LG V60 ThinQ 5G vs LG K71: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The LG V60 ThinQ 5G represented LG's 2020 flagship offering, boasting 5G connectivity and a high-end Snapdragon processor. The LG K71, released around the same time, targeted the budget-conscious consumer. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, helping you determine if the V60's premium features justify its higher price tag, or if the K71 provides sufficient functionality for everyday tasks.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the LG V60 ThinQ 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 865 chipset delivers significantly faster performance and smoother multitasking, crucial for demanding applications and future-proofing. While the K71 offers a lower price, its Helio P35 struggles with intensive tasks, making the V60 a worthwhile investment for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names LG K71 LG V60 ThinQ 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - USA
5G bands-2, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat22, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 212020, February 26. Released 2020, March 20
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions171.4 x 77.7 x 8.7 mm (6.75 x 3.06 x 0.34 in)169.3 x 77.6 x 8.9 mm (6.67 x 3.06 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight220 g (7.76 oz)213 g (Global)/ 218 g (Verizon) (7.51 oz)
 StylusIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810G compliant* Method 516.6, Procedure IV "Transit Drop" *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDP-OLED, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Adreno 650
OSAndroid 10Android 10, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model
Internal128GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual-64 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (standard), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/1.9, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, f/1.4, (depth)
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 5 MP, 120˚, (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p, HDR10+, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single32 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm10 MP, f/1.9, 30mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio (USA model only)
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging-Wired, PD2.0, QC4 Wireless
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsWhiteClassy Blue, Classy White
ModelsLMQ730HA, LM-Q730HALM-V600, A001LG
Price-About 700 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 103h

LG K71

  • Highly affordable price point.
  • Decent battery endurance for basic use.
  • Functional for everyday tasks like calls and messaging.

  • Underpowered Helio P35 chipset struggles with demanding apps.
  • Likely lower-quality display compared to the V60.
  • Limited camera capabilities.

LG V60 ThinQ 5G

  • Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 865.
  • Fast charging with PD2.0, QC4, and wireless charging.
  • Superior camera system with likely OIS and advanced processing.

  • Higher price tag compared to the K71.
  • May be overkill for users with basic smartphone needs.
  • Potentially larger and heavier than the K71.

Display Comparison

While display specifications aren't provided, the V60, as a flagship, likely features a higher-quality panel with superior color accuracy and brightness compared to the K71. The V60 likely utilizes an OLED panel, offering deeper blacks and a higher contrast ratio. The K71, positioned in the budget segment, probably uses an LCD. The V60’s display is also expected to have a higher refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and animations. Bezels on the V60 would be slimmer, offering a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

The V60, as a flagship, is expected to have a more sophisticated camera system. While specific sensor details are missing, the V60 likely features a larger main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), resulting in better low-light performance and sharper images. The V60’s image processing algorithms would also be more advanced, delivering more accurate colors and dynamic range. The K71 likely relies on software processing to compensate for its less capable hardware. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the K71 is a common budget tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution and lack of detail. The V60’s video recording capabilities would also be superior, likely supporting higher resolutions and frame rates.

Performance

The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The LG V60’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7nm+) is a flagship-tier chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU with a prime Cortex-A77 core clocked at 2.84 GHz. This architecture, combined with the 7nm+ manufacturing process, delivers significantly higher processing power and efficiency than the LG K71’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The Helio P35’s Cortex-A53 cores, while efficient, are older and less capable. The V60’s Adreno 650 GPU will provide a far superior gaming experience, handling demanding titles with ease, while the K71’s PowerVR GE8320 will struggle with graphically intensive games. The V60 also benefits from faster RAM (likely LPDDR5) compared to the K71, further enhancing multitasking performance.

Battery Life

Both devices share an endurance rating of 103 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite the V60’s more powerful components. This is likely due to the V60’s more efficient chipset and optimized power management. However, the V60 offers significantly faster charging with support for PD2.0 and QC4 wired charging, as well as wireless charging, providing greater convenience. The K71 likely supports only standard wired charging, resulting in longer charging times. The V60’s faster charging capabilities are a significant advantage for users who need to quickly top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG K71 if you prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, social media, and light web browsing. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone owners or those on a very tight budget. Buy the LG V60 ThinQ 5G if you demand a responsive experience, enjoy mobile gaming, frequently use demanding apps, or want the benefits of 5G connectivity. It’s the better choice for users who value performance and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the LG K71 struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio P35 in the LG K71 is not a gaming-focused chipset. While you might be able to run these games at low settings, expect significant frame drops, lag, and a generally subpar gaming experience. The V60’s Snapdragon 865 is far better suited for mobile gaming.
❓ Does the LG V60 ThinQ 5G support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, LG flagships of that era often included microSD card support. However, it's crucial to verify this specification before purchase, as some variants may lack this feature. The K71 is more likely to include microSD support as a cost-saving measure.
❓ How much faster is the Snapdragon 865 in the V60 compared to the Helio P35 in the K71 in real-world usage?
The Snapdragon 865 is multiple times faster than the Helio P35. This translates to significantly quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience overall. Tasks that might take several seconds on the K71 will complete almost instantly on the V60.