LG K52 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T: A Detailed Comparison of Budget Smartphones

The LG K52 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T represent different approaches to the budget smartphone market. The K52 aims for a balance of features at a low price point, while the Redmi Note 9T prioritizes performance with a more modern chipset. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset delivers significantly faster performance than the LG K52’s Helio P35, making it better suited for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. While battery life is comparable, the Redmi Note 9T’s faster charging is a bonus.

PHONES
Phone Names LG K52 Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T
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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Australia-
Launch
Announced2020, September 23. Released 2020, November 232021, January 08
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, January 18
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm (6.35 x 3.04 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)199 g (7.02 oz)
 MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditionsWater-repellent coating
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G57 MC3
OSAndroid 10Android 10, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 2.1 - 64GB UFS 2.2 - 128GB
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/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Single13 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.3, 29mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio, recording
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
Battery
Charging-18W wired, 33% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsWhite, Blue, RedNightfall Black, Daybreak Purple
ModelsLMK520, LM-K520, LMK520E, LM-K520E, LMK520Y, LM-K520Y, LMK520H, LM-K520HM2007J22G, J22
PriceAbout 220 EURAbout 130 EUR
SAR-1.07 W/kg (head)     1.05 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.59 W/kg (head)     0.94 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life-Endurance rating 118h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1226:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.3 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 288732 (v8) GeekBench: 1775 (v5.1)

LG K52

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface
  • Acceptable battery life

  • Significantly weaker performance
  • Outdated chipset
  • Limited future-proofing

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T

  • Much faster performance with Dimensity 800U
  • Faster 18W charging
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility

  • May be slightly more expensive
  • Software experience can be cluttered (MIUI)
  • Contrast ratio is average

Display Comparison

Both phones feature similar contrast ratios at 1226:1, suggesting comparable image depth. However, the Redmi Note 9T boasts a measured peak brightness of 471 nits, which will provide a noticeably more visible display outdoors compared to the LG K52, whose brightness is not specified. The lack of information on the K52’s panel type makes it difficult to assess color accuracy, but the Redmi Note 9T’s display, while not exceptional, is adequate for everyday use.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but specific details are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the Redmi Note 9T’s overall focus on performance, it’s reasonable to assume it benefits from a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 800U, potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The LG K52 likely relies on more basic image processing.

Performance

The performance disparity is the most significant difference between these two devices. The Redmi Note 9T’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U, built on a 7nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture – two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the LG K52’s Helio P35 (12nm) with its four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3GHz and four at 1.8GHz. This translates to a substantial performance advantage for the Redmi Note 9T in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The Dimensity 800U also includes a more capable GPU, further widening the gap. The Redmi Note 9T will handle demanding apps and multitasking with ease, while the K52 may struggle.

Battery Life

Both the LG K52 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T achieve an endurance rating of 118 hours, indicating similar overall battery life under typical usage. However, the Redmi Note 9T offers 18W wired charging, capable of adding 33% charge in 30 minutes, a significant advantage over the LG K52, whose charging speed is not specified. This faster charging capability makes the Redmi Note 9T more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG K52 if you prioritize a simple, reliable smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and are on a very tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding applications, enjoy mobile gaming, or value faster charging and a more responsive user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P35 in the LG K52 sufficient for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
While PUBG Mobile may be playable on the LG K52, it will likely require significantly reduced graphics settings and may experience noticeable lag or frame drops. The Helio P35 is a budget chipset and struggles with demanding games. The Redmi Note 9T’s Dimensity 800U is far better suited for gaming.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset in the Redmi Note 9T includes an integrated 5G modem, allowing it to connect to 5G networks. The LG K52, with its Helio P35, is limited to 4G LTE.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the LG K52 and Redmi Note 9T?
The LG K52 typically runs a near-stock Android experience, offering a cleaner and more streamlined interface. The Redmi Note 9T runs Xiaomi’s MIUI, which is heavily customized and includes numerous features, but can also be perceived as bloated and contain pre-installed apps.