The LG K62 and K52 represent LG's foray into the ultra-budget smartphone market. Released around the same timeframe, they present a curious case: nearly identical core specifications. This comparison aims to dissect the nuances – beyond the spec sheet – to determine if one offers a tangible advantage over the other, or if the choice boils down to price and availability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the LG K62 edges out the K52 due to potentially wider availability and slightly more consistent software updates, despite both phones utilizing the same Mediatek Helio P35 chipset. The performance will be virtually indistinguishable in daily tasks.
| 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 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 66 - North America | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 66 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 40 - Brazil | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Australia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 23. Released 2020, November 27 | 2020, September 23. Released 2020, November 23 |
| 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 188 g (6.63 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 28 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n or Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Sky Blue, Red | White, Blue, Red |
| Models | LMK525H, LMK525, LM-K525H, LM-K525 | LMK520, LM-K520, LMK520E, LM-K520E, LMK520Y, LM-K520Y, LMK520H, LM-K520H |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 220 EUR |
LG K62
- Potentially wider availability
- Slightly more consistent software updates (based on LG's historical support)
- Identical performance to K52
- Same limitations as K52 due to shared hardware
- Likely similar price point to K52
LG K52
- Identical performance to K62
- May be available at a lower price point
- Same core features as K62
- Potentially less frequent software updates
- May be harder to find in stock
Display Comparison
Both the LG K62 and K52 feature displays that prioritize affordability over cutting-edge technology. While specific panel types (IPS LCD is highly probable for both) and resolutions (likely HD+) aren't specified, the shared chipset suggests similar graphical capabilities, meaning neither will drive a high-resolution or high-refresh-rate panel effectively. Expect adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for basic tasks, but don't anticipate vibrant colors or sharp details. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is where marketing often exaggerates the capabilities of budget phones. Both the K62 and K52 likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the core performance will be dictated by the primary sensor. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it's difficult to assess image quality. The inclusion of lower-resolution auxiliary cameras (often 2MP macro or depth sensors) is probable, but these contribute minimally to overall image quality. Image processing will likely be basic, prioritizing speed over advanced features like HDR or night mode. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35, a 12nm octa-core processor. The CPU configuration – 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 – is identical. This means performance in CPU-bound tasks like web browsing and app loading will be virtually indistinguishable. The GPU, also integrated within the Helio P35, will deliver similar graphics performance, suitable for casual gaming at lower settings. Thermal management will likely be passive, relying on the phone's chassis to dissipate heat, potentially leading to some throttling during extended gaming sessions. RAM configurations, if differing, would be the only significant performance differentiator, but this information is not provided.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but given the Helio P35's efficiency and the target market, both phones likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unknown, but it's reasonable to assume both support standard 10W or 15W charging. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use. The power-efficient Helio P35 chipset contributes to this longevity, even with a relatively modest battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K62 if you prioritize finding the phone at the lowest possible price and want the potential for slightly more frequent software updates. Buy the LG K52 if you find a significantly better deal on it, as the core hardware experience will be nearly identical. Both are suited for users needing a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Helio P35 is a basic processor, but it's sufficient for running lightweight apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. You might experience occasional slowdowns when multitasking or using more demanding features within these apps, but overall usability should be acceptable.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on the LG K62 or K52?
PUBG Mobile is playable on both devices, but only at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. Expect significant frame drops and stuttering, especially during intense action. These phones are not designed for demanding gaming.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on these phones?
While not explicitly stated, both the K62 and K52 likely come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is typical for phones in this price range.
❓ How often will these phones receive software updates?
Given LG's exit from the smartphone market, software update support for the K62 and K52 is limited. Expect only essential security patches, if any, and don't anticipate major Android version updates.
