The LG K61 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite represent two approaches to the budget smartphone market. The K61, released earlier, aims for affordability with a Mediatek Helio P35 chipset. The Redmi Note 10 Lite, a later entrant, leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G, promising a significant performance uplift. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 720G chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides substantially better performance and efficiency than the LG K61’s Helio P35. The 18W charging is also a welcome addition, making it a 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 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 | 2021, October 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, October 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 77.5 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.53 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.5% 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 (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10, MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| 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 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAorWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DNLA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, White, Blue | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | LMQ630EAW, LM-Q630EAW, LM-Q630 | M2002F4LG |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
LG K61
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May have a dedicated microSD card slot (market dependent)
- Significantly weaker performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Slower charging speeds (likely)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 720G
- More efficient chipset for better battery life
- Faster 18W charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software bloatware (typical of Xiaomi)
- LCD display isn't exceptional
Display Comparison
Neither device is known for a standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the K61, its market positioning suggests a standard LCD panel. The Redmi Note 10 Lite also utilizes an LCD. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power needed to drive the display smoothly; the Snapdragon 720G will handle UI animations and video playback with greater ease. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points, and color accuracy is expected to be average on both.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the processing power of the Snapdragon 720G in the Redmi Note 10 Lite will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The Helio P35 in the K61 will struggle with complex image algorithms. It’s reasonable to assume both phones feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors, but the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) will deliver superior image quality and faster capture speeds.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) is a substantial upgrade over the LG K61’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm). The 8nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat and sustained performance. The Snapdragon 720G’s CPU configuration – 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver – is architecturally superior to the K61’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This means the Redmi Note 10 Lite will exhibit faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. Gamers will particularly notice the difference, with the Snapdragon 720G capable of handling more demanding titles at playable frame rates.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the LG K61, but given its price point, it’s likely in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Redmi Note 10 Lite benefits from the Snapdragon 720G’s efficiency, meaning it can achieve comparable or even better battery life with a similar capacity. Crucially, the Redmi Note 10 Lite supports 18W wired charging, a significant advantage over the K61, which likely offers slower charging speeds. This translates to less downtime and a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K61 if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you are prioritizing the absolute lowest possible price. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and benefit from faster charging and a more responsive user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 10 Lite handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 720G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it's a significant improvement over the Helio P35 in the LG K61, which would struggle with consistent performance.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 10 Lite a significant improvement over the LG K61?
Absolutely. The LG K61 likely supports standard 10W or 15W charging, meaning a full charge will take considerably longer. The Redmi Note 10 Lite’s 18W charging will significantly reduce charging times, getting you back up and running much faster.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 720G in the Redmi Note 10 Lite offer 5G connectivity?
No, the Snapdragon 720G does not include an integrated 5G modem. It supports 4G LTE connectivity, which is sufficient for most users currently. However, if 5G is a priority, you'll need to consider a different device.
❓ How much of a difference will the 8nm process of the Snapdragon 720G make in real-world usage?
The 8nm process is crucial for efficiency. It means the Snapdragon 720G generates less heat under load, allowing it to maintain higher performance for longer periods without throttling. This translates to smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and improved battery life compared to the 12nm Helio P35.
