The LG Q60 and K50S represent LG’s attempts to capture the budget smartphone market. Both devices utilize the same Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, suggesting similar core performance. However, differences in design, potential software optimizations, and subtle feature sets may sway potential buyers. This comparison dives deep to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a potentially more refined build and a slightly more polished software experience, the LG Q60 emerges as the better choice. While both phones share the same core hardware, the Q60’s positioning suggests a higher degree of quality control, making it a safer bet for long-term reliability.
| 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, 38 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| 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 | 2019, February. Released 2019, May | 2019, August. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.3 x 77 x 8.7 mm (6.35 x 3.03 x 0.34 in) | 165.8 x 77.5 x 8.2 mm (6.53 x 3.05 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 194 g (6.84 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 (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~78.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 105.5 cm2 (~82.1% 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 9.0 (Pie), LG UX 7 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 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 (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | New Moroccan Blue, Aurora Black | New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue |
| Models | LMX525EAW, LMX525BAW, LM-X525 | LMX540HM, LM-X540, LM-X540BMW, LMX540BMW |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 200 EUR |
LG Q60
- Potentially better build quality due to slightly higher market positioning.
- Likely cleaner software experience with less bloatware.
- May receive more frequent software updates.
- Potentially higher price compared to the K50S.
- Performance is identical to the K50S.
LG K50S
- Lower price point, making it more accessible.
- Identical performance to the Q60 for basic tasks.
- May offer similar battery life.
- Potentially lower build quality and less durable materials.
- Likely more pre-installed bloatware.
- May receive fewer software updates.
Display Comparison
Both the LG Q60 and K50S are expected to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. Given the lack of specific display specs, it's reasonable to assume similar resolutions (likely HD+). The user experience will likely be comparable, with neither device offering exceptional brightness or color accuracy. The build quality of the panels themselves, and the presence of any protective glass, will be key differentiators, but this information isn't available. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality of the sensors and image processing algorithms will be crucial. It's probable that both devices include a primary sensor, a depth sensor, and potentially a macro lens. However, the aperture and sensor size of the primary sensor will be the most important factors determining image quality in various lighting conditions. The LG Q60's slightly higher market positioning *suggests* a potentially better camera module, but this is speculative.
Performance
The core performance of both devices is identical, powered by the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) chipset with an Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This chipset is geared towards basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light app usage. Gaming performance will be limited to less demanding titles at lower settings. The 12nm process node offers reasonable efficiency, but sustained performance will be limited by thermal constraints. RAM configurations, which are not specified, will significantly impact multitasking capabilities; more RAM will be beneficial on both devices.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the Helio P22’s efficiency and the target market, both phones likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unknown. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both devices should be capable of lasting a full day with moderate use. Faster charging, if available on one device, would be a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q60 if you need a device that *feels* a bit more premium, even within the budget segment, and value a potentially cleaner software experience. You're willing to pay a small premium for a potentially better-built device. Buy the LG K50S if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and are comfortable with potentially more pre-installed bloatware or a less refined build quality. It's the ideal choice for users on a very strict budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22 chipset struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P22 is an entry-level chipset. While you can *run* these games, you'll likely need to play at the lowest graphics settings and may experience frame rate drops, especially during intense action. It's not designed for demanding gaming.
❓ How much bloatware should I expect on the LG K50S?
LG has historically included a fair amount of pre-installed apps on its budget devices. The K50S is likely to come with several carrier-branded apps and LG's own suite of software. While some can be uninstalled, others may be deeply integrated into the system.
❓ Is the camera on either phone capable of taking good photos in low-light conditions?
Low-light photography will be a challenge for both devices. Without optical image stabilization (OIS) or large sensors, image quality will suffer in dimly lit environments. Expect noise and a lack of detail in low-light shots.
