The LG Q52 and K52 represent LG's foray into the ultra-budget smartphone market. Both devices are powered by the Mediatek Helio P35, making a direct hardware comparison challenging. This analysis focuses on identifying any subtle differences in implementation or market positioning that might make one a better choice than the other for specific users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the LG K52 likely represents the better value. Given the identical core hardware, the K52's typically lower price point makes it the more sensible purchase. However, if the Q52 is available at a comparable price, it may benefit from slightly more refined software support.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 66 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Australia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 26. Released 2020, October 26 | 2020, September 23. Released 2020, November 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 188 g (6.63 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 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n or Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silky White, Silky Red | White, Blue, Red |
| Models | LM-Q520N | LMK520, LM-K520, LMK520E, LM-K520E, LMK520Y, LM-K520Y, LMK520H, LM-K520H |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 220 EUR |
LG Q52
- Potential for slightly longer software support.
- May have marginally better build quality (unconfirmed).
- Identical performance to the K52.
- Typically higher price than the K52.
- No significant hardware advantages over the K52.
LG K52
- More affordable price point.
- Identical performance to the Q52.
- Excellent value for budget-conscious users.
- Potential for shorter software support lifecycle.
- May have slightly less refined software experience.
Display Comparison
Both the LG Q52 and K52 are expected to feature similar LCD panels, given their market segment. While specific nit brightness and color gamut coverage aren't provided, the 6.6-inch display size is consistent across both models. The lack of high refresh rate technology (like 90Hz or 120Hz) is typical for this price point, and users should expect standard 60Hz operation. Bezels are likely to be substantial, prioritizing screen real estate over a premium aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not detailed enough to draw significant distinctions. Both devices likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the absence of information regarding sensor sizes and lens apertures makes a detailed comparison impossible. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to provide substantial image quality improvements, serving primarily as a marketing feature. Image processing will likely be similar, focusing on basic scene optimization rather than advanced computational photography techniques.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35, an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process. This chipset features four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. Performance will be adequate for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light app usage. However, demanding games or multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns. The identical chipset configuration means thermal management will be similar, and neither device is expected to excel in sustained performance scenarios. RAM configurations are not specified, but will heavily influence multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. Given the Helio P35's power efficiency and the target market, both phones likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unknown, but is expected to be relatively slow (likely 10W-15W) due to cost constraints. Users should anticipate a full charge taking several hours. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both devices should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q52 if you prioritize potential long-term software support and are willing to pay a small premium. It may receive updates for a slightly longer period due to its initial positioning. Buy the LG K52 if you are strictly budget-conscious and want the most affordable option with the same core functionality. It's the ideal choice for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Helio P35 is capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, expect some slowdowns when multitasking or using these apps alongside other demanding applications. The chipset is designed for basic smartphone functionality, not intensive tasks.
❓ Is the LG Q52 or K52 a good choice for mobile gaming?
Neither the LG Q52 nor the K52 are ideal for mobile gaming. The Helio P35 chipset lacks the graphical power to run modern games at high settings. While simple games may be playable, expect low frame rates and potential lag in more demanding titles. Lowering graphics settings will be necessary for a playable experience.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on these devices?
LG's software support for these entry-level devices is likely to be limited. While a specific timeline isn't available, expect at most one major Android update and a few security patches. The Q52 may receive updates for a slightly longer period due to its initial market positioning, but the difference is likely to be minimal.
