The LG Q51 and LG Q60 represent LG's attempt to deliver affordable smartphones with a focus on essential features. Both devices launched around the same time and target the entry-level market, making a direct comparison crucial for budget-conscious consumers. While appearing similar on paper, subtle differences in software and potential long-term support could sway your decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the LG Q60 is the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same Mediatek Helio P22 chipset and CPU, the Q60's potential for more consistent software updates and slightly improved build quality offer a marginal advantage, justifying a potential price premium.
| 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, 38 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 25. Released 2020, February 26 | 2019, February. Released 2019, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 77.5 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 161.3 x 77 x 8.7 mm (6.35 x 3.03 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 172 g (6.07 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 |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 105.5 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~78.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), LG UX 7 |
| 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 |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 13mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 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, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, 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-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frozen White, Moonlight Titanium | New Moroccan Blue, Aurora Black |
| Models | LM-Q510N | LMX525EAW, LMX525BAW, LM-X525 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 230 EUR |
LG Q51
- Potentially lower price point
- Identical core performance to Q60
- Suitable for basic smartphone tasks
- Likely limited software update support
- Potentially less durable build quality
LG Q60
- Potentially better build quality
- Likely more consistent software updates
- Identical core performance to Q51
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar performance limitations to Q51
Display Comparison
Both the LG Q51 and Q60 feature displays that prioritize affordability over cutting-edge technology. Given the shared target market, it's highly probable both utilize IPS LCD panels. Without specific nit brightness data, we can assume both offer adequate visibility indoors, but may struggle in direct sunlight. The resolution is likely 720 x 1560 pixels on both, resulting in a similar pixel density. The impact of display quality will be minimal for typical usage scenarios like messaging and social media, but media consumption may be less vibrant on either device.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be comparable, with both devices relying on the same chipset's image signal processor. Without detailed sensor specifications, it's difficult to assess image quality definitively. However, given the budget nature of these phones, expect limited low-light performance and a reliance on software processing to enhance images. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, as the small sensor size and fixed focus will limit its usefulness. The primary camera's aperture and sensor size will be the key determinants of image quality in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The core performance of both devices is identical, powered by the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) chipset and an Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This configuration is sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light app usage. The Helio P22's integrated PowerVR GE8320 GPU will handle casual gaming, but demanding titles will require significant graphical settings reductions. The 12nm process node offers reasonable power efficiency, but sustained workloads will likely result in some thermal throttling. RAM configurations are not specified, but are likely similar, impacting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but given the similar hardware and target market, it's reasonable to assume both phones feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Helio P22's power efficiency contributes to decent battery life for basic usage. Charging wattage is also unspecified, suggesting both devices likely support standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in relatively slow 0-100% charge times. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, with heavy gaming and video streaming significantly reducing endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q51 if you prioritize finding the absolute lowest price for a functional smartphone and are comfortable with potentially limited software updates. It's a viable option for basic communication and light app usage. Buy the LG Q60 if you value a slightly more refined experience, potentially longer software support, and a more durable build, even if it means spending a little extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22 chipset struggle with modern apps?
The Mediatek Helio P22 is an entry-level chipset. While it can handle basic apps and tasks, you may experience slowdowns with more demanding applications or when multitasking heavily. It's best suited for users who primarily use their phone for communication, social media, and light browsing.
❓ How long will LG provide software updates for these phones?
LG has historically offered limited software support for its budget Q series phones. While the Q60 *may* receive one major Android update, don't expect extensive long-term support. The Q51 is even less likely to receive updates beyond security patches, if any.
❓ Is the camera good enough for casual photography?
The cameras on both the Q51 and Q60 are adequate for casual photography in good lighting conditions. However, expect limited performance in low light and don't rely on the 2MP macro camera for detailed close-up shots. The image processing will likely prioritize smoothing over detail.
