPS LCD. The A14’s larger screen size (6.6 inches vs. the K51S’s 6.5 inches) offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy is expected to be average on both, geared towards general consumption rather than professional color work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given both phones target the budget segment. The A14’s camera configuration is not specified beyond the presence of a main sensor, but the K51S includes a 13MP main sensor. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the K51S is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution. Image processing will likely favor vibrant colors on both devices, prioritizing social media sharing over photographic accuracy. Low-light performance will be a weakness on both.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A14, equipped with either the Mediatek Helio G80 or the Exynos 850, offers a substantial advantage over the LG K51S’s Helio P35. The Helio G80 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, a configuration designed for improved single-core and multi-core performance compared to the K51S’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, further enhances efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience on the A14. The K51S will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A14 includes 15W wired charging, a standard feature for this price point. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the K51S, it’s likely comparable to the A14’s. The more efficient chipset in the A14 (Helio G80 or Exynos 850) will contribute to longer battery life despite potentially similar capacity. The 15W charging on the A14 will provide a reasonable 0-100% charge time, though not exceptionally fast.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K51S if your primary need is a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and you are prioritizing the absolute lowest possible price. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like casual gaming, streaming video, and running multiple apps simultaneously, and you value a more modern chipset and potentially longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A14's Exynos 850 chip overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is an 8nm chip, offering better thermal efficiency than the LG K51S's Helio P35. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it's unlikely to overheat significantly during moderate gaming. Expect some throttling after prolonged, intensive use, but it should remain playable.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the LG K51S actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, no. 2MP macro cameras are often included for marketing purposes but deliver limited practical benefit. The low resolution results in blurry and lacking detail in close-up shots. It's best to rely on the main 13MP sensor for most photography.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at reasonable frame rates?
The Helio G80 (or Exynos 850) in the A14 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. While you won't achieve the highest graphical settings, the experience will be significantly smoother and more enjoyable than on the LG K51S.
❓ How long will Samsung likely provide software updates for the Galaxy A14 compared to LG for the K51S?
Samsung generally offers longer software support for its devices than LG, especially in the budget segment. Expect the Galaxy A14 to receive at least two major Android updates and several years of security patches, while the K51S is likely to receive limited or no further updates.
