LG K52 vs. Motorola Moto G Power (2021): A Detailed Performance and Battery Life Comparison

The LG K52 and Motorola Moto G Power (2021) represent two approaches to the budget smartphone market. The K52, utilizing MediaTek’s Helio P35, aims for affordability, while the Moto G Power prioritizes extended battery life with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662. This comparison dissects their core differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset, built on an 11nm process, offers noticeably better performance and efficiency compared to the LG K52’s 12nm Helio P35. While the K52 may be slightly cheaper, the G Power’s improved user experience justifies the small price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names LG K52 Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 71
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - AustraliaCDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, September 23. Released 2020, November 232021, January 08
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, January 14
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)206.5 g (7.30 oz)
 MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditionsWater-repellent coating
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-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)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Adreno 610
OSAndroid 10Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad48 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-
Triple-48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single13 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n or Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging-15W wired
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsWhite, Blue, RedFlash Gray, Polar Silver
ModelsLMK520, LM-K520, LMK520E, LM-K520E, LMK520Y, LM-K520Y, LMK520H, LM-K520H-
PriceAbout 220 EURAbout 60 EUR

LG K52

  • Potentially lower price point
  • May offer a slightly more compact form factor
  • Basic functionality for essential tasks

  • Less powerful processor
  • Lower power efficiency
  • Likely slower app loading times

Motorola Moto G Power (2021)

  • More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 662
  • Better multitasking performance
  • Improved gaming experience
  • 15W fast charging

  • May be slightly more expensive
  • Potentially larger size

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, details like peak brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. The focus here is on the internal hardware, as display quality is unlikely to be a deciding factor. Bezels are expected to be relatively substantial on both models, typical for their price point.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Moto G Power likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), which generally offers superior image processing capabilities compared to MediaTek’s ISP in the Helio P35. The presence of a dedicated ISP on the Snapdragon 662 allows for faster image capture and potentially better low-light performance. The LG K52’s camera system is likely to be more basic, relying heavily on software processing.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, fabricated on an 11nm process. This translates to better power efficiency and sustained performance compared to the LG K52’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 662 utilizes Qualcomm’s Kryo 260 cores – a more modern architecture than the Cortex-A53 cores found in the Helio P35. This architectural advantage means the G Power will handle multitasking and demanding apps with greater ease. The Snapdragon 662’s GPU will also provide a smoother gaming experience, even if not at high settings.

Battery Life

The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is named appropriately. While the exact battery capacity isn’t specified, Motorola is known for prioritizing battery life in this series. The Snapdragon 662’s 11nm process contributes to improved power efficiency, allowing the G Power to extract more usage from its battery. The inclusion of 15W wired charging is a welcome addition, offering a reasonable charging speed. The LG K52’s Helio P35, being less efficient, will likely result in shorter battery life, despite potentially having a similar capacity. The difference in chipset efficiency will be noticeable in daily use.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG K52 if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you are operating on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) if you prioritize longer battery life, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a little more upfront. The G Power is ideal for users who frequently stream video, play mobile games, or rely heavily on their phone throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 662 isn’t a gaming powerhouse, it’s capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. The Helio P35 in the LG K52 will likely struggle to maintain consistent performance, even at lower settings. Expect more stuttering and lower frame rates on the K52.
❓ How much faster will app loading times be on the Moto G Power compared to the LG K52?
App loading times on the Moto G Power will be noticeably faster due to the Snapdragon 662’s more powerful CPU and GPU. The difference will be particularly apparent with larger apps like social media platforms and games. The Helio P35 in the K52 will exhibit more lag and slower response times.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) support any form of fast charging beyond 15W?
No, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) supports up to 15W wired charging. While not the fastest charging available, it's a reasonable speed for a budget device and will fully charge the phone in a few hours.
❓ Is the LG K52 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the LG K52 is a viable option for basic use cases like calls and texts. Its Helio P35 chipset is sufficient for these tasks, and it may be the more affordable choice. However, even for basic use, the Moto G Power offers a smoother and more responsive experience.