The LG G3, released in 2014, represented a peak in LG's flagship ambitions. Now, years later, we compare it to the LG Q31, a modern budget offering. This isn't about declaring a clear winner, but understanding how technology has evolved and where each phone still holds value in today's market.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the LG G3 offers a surprisingly capable experience thanks to its Snapdragon 801, but the LG Q31 is the more practical choice. Its modern chipset, while less powerful, provides better efficiency and likely longer software support, making it the better daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - D855 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 2, 4, 7, 17 - D851 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/21.1 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | LTE 700 / 850 / 1900 / 1700 / 2600 - D852LTE 700 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 / TD2300 - Virgin Mobile |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 17. Released 2020, September 25 | 2014, May. Released 2014, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147.9 x 71 x 8.7 mm (5.82 x 2.80 x 0.34 in) | 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 mm (5.76 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 149 g (5.26 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~538 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.1 cm2 (~77.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 82.2 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | True HD-IPS + LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 330 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.4, 29mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF, OIS |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, HDR, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 2.1 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, RDS - D855 model only |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort), 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, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless (Qi) (optional) |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 565 h (2G) / Up to 553 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 19 h (2G) / Up to 21 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver | Metallic Black, Silk White, Shine Gold, Moon Violet, Burgundy Red, Blue Steel |
| Models | LM-Q310N | D855, D850, D851, VS985 4G, D852, LGLS990, F400K |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.39 W/kg (head) 0.48 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.23 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -99.4dB / Crosstalk -100.0dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 63h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 789:1 (nominal), 1.820 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 70dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 80dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 1327Basemark X: 11552 |
LG Q31
- More powerful processor (Snapdragon 801)
- Wireless charging (optional)
- Potentially better camera in ideal conditions
- Old battery likely degraded
- Limited software support
- Less efficient chipset (28nm)
LG G3
- More efficient chipset (12nm)
- Likely longer software support
- Newer battery with full capacity
- Less powerful processor (Helio P22)
- No wireless charging
- Lower resolution display (likely)
Display Comparison
Both the LG G3 and Q31 share a similar contrast ratio of 789:1 (nominal) and 1.820 (sunlight), suggesting comparable outdoor visibility. However, the G3's display technology, while excellent for its time, lacks the advancements found in modern panels. We can infer the Q31 likely uses an IPS LCD, but lacks the G3's higher resolution. The G3's display was a standout feature in 2014, but the Q31 benefits from modern manufacturing techniques for potentially improved color accuracy and viewing angles, even at a lower resolution.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but specifics are limited. The LG G3 likely featured a more advanced camera system for its time, potentially with larger sensors and more sophisticated image processing. However, the Q31 benefits from software advancements in computational photography. Without detailed sensor information, it's difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the G3's camera likely excels in well-lit conditions, while the Q31 may offer better low-light performance due to software enhancements. We can assume both lack advanced features like 4K video recording, common in modern smartphones.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG G3's Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 (28nm) features a quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU, designed for high performance. The LG Q31, however, utilizes the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12nm) with an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. While the Snapdragon 801 boasts higher single-core performance, the Helio P22's more efficient 12nm process and eight cores suggest better multi-tasking and power efficiency. The Snapdragon 801 was a flagship processor, but the Q31's chipset is optimized for modern Android versions and app compatibility.
Battery Life
The LG G3 boasts an endurance rating of 63 hours, a respectable figure even today. The Q31's battery capacity is unknown, but its more efficient Mediatek Helio P22 chipset likely contributes to comparable or even better real-world battery life. The G3 also offered optional wireless (Qi) charging, a feature absent on the Q31. However, the G3's battery has likely degraded significantly over time, diminishing its original endurance. The Q31's newer battery will provide a more consistent experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q31 if you need a functional, affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and prioritize battery life and potential for software updates. Buy the LG G3 if you're a tech enthusiast interested in experiencing a classic flagship device, appreciate a more powerful processor for older games, and don't mind the limitations of an older device like battery degradation and limited software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG G3 still be able to run modern apps smoothly?
While the Snapdragon 801 was a powerful processor, many modern apps are optimized for newer architectures. The LG G3 may struggle with demanding applications or experience slowdowns due to limited RAM and software optimization.
❓ Is the LG Q31 a good choice for mobile gaming?
The LG Q31's Mediatek Helio P22 is not designed for intensive gaming. It can handle casual games, but demanding titles will likely require reduced graphics settings and may still experience performance issues.
❓ How long will software updates be available for the LG Q31?
LG has largely exited the smartphone market, so long-term software support for the Q31 is uncertain. However, being a newer device, it's likely to receive updates for a longer period than the LG G3.
❓ Is the battery on the LG G3 likely to be in good condition after all these years?
Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. After nearly a decade, the LG G3's battery capacity will almost certainly be significantly reduced, resulting in shorter battery life and potentially requiring frequent charging.
