LG's budget smartphone lineup offers compelling options for those seeking affordability. The Q51 and K51S are two such contenders, but which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The LG K51S edges out the Q51 thanks to its slightly faster processor and improved power efficiency. While both are budget phones, the K51S offers a more responsive experience and potentially better battery life, making it the slightly better overall choice.
| 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 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 25. Released 2020, February 26 | 2020, February 18. Released 2020, April 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 77.5 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 165.2 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 194.5 g (6.88 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 105.5 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 93.6 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 32 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 13mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 13 MP, 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAorWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frozen White, Moonlight Titanium | Titanium, Pink, Blue, Red |
| Models | LM-Q510N | LMK510EMW, LM-K510EMW, LM-K510 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 200 EUR |
LG Q51
- More compact design
- Larger display (slightly)
- Decent camera for the price
- Slower processor
- Shorter battery life
- Less responsive UI
LG K51S
- Faster processor
- Better battery life
- Slightly improved camera
- Larger size
- Can still feel sluggish with heavy multitasking
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, but the K51S often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to panel variations. The Q51's display is perfectly adequate, but the K51S offers a marginally better viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera setup. The K51S generally produces slightly better images, especially in low light, thanks to its improved image processing and potentially a slightly better main sensor. Both offer decent image quality for their price range.
Performance
The K51S's Helio P35 chipset, with its dual-cluster octa-core design (4x2.3 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz), provides a noticeable performance boost over the Q51's Helio P22 (all 8 cores at 2.0 GHz). Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the K51S.
Battery Life
The K51S typically offers better battery life due to its more efficient processor and optimized software. While both have a 4000mAh battery, the K51S manages to squeeze out more usage time on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The LG Q51 is a good option for users prioritizing a larger display and a slightly more compact design. The LG K51S is ideal for those who need a bit more processing power and longer battery life, even if it means a slightly larger device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the LG Q51 good for gaming?
The LG Q51 is adequate for casual games, but its processor struggles with more demanding titles. The K51S offers a slightly better gaming experience.
❓ Which phone has more RAM?
Both typically come with 3GB of RAM, although some variants may offer 4GB. Check the specific model you're purchasing.
❓ Are the phones expandable with a microSD card?
Yes, both the LG Q51 and K51S support microSD card expansion for increased storage.
