The LG Stylo 5 and Samsung Galaxy A11 represent a shrinking segment of the smartphone market: ultra-budget devices focused on essential functionality. Both leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, but subtle differences in battery capacity, charging speed, and display characteristics create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and convenience, the LG Stylo 5 is the better choice. Its 79-hour endurance rating and 20W charging significantly outperform the Galaxy A11, making it ideal for those who need a phone that lasts and recharges quickly. While both phones share the same chipset, the Stylo 5’s advantages in power management and charging are decisive.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 14, 29, 30, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A115U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, June | 2020, March 13. Released 2020, May 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 160 x 77.7 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 3.06 x 0.33 in) | 161.4 x 76.3 x 8 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| | Stylus | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 99.2 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
8 MP | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blonde Rose, Platinum Gray | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | LM-Q720 | SM-A115F/DS, SM-A115F, SM-A115M, SM-A115M/DS, SM-A115U, SM-A115A, SM-A115AZ, SM-A115U1, SM-A115W, SM-A115AP, SM-S115DL |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise-93.5dB / Crosstalk -92.0dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 79h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1485 (nominal), 3.218 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 62dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 70dB
| - |
| Performance |
GeekBench: 4695 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
LG Stylo 5
- Superior battery endurance (79h)
- Faster 20W wired charging
- Better sunlight display contrast
- Camera specs are not detailed
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Samsung Galaxy A11
- Brand recognition (Samsung)
- Potentially wider accessory availability
- Familiar One UI software experience
- Lower battery endurance
- Slower 15W wired charging
- Likely inferior sunlight visibility
Display Comparison
Both the LG Stylo 5 and Samsung Galaxy A11 feature displays designed for cost-effectiveness rather than visual fidelity. The LG Stylo 5 boasts a contrast ratio of 1485 (nominal) and 3.218 (sunlight), suggesting better visibility in bright outdoor conditions compared to the A11, though specific A11 display specs are unavailable. While neither phone is likely to deliver vibrant colors or deep blacks, the Stylo 5’s higher sunlight contrast ratio is a tangible benefit for outdoor users. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is consistent with their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Both the LG Stylo 5 and Samsung Galaxy A11 offer basic camera systems. Without detailed sensor information beyond 'Photo / Video' for the Stylo 5, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both rely on relatively low-resolution primary sensors. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on the A11 is a common, but often underwhelming, feature in this price range. Users should temper expectations regarding image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Image processing will likely prioritize speed over detail and dynamic range.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) chipset with an octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This means performance will be largely identical for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. The 14nm process node, while not cutting-edge, is reasonably efficient for basic workloads. Neither phone is suited for demanding gaming or intensive multitasking. The lack of information regarding RAM configurations suggests both likely utilize a standard 3GB or 4GB setup, further limiting multitasking capabilities. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern given the low-power chipset.
Battery Life
The LG Stylo 5 distinguishes itself with a remarkable 79-hour endurance rating, indicating significantly longer battery life than the Samsung Galaxy A11. This advantage is further amplified by the Stylo 5’s 20W wired charging capability, compared to the A11’s 15W charging. While neither phone offers incredibly fast charging, the 5W difference translates to a noticeable reduction in charging time. The Stylo 5’s combination of efficient power management and faster charging makes it the clear winner for users who prioritize battery life and convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Stylo 5 if you need a phone that can reliably last through a full day of moderate use and charges quickly when you do need to top up. It’s the better option for travelers, outdoor workers, or anyone who dislikes frequent charging. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A11 if you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially wider ecosystem of accessories, understanding that you’ll trade off some battery performance and charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the 20W charging on the LG Stylo 5 a significant improvement over the Galaxy A11's 15W charging?
Yes, while neither phone offers blazing-fast charging, the 5W difference is noticeable. It translates to a faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and increasing convenience. Users who frequently need to top up their phones will appreciate the Stylo 5’s faster charging.
❓ Given both phones use the Snapdragon 450, will I notice a performance difference in everyday use?
No, the performance will be virtually identical for typical tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging. The Snapdragon 450 is a capable processor for basic workloads, and the differences in RAM (if any) are unlikely to be significant enough to create a noticeable performance gap.
❓ How does the LG Stylo 5's battery endurance translate to real-world usage?
The 79-hour endurance rating suggests the LG Stylo 5 can easily last a full day of moderate use on a single charge, even with some video streaming or light gaming. Users can expect to get through a weekend without needing to plug in, making it ideal for travel or situations where access to power is limited.
