The LG K52 and K42 represent LG's entry into the highly competitive budget smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but key differences in their chipsets and charging capabilities create distinct user experiences. This comparison dives deep into these differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG K52 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, with its faster core clock speeds, provides a noticeable performance boost over the K42’s Helio P22, making it more suitable for multitasking and moderately demanding apps. While both phones share similar features, the K52’s superior processing power justifies the potential price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 66 - International | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38 - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | Yes, 384 kbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Australia | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Australia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 23. Released 2020, November 23 | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 182 g (6.42 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 |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% 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 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n or Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Blue, Red | Gray, Green |
| Models | LMK520, LM-K520, LMK520E, LM-K520E, LMK520Y, LM-K520Y, LMK520H, LM-K520H | LMK420, LM-K420, LMK420H, LM-K420H, LMK420E, LM-K420E, LMK420Y, LM-K420Y |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 140 EUR |
LG K52
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- Potentially better image processing
- More responsive multitasking
- Charging speed is unknown
- May be slightly more expensive
LG K42
- 10W wired charging for potentially longer battery lifespan
- Likely more affordable
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Slower processor leads to lag with demanding apps
- Less responsive multitasking
- Potentially lower image quality
Display Comparison
Both the LG K52 and K42 feature displays that are adequate for their price range, but specific details like resolution and panel type are not provided. Given their market positioning, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here is on performance, not display fidelity. The lack of high refresh rates or HDR support is expected in this segment. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over a premium aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on sensor size and image processing algorithms. It’s reasonable to assume both phones include a primary camera, an ultrawide, and potentially a depth sensor. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P35 may offer slightly better image processing capabilities compared to the P22, potentially resulting in improved dynamic range and noise reduction in the K52. However, the difference will likely be marginal.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The LG K52’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) boasts an octa-core CPU configuration with a split design: four cores clocked at 2.3 GHz (Cortex-A53) and four at 1.8 GHz (Cortex-A53). This contrasts with the LG K42’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm), which features an octa-core CPU clocked uniformly at 2.0 GHz (Cortex-A53). The higher clock speeds on the K52’s primary cores translate to faster processing for demanding tasks. While both utilize the same Cortex-A53 architecture, the P35’s higher frequency provides a tangible performance advantage, particularly in app launch times and multitasking. The K42's P22 is sufficient for basic tasks, but will exhibit more lag under heavier loads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the LG K42 includes 10W wired charging, while the K52’s charging speed is unknown. The 10W charging on the K42, while slow by modern standards, allows for a controlled charging rate, potentially extending the battery’s lifespan over time. The K52, lacking specified charging speed, may rely on a slower, less efficient charging method, or potentially a faster one, but without data, it's impossible to say. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the K42’s charging capability offers a slight advantage in long-term battery health.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K52 if you prioritize smoother performance for everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and light gaming. Its more powerful processor will handle multiple apps and background processes with greater ease. Buy the LG K42 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and minimal app usage – and you value a slightly simpler experience with the added benefit of 10W wired charging, potentially extending battery longevity through optimized charging cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG K52 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Helio P35 can run these games, expect to play on lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The GPU isn't powerful enough for high-end visuals, and prolonged gaming may lead to some thermal throttling. The K42 would struggle even more with these titles.
❓ Does the LG K42's 10W charging significantly impact the overall charging time?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow compared to modern fast-charging standards. Expect a full charge to take several hours, potentially 3-5 hours depending on the battery capacity. This is a trade-off for potentially extending the battery's lifespan over time.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the Helio P35 and Helio P22 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable, especially when multitasking or opening multiple apps. The K52 will feel more responsive and less prone to lag compared to the K42. This is particularly evident when switching between apps or browsing the web with multiple tabs open.
