The LG Q31 and Samsung Galaxy A20e represent the lower end of the smartphone market, often serving as first phones or reliable backups. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. However, their internal components differ significantly, impacting performance and user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing everyday tasks and occasional media consumption, the Samsung Galaxy A20e edges out the LG Q31. Its Exynos 7884 chipset, featuring Cortex-A73 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Q31’s Helio P22, especially in multitasking and app loading times. The 15W charging is also a significant advantage.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 17. Released 2020, September 25 | 2019, April 10. Released 2019, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147.9 x 71 x 8.7 mm (5.82 x 2.80 x 0.34 in) | 147.4 x 69.7 x 8.4 mm (5.80 x 2.74 x 0.33 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 141 g (4.97 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~296 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.1 cm2 (~77.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.8 inches, 82.6 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Exynos 7884 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| 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 | 13 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | HTML, Adobe Flash |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 315 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 10 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver | Black, White, Blue, Coral |
| Models | LM-Q310N | SM-A202F, SM-A202K |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.49 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.50 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 99.00 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 90.00 |
LG Q31
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Adequate for basic tasks
- Inferior processor performance
- Slower charging speeds
- Likely limited multitasking capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A20e
- More powerful Exynos 7884 processor
- Faster 15W charging
- Better multitasking performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
- Software support may be limited
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The LG Q31’s display specifications are unavailable, but given its market position, it’s reasonable to assume a 720p+ resolution. The Samsung Galaxy A20e also features a 720p+ display. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the Exynos 7884’s GPU will likely deliver smoother animations and transitions compared to the Helio P22’s integrated graphics, even at the same resolution. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones offering basic image capture capabilities. Details on sensor sizes are unavailable, but both likely feature a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses (potentially depth or macro). The Samsung Galaxy A20e’s image processing algorithms, benefiting from Samsung’s experience, may produce slightly more refined images. The LG Q31’s camera is likely adequate for casual snapshots, but won’t excel in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A20e’s Exynos 7884 utilizes a big.LITTLE architecture with two 1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 cores for demanding tasks and six 1.35 GHz Cortex-A53 cores for efficiency. This contrasts with the LG Q31’s Mediatek Helio P22, which relies solely on eight 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While the Q31 has more cores, the A73 cores in the A20e are significantly more powerful per core, resulting in faster app launches and smoother multitasking. The A20e will handle moderately demanding games better, while the Q31 may struggle with more complex titles. The 14nm process of the Exynos 7884 is also more mature than the 12nm process of the Helio P22, potentially leading to better thermal management.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the LG Q31, but given its positioning, it’s likely around 3000-4000 mAh. The Samsung Galaxy A20e’s battery capacity is also unspecified, but similar estimates apply. However, the A20e’s 15W wired charging is a crucial advantage. The LG Q31 likely supports standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in significantly longer charge times. This means the A20e will spend less time tethered to a charger, a practical benefit for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q31 if you prioritize a simple, no-frills experience and are primarily focused on basic communication and light app usage. Its Mediatek Helio P22 is sufficient for these tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A20e if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and appreciate faster charging speeds. The Exynos 7884 offers a more responsive and versatile experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7884 in the Galaxy A20e tend to overheat during prolonged use, like gaming?
The Exynos 7884 is a relatively efficient chip. While it will get warm during extended gaming sessions, it’s unlikely to experience significant thermal throttling due to its 14nm manufacturing process and the relatively low power demands of mobile games on these devices. The Q31’s Helio P22 may throttle sooner due to its less efficient architecture.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones typically lack the resolution and optics to produce truly detailed close-up shots. Images often appear soft and lack sharpness. They are primarily a marketing feature and offer limited practical benefit compared to using the main camera in standard mode.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A20e handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at playable frame rates?
The Galaxy A20e can run PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve consistently playable frame rates (around 30-40fps). The Helio P22 in the LG Q31 will struggle to maintain even those frame rates with similar settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A20e with the 15W charger?
Assuming a 4000mAh battery (a reasonable estimate), a full charge from 0% with the 15W charger should take approximately 2-2.5 hours. The LG Q31, with its likely 5W or 10W charging, could take 4-6 hours or longer.
