The LG K71 and Samsung Galaxy A21 represent a crowded segment of the smartphone market: affordable devices aiming to deliver essential functionality. Both phones share a surprising core component – the Mediatek Helio P35 chipset – making a direct comparison crucial for budget-conscious consumers. This analysis will dissect their similarities and differences, focusing on how those translate into real-world user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A21 edges out the LG K71 due to its inclusion of 15W wired charging. While performance is virtually identical thanks to the shared Helio P35 chipset, the faster charging capability provides a tangible benefit in daily use, reducing downtime and improving convenience.
| 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 - USA |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| 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 / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 21 | 2020, April 08. Released 2020, June 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171.4 x 77.7 x 8.7 mm (6.75 x 3.06 x 0.34 in) | 167.8 x 76.7 x 8.1 mm (6.61 x 3.02 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | Stylus | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~79.3% 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 (4x2.35 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, One UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, 120˚, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 32 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Black |
| Models | LMQ730HA, LM-Q730HA | SM-A215U, SM-A215U1, SM-S215DL, SM-A215W |
| Price | - | $ 69.88 / C$ 155.00 / £ 54.99 / € 73.89 |
| SAR | - | 1.27 W/kg (head) 0.60 W/kg (body) |
LG K71
- Potentially lower purchase price
- Identical processor to Samsung A21
- Likely similar battery life (depending on capacity)
- Slower charging speeds (likely 5W/10W)
- Missing charging specification
- Potentially less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy A21
- 15W wired charging for faster replenishment
- Samsung's One UI offers a feature-rich experience
- Identical processor to LG K71
- May be slightly more expensive than LG K71
- Performance limited by Helio P35 chipset
- Camera quality likely similar to LG K71
Display Comparison
Both the LG K71 and Samsung Galaxy A21 lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price point, it's reasonable to assume both utilize LCD panels. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests standard 60Hz panels on both devices. Bezels are likely to be substantial, and color accuracy will likely be adequate but not exceptional. Without further data, a definitive display comparison is impossible, but users shouldn't expect flagship-level visual experiences.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are absent, making a comprehensive comparison challenging. It's likely both phones feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on sensor size and image processing algorithms. Given the budget nature of these devices, expect image quality to be acceptable in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) suggests reliance on software stabilization, which is less effective. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors included are likely to offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This means performance will be nearly identical in most tasks. The Helio P35 is a capable processor for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage, but it will struggle with demanding games or heavy multitasking. The 12nm manufacturing process indicates moderate power efficiency, but thermal throttling could become a factor during sustained workloads. The lack of information regarding RAM capacity and type prevents a deeper analysis of multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the LG K71, but the Samsung Galaxy A21’s charging capabilities highlight a key difference. The A21 supports 15W wired charging, allowing for faster replenishment of the battery compared to a standard 5W or 10W charger likely bundled with the LG K71. While battery life will depend on usage patterns, the faster charging speed of the A21 provides a significant convenience advantage, reducing the time spent tethered to a power outlet. Without knowing the K71’s battery capacity, it’s difficult to definitively state which phone offers superior overall battery endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K71 if you prioritize a potentially lower purchase price and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It's a solid choice for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication and light tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A21 if you value faster charging and are willing to spend a little more. This phone is better suited for users who frequently find themselves needing to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in either phone struggle with popular mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P35 is an entry-level chipset and will likely struggle to deliver a smooth gaming experience in demanding titles like PUBG or Call of Duty. Expect low frame rates and potential stuttering, even on low graphics settings. These phones are better suited for casual gaming or less graphically intensive games.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A21's 15W charging make a significant difference in real-world use?
Absolutely. While not 'fast charging' in the flagship sense, 15W charging is a noticeable improvement over the slower 5W or 10W charging typically found in this price range. It will reduce the time it takes to fully charge the phone, and even a quick 30-minute charge can provide a substantial boost in battery life.
❓ Are software updates guaranteed for either the LG K71 or Samsung Galaxy A21?
Software update support for both devices is limited. LG has significantly reduced its smartphone support, and while Samsung generally offers better support, the A21 is an entry-level model and may only receive a single major Android update. Expect security patches to be infrequent.
