The LG Q52 and Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G represent different approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Q52 aims for a reliable, all-around experience, while the Poco M3 Pro 5G aggressively targets 5G connectivity and improved performance at a similar price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset offers significantly faster performance and 5G connectivity, making it future-proof and capable of handling demanding tasks. While the LG Q52 provides a stable experience, it's outmatched in processing power.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 26. Released 2020, October 26 | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone 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 | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silky White, Silky Red | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | LM-Q520N | M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1475:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
LG Q52
- Reliable and stable software experience (typical of LG)
- Potentially lower price point (depending on current deals)
- Decent battery endurance
- Outdated Mediatek Helio P35 chipset
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Lower performance compared to competitors
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
- Significantly faster Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset
- 5G connectivity for future-proof performance
- Higher display brightness for better outdoor visibility
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
- May have more pre-installed bloatware
- Build quality may not be as premium as some competitors
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays with a 1475:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 536 nits, a substantial advantage over the LG Q52’s unspecified brightness. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely use IPS LCD panels, the Poco’s superior brightness makes it the more practical choice for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack detailed camera specifications in the provided data. Given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both feature multi-camera setups, but image quality will likely vary. The Poco M3 Pro 5G, being a newer device, likely benefits from improved image processing algorithms. Without sensor size or aperture information, a definitive camera comparison is impossible, but the Poco’s more powerful chipset suggests better computational photography capabilities.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) chipset, featuring two Cortex-A76 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores, is a substantial upgrade over the LG Q52’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm). The Dimensity 700’s newer architecture and smaller manufacturing process deliver significantly improved CPU and GPU performance. The Helio P35’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz are simply outmatched by the A76 cores in the Poco, resulting in noticeably slower app loading times and less responsive multitasking. The 5G modem integrated into the Dimensity 700 is another key advantage, offering future-proof connectivity.
Battery Life
Both phones share an endurance rating of 121 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. The Poco M3 Pro 5G supports 18W wired charging, which is a standard charging speed. The LG Q52’s charging speed is not specified, but is likely slower. While the battery capacity isn’t provided for either device, the Dimensity 700’s 7nm process is more power-efficient than the Helio P35’s 12nm process, potentially offsetting any capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q52 if you prioritize a simple, dependable smartphone experience and don't require 5G connectivity or high-end gaming performance. It's a good option for basic communication and light usage. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you want a faster, more versatile phone with 5G support, better suited for streaming, gaming, and future-proofing your mobile experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Poco M3 Pro 5G's 5G connectivity actually useful?
5G availability varies by region, but the Poco M3 Pro 5G's 5G support future-proofs the device. Even if 5G isn't widely available now, having the hardware ensures you're ready when it is, and the Dimensity 700 also offers improved 4G performance compared to the Helio P35.
❓ Will the LG Q52 struggle with demanding apps like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the LG Q52's Mediatek Helio P35 chipset is not powerful enough for smooth gameplay in demanding titles like PUBG Mobile, even at lower settings. Expect noticeable lag and frame drops. The Poco M3 Pro 5G's Dimensity 700 will provide a much more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How does Xiaomi's MIUI software compare to LG's UX?
MIUI is known for its customization options and features, but it can also be more resource-intensive and include pre-installed bloatware. LG's UX is generally cleaner and more streamlined, offering a more stock Android-like experience. Preference here is subjective.
❓ Does the Poco M3 Pro 5G support VoLTE and VoWiFi?
Support for VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) depends on your carrier. The Dimensity 700 chipset supports these technologies, but carrier compatibility needs to be verified before purchase.
