The LG V50 ThinQ 5G represented LG's 2019 flagship foray into 5G, boasting a premium build and powerful processor. The LG Q52, released later, targets the budget-conscious consumer. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two LG devices, helping you determine if the V50's aging flagship features justify its potential price premium over the Q52's affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG V50 ThinQ 5G is the superior choice, offering significantly faster performance thanks to the Snapdragon 855 and a brighter, higher-contrast display. However, the Q52 presents a compelling option for those prioritizing extreme budget constraints and basic smartphone functionality.
| 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 - USA |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - USA |
| 5G bands | - | 41, 260, 261 NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat18 1200/75 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 26. Released 2020, October 26 | 2019, February 24. Released 2019, April 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 159.2 x 76.1 x 8.3 mm (6.27 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~538 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | P-OLED, HDR10 |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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 | - |
| Triple | - | 12 MP, 27mm (wide), f/1.5, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3-axis OIS
12 MP, 52mm (telephoto), f/2.4, 1/3.4", 1.0µm, 2x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS
16 MP, 16mm (ultrawide), f/1.9, 1/3.1", 1.0µm, no AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., HDR10 video, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP, 21mm (wide), f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 32-bit/192kHz audio
24-bit/192kHz audio recording
Tuned with Meridian Audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD2.0, QC3, 50% in 36 min
10W wireless (Qi) |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silky White, Silky Red | New Aurora Black |
| Models | LM-Q520N | LM-V500, LM-V500N, LM-V500EM, LM-V500XM, LM-V450PM, LM-V450 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 550 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -92.5dB / Crosstalk -92.6dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 96h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 194000:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.2 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 343758 (v7), 421934 (v8)
GeekBench: 10928 (v4.4), 2672 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG Q52
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Decent battery life for basic usage.
- Functional for everyday tasks.
- Slow performance with the Helio P35.
- Likely a lower-quality display.
- Limited camera capabilities.
LG V50 ThinQ 5G
- Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 855.
- Bright and high-contrast display.
- Faster charging capabilities (18W wired, 10W wireless).
- Older device, potentially limited software updates.
- Higher price compared to the Q52.
- Battery capacity not explicitly stated, relying on endurance rating.
Display Comparison
The LG V50 ThinQ 5G features a display capable of reaching 533 nits of peak brightness, providing excellent visibility outdoors. Its contrast ratio of 194000:1 (nominal) suggests deep blacks and vibrant colors. The LG Q52’s display specifications are not provided, but given its market positioning, it likely utilizes a lower-quality panel with reduced brightness and contrast. This difference translates to a more immersive viewing experience on the V50, particularly for HDR content. The V50’s superior display is a key advantage for media consumers.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but the LG V50 ThinQ 5G likely boasts a more sophisticated camera system. While specific sensor details are missing for both, the V50’s flagship status suggests a larger main sensor and more advanced image processing algorithms. The Q52, targeting a lower price point, likely utilizes more basic camera hardware. The V50’s superior processing power also aids in faster image capture and better low-light performance. The absence of detailed camera specs for the Q52 makes a precise comparison difficult, but the V50 is expected to deliver significantly better image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG V50 ThinQ 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7nm), an octa-core processor built for flagship performance. Its Kryo 485 cores, with a prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, deliver a substantial performance boost over the LG Q52’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The Helio P35, while adequate for basic tasks, struggles with demanding applications and multitasking. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 855 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. Gamers and power users will overwhelmingly benefit from the V50’s processing power.
Battery Life
Both phones share an endurance rating of 96 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the LG V50 ThinQ 5G offers significantly faster charging with 18W wired charging (PD2.0, QC3) and 10W wireless charging (Qi). The Q52’s charging specifications are not provided, but it likely supports slower charging speeds. The V50 can reach 50% charge in just 36 minutes, a considerable convenience. While both phones offer similar overall endurance, the V50’s faster charging capabilities provide a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q52 if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. You'll accept slower performance and a less impressive camera. Buy the LG V50 ThinQ 5G if you prioritize smooth multitasking, faster app loading times, a more vibrant display for media consumption, and the potential for 5G connectivity, even if it means spending more upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the LG V50 ThinQ 5G still a good buy in [current year], considering its age?
Despite being an older device, the LG V50 ThinQ 5G remains a viable option, particularly if you can find it at a discounted price. The Snapdragon 855 still offers plenty of performance for most tasks, and the 5G connectivity provides future-proofing. However, be mindful of potential software update limitations.
❓ Will the LG Q52 struggle with modern mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio P35 in the LG Q52 is likely to struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty. You may experience low frame rates, stuttering, and overheating. The Q52 is better suited for less graphically intensive games.
❓ Does the LG V50 ThinQ 5G support expandable storage via microSD card?
Yes, the LG V50 ThinQ 5G supports expandable storage via microSD card, allowing you to increase the device's storage capacity beyond its internal memory. This is a valuable feature for users who store a lot of photos, videos, or other files.
❓ What kind of 5G bands does the LG V50 ThinQ 5G support?
The LG V50 ThinQ 5G supports a wide range of 5G bands, including Sub-6 GHz and mmWave, ensuring compatibility with most 5G networks. However, specific band support may vary depending on the carrier and region.
