The LG K71 and Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW represent different approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The K71 aims for affordability, while the A51 5G UW brings 5G connectivity and a more powerful processor to the table. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing with 5G, the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset delivers significantly faster processing speeds and improved graphics capabilities compared to the LG K71’s Helio P35, justifying the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 2, 4, 5, 13, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 260, 261 mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 21 | 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 171.4 x 77.7 x 8.7 mm (6.75 x 3.06 x 0.34 in) | 158.8 x 73.4 x 8.6 mm (6.25 x 2.89 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (pre-installed) |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 188.8 g (6.67 oz) |
| | Stylus | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, One UI 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 5 MP, AF |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, 120˚, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@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 |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 672 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 5 h |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Prism Bricks Blue |
| Models | LMQ730HA, LM-Q730HA | SM-A516V |
| Price | - | About 470 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.32 W/kg (body) |
LG K71
- Potentially lower price point
- More power-efficient chipset (Helio P35)
- Simple and functional user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited 5G capabilities
- Likely shorter software support lifespan
Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW
- Faster performance with Snapdragon 765G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Better camera image processing
- Likely longer software support
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy use
- 15W charging is not the fastest available
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the K71, its market positioning suggests an LCD panel. The A51 5G UW also likely uses an LCD. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the Snapdragon 765G will handle UI animations and video playback more smoothly. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this price bracket. Color accuracy is likely similar, leaning towards the saturated tones favored by both LG and Samsung.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the A51 5G UW likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) integrated into the Snapdragon 765G, offering superior image processing capabilities. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the A51 5G UW’s ISP will likely deliver better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The K71’s camera system will likely be adequate for casual snapshots, but will struggle in more demanding scenarios. We can assume both will have a primary lens, but the A51 5G UW will likely have a larger sensor and wider aperture.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm) is a far more advanced chipset than the LG K71’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The Snapdragon 765G features a tri-cluster CPU configuration (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) offering significantly better multi-core performance and efficiency. The Helio P35’s octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) is older architecture and less capable. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the A51 5G UW. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the LG K71, but given its focus on affordability, it’s likely smaller than the A51 5G UW’s. The A51 5G UW supports 15W wired charging. While not exceptionally fast, it’s a reasonable charging speed for a mid-range device. The Helio P35 in the K71 is more power-efficient than the Snapdragon 765G, but the A51 5G UW’s larger battery and optimized software will likely result in comparable, if not better, real-world battery life, especially when utilizing 5G connectivity.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K71 if you need a basic, functional smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW if you prioritize faster performance for gaming and multitasking, want access to 5G networks, and are willing to spend a bit more for a smoother user experience and longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG K71 struggle with demanding apps like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio P35 in the LG K71 is not a gaming-focused chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, you'll likely experience significant frame rate drops and lag, even on lower graphics settings. The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW’s Snapdragon 765G is much better suited for gaming.
❓ How much faster is the 5G on the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW compared to 4G?
The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW utilizes sub-6GHz 5G, offering significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G LTE, *where 5G infrastructure is available*. Actual speeds will vary depending on network congestion and coverage, but you can expect several times faster speeds than 4G in ideal conditions.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW support carrier aggregation?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G supports carrier aggregation, allowing it to combine multiple frequency bands for faster and more reliable 5G connectivity. This is crucial for maximizing 5G speeds in real-world scenarios.
