The Samsung Galaxy A50 and LG Q60 represent compelling options in the sub-$300 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware and resulting user experience. This comparison dissects these differences, focusing on performance, display quality, and battery life to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A50 is the superior choice. Its Exynos 9610 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the LG Q60’s Helio P22, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive experience. While both offer similar battery endurance, the A50’s brighter display and faster charging add to its overall appeal.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 29, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A505U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, February. Released 2019, May | 2019, February 25. Released 2019, March 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 161.3 x 77 x 8.7 mm (6.35 x 3.03 x 0.34 in) | 158.5 x 74.7 x 7.7 mm (6.24 x 2.94 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 166 g (5.86 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~78.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Exynos 9610 (10 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), LG UX 7 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| 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 | 25 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 25 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm |
| 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 dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+
Bixby natural language commands and dictation |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | New Moroccan Blue, Aurora Black | Black, White, Blue, Coral |
| Models | LMX525EAW, LMX525BAW, LM-X525 | SM-A505F, SM-A505FN, SM-A505GN, SM-A505G, SM-A505FM, SM-A505YN, SM-A505W, SM-A505X, SM-A505U, SM-A505GT, SM-A505U1, SM-A505G, SM-A505N, SM-S506DL |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.31 W/kg (head) 0.58 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 279.99 |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 171.00 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.4dB / Crosstalk -92.3dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 98h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 68dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 82dB
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 144574 (v7)
GeekBench: 5396 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG Q60
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Decent battery life for basic usage.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Underpowered Helio P22 chipset.
- Likely lower display quality.
- Limited performance for demanding tasks.
Samsung Galaxy A50
- Significantly faster Exynos 9610 processor.
- Brighter and more vibrant display.
- Faster 15W charging.
- Potentially better camera performance.
- Higher price compared to the LG Q60.
- May not be the most compact option.
- Software updates may be less frequent than flagship models.
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A50 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 551 nits, compared to the LG Q60’s unspecified brightness. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility. While both displays are likely LCD panels, the A50’s higher peak brightness and 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggest superior image quality. The A50’s larger screen size (assumed, based on market positioning) also contributes to a more immersive viewing experience. The LG Q60 likely prioritizes cost savings over display fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Given Samsung’s history, the A50 likely employs a more sophisticated image processing pipeline and potentially larger sensor sizes. While the LG Q60 may offer a similar megapixel count, the Exynos 9610’s image signal processor (ISP) will likely deliver better dynamic range and low-light performance. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the A50 (likely, based on Samsung’s typical implementation) would further enhance image quality, particularly in video recording. The 2MP macro cameras often found in this price range on both devices are unlikely to provide significant photographic value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A50’s Exynos 9610, built on a 10nm process, features a heterogeneous core configuration – four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz. This architecture provides a significant performance uplift compared to the LG Q60’s Mediatek Helio P22, which utilizes eight Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz, fabricated on a 12nm process. The Exynos 9610’s more advanced architecture and smaller fabrication node translate to faster processing speeds and improved efficiency, making the A50 noticeably more responsive in everyday tasks and capable of handling more demanding applications. The A50’s GPU will also offer a superior gaming experience.
Battery Life
Both the LG Q60 and Samsung Galaxy A50 achieve an endurance rating of 98 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the A50 benefits from 15W wired charging, allowing for faster replenishment compared to the LG Q60’s likely slower charging speed (spec not provided). While both offer all-day battery life for moderate users, the A50’s faster charging provides greater convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q60 if you prioritize extreme affordability and a simple, no-frills smartphone experience. It’s suitable for basic communication, light social media use, and users who don’t demand high performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A50 if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, a brighter and more vibrant display, and the ability to handle more demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9610 in the Galaxy A50 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9610 is generally well-managed in the Galaxy A50. While it can get warm during extended gaming, it doesn't typically exhibit significant thermal throttling that severely impacts performance. The 10nm process helps with thermal efficiency compared to the LG Q60’s 12nm Helio P22.
❓ Is the LG Q60 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and basic social media?
Yes, the LG Q60 is perfectly adequate for those basic tasks. Its Helio P22 chipset is sufficient for handling calls, texts, and light social media browsing without significant lag. However, it will struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.
❓ How does the camera performance of the Galaxy A50 compare to more expensive Samsung phones?
The Galaxy A50’s camera is a step down from Samsung’s flagship models, but it still delivers respectable results for its price range. It offers good dynamic range and color accuracy, especially in well-lit conditions. Don't expect the same level of detail or low-light performance as a Galaxy S or Note series phone.
❓ What kind of storage and RAM options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A50, and how does that impact performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A50 was available in 64GB/4GB and 128GB/4GB configurations. The 128GB model is preferable, as it provides more space for apps, photos, and videos. While 4GB of RAM is sufficient for basic multitasking, heavier users may experience occasional slowdowns.
