The LG K62 and Samsung Galaxy A04 represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. Surprisingly, both devices share the exact same Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, raising the question: where do they actually differ, and which one offers the better value for the price-conscious consumer?
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A04 likely offers a slightly better experience due to Samsung's more robust software support and brand recognition. However, the LG K62 may appeal to those seeking a larger display and potentially better availability given LG's exit from the smartphone market.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 66 - North America | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 40 - Brazil | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 23. Released 2020, November 27 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | 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 (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS 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 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| 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 | - |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 28 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Sky Blue, Red | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | LMK525H, LMK525, LM-K525H, LM-K525 | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
LG K62
- Larger display size for enhanced media consumption.
- Potentially better availability due to clearance sales.
- LG's unique software features (if any remain supported).
- Limited software update support due to LG's exit from the smartphone market.
- Potentially lower resale value.
- Uncertain long-term support for apps and services.
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Guaranteed software updates and security patches from Samsung.
- Stronger brand reputation and customer support network.
- Wider availability and easier access to accessories.
- Smaller display size compared to the LG K62.
- Samsung's One UI can be resource-intensive.
- Potentially higher price point.
Display Comparison
Both the LG K62 and Samsung Galaxy A04 utilize displays that prioritize affordability over cutting-edge technology. While specific display sizes and resolutions aren't provided, the K62 is known for its larger 6.67-inch display. Given the shared chipset, the display's impact on battery life will be similar, but the K62's larger panel will likely consume slightly more power. Color accuracy and brightness are expected to be comparable, leaning towards the basic side, suitable for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, relying heavily on software processing to enhance image quality. Both devices likely feature a primary camera alongside supporting lenses (depth, macro). However, the quality of these supporting lenses is often minimal. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it's difficult to assess a clear advantage. Image processing styles will differ between LG and Samsung, potentially resulting in different color profiles and levels of sharpening.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This means performance will be virtually identical in CPU-bound tasks like web browsing and app loading. The GPU performance will also be the same. Thermal management will likely be adequate for the intended use case – light gaming and everyday tasks – but neither device is designed for sustained, demanding workloads. RAM configurations, which are not specified, will be a key differentiator in multitasking performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a critical factor in the budget segment. While specific mAh ratings are missing, the larger size of the LG K62 *could* accommodate a slightly larger battery. However, the power draw of the larger display may offset this advantage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both devices likely support standard 10W or 15W charging, resulting in relatively slow charging times. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should provide a full day of light use.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K62 if you prioritize a larger screen real estate and are comfortable with potentially limited software updates, and are willing to search for remaining stock. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04 if you value a more polished software experience, guaranteed updates from a major manufacturer, and a generally more accessible support network. Both are ideal for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 struggle with popular apps like TikTok or Instagram?
The Helio P35 is an entry-level chipset, so expect some lag and slowdowns when running demanding apps like TikTok or Instagram, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. Optimizing app usage and clearing background processes will help mitigate these issues.
❓ How long will software updates be available for the Samsung Galaxy A04?
Samsung typically provides at least two major Android OS updates and four years of security patches for its A-series devices. This means the Galaxy A04 should receive updates through Android 13 or 14, ensuring continued security and compatibility.
❓ Is the LG K62 still a good buy considering LG has exited the smartphone market?
The LG K62 can be a good value if found at a significantly discounted price. However, be aware that software updates will likely cease, and long-term support for apps and services is uncertain. It's best suited for users who prioritize a larger screen and are comfortable with these limitations.
