The Samsung Galaxy A41 and LG Q61 represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they diverge in key areas like processing power and display quality. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A41 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio P65 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the LG Q61’s Helio P35, and the brighter 624-nit display enhances outdoor visibility. While battery life is identical, the A41’s slightly superior processing makes it more future-proof.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 21. Released 2020, May 29 | 2020, March 18. Released 2020, May 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 77.5 x 8.3 mm (6.48 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 149.9 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm (5.90 x 2.75 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 152 g (5.36 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 89.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 25 MP, f/2.2, 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 |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | - |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 200 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 20 min | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 3500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush Silver, Prism Crush Blue, Prism Crush Red |
| Models | LM-Q630N | SM-A415F/DSN, SM-A415F/DSM, SM-A415F, SM-A415F/DS, SCV48, SC-41A |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 102h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.5 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 170044 (v8)
GeekBench: 1175 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 6.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG Q61
- More powerful Helio P65 processor
- Brighter 624-nit display for better outdoor visibility
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- May be slightly more expensive than the LG Q61
- Battery life is identical to the Q61 despite faster charging
Samsung Galaxy A41
- Lower price point
- Decent battery life (102h endurance)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Less powerful Helio P35 processor
- Dimmer display, less suitable for outdoor use
- Charging speed is unspecified and likely slower
- Potentially less refined camera performance
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A41 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 624 nits, compared to the LG Q61 which lacks published brightness data. This difference is crucial for usability in direct sunlight. While both displays are described as having an 'infinite' contrast ratio (a common marketing term for OLED-like blacks on LCDs), the A41’s higher peak brightness translates to a more vibrant and readable image. The LG Q61’s display quality is likely adequate for indoor use, but will struggle outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given the market positioning, it’s safe to assume both rely on relatively basic camera setups. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit. Without further specifications, it’s difficult to definitively declare a camera winner; however, Samsung’s generally more refined image processing algorithms may give the A41 a slight edge in image quality.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A41 utilizes the Mediatek Helio P65, featuring a more modern CPU architecture with 2x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts with the LG Q61’s Helio P35, which employs 4x 2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Cortex-A75 cores in the P65 offer a substantial performance advantage in single-core tasks and improved efficiency. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience on the A41. Both chipsets are fabricated on a 12nm process, but the architectural improvements in the P65 outweigh this similarity.
Battery Life
Both the LG Q61 and Samsung Galaxy A41 achieve an endurance rating of 102 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. The A41 supports 15W wired charging, while the Q61’s charging speed is unspecified. While the battery capacity isn’t explicitly stated, the similar endurance ratings suggest comparable sizes. The A41’s faster charging capability offers a convenience advantage, allowing for quicker top-ups when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q61 if you prioritize a simple, functional smartphone experience and are on an extremely tight budget. It’s a solid option for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A41 if you value smoother multitasking, a brighter display for outdoor use, and a slightly more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A41 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P65 isn't a gaming powerhouse, the Galaxy A41 should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The Helio P65’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost over the Q61’s P35, making it a more suitable choice for casual gaming.
❓ Is the LG Q61 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The LG Q61 excels as a basic communication device. Its Helio P35 chipset is sufficient for handling calls, texts, and light social media browsing. If your smartphone needs are minimal, the Q61 offers a functional and affordable solution.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A41 support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The Samsung Galaxy A41 supports 15W wired charging. While not the fastest charging available, it's significantly quicker than the LG Q61's unspecified charging speed. A full charge from 0-100% is estimated to take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
❓ How does the camera on the LG Q61 perform in low-light conditions?
Given the lack of specific camera specs, low-light performance on the LG Q61 is likely to be subpar. Expect noticeable noise and a lack of detail in dimly lit environments. The Samsung Galaxy A41 may offer slightly better low-light performance due to Samsung's image processing capabilities, but neither phone is expected to excel in this area.
