The LG W10 and Nokia 3.2 represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those seeking a reliable secondary device. Both phones aim for affordability, but they take different approaches to achieving it, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the LG W10 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, with its octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia 3.2’s quad-core Snapdragon 429. While the Nokia 3.2 offers 10W charging, the W10’s superior processing power makes it the more capable device overall.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - EMEA, APAC, MENA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, July | 2019, February 24. Released 2019, May 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm (6.14 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 159.4 x 76.2 x 8.6 mm (6.28 x 3.00 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 164 g (5.78 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1512 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.19 inches, 96.0 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 504 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 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, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted, 32/3GB only), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tulip Purple, Smokey Grey | Black, Steel |
| Models | LMX130IM | TA-1156, TA-1159, TA-1164 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.63 W/kg (body) |
LG W10
- More powerful octa-core processor for smoother performance
- Potentially better image processing due to Helio P22 ISP
- Better suited for multitasking and light gaming
- No specified charging wattage (likely slower than Nokia 3.2)
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
Nokia 3.2
- 10W wired charging for faster replenishment
- More power-efficient chipset for longer battery life during basic use
- Clean Android experience (potentially Android Go edition)
- Quad-core processor struggles with demanding tasks
- Slower app launch times and less responsive multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – around 720p+ and moderate brightness levels. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a camera comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. It's safe to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The image processing capabilities of each chipset will play a role, but the difference is unlikely to be dramatic. Focusing on the chipset, the Helio P22’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more capable than the Snapdragon 429’s, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG W10’s Mediatek Helio P22 is an octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz, utilizing Cortex-A53 cores. The Nokia 3.2, conversely, employs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 429, a quad-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz, also based on Cortex-A53 cores. While both are 12nm chips, the higher core count of the Helio P22 translates to significantly better multi-tasking and app launch speeds. The Snapdragon 429 is more power-efficient, potentially leading to slightly longer battery life during light use, but it will struggle with more demanding tasks. The W10 will be noticeably faster in almost all scenarios.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Nokia 3.2 includes 10W wired charging, a feature absent from the provided LG W10 specifications. This means the Nokia 3.2 will likely charge faster. The Snapdragon 429’s lower power consumption might also contribute to slightly longer battery life during typical usage. However, the W10’s more powerful processor could offset this advantage if used heavily.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W10 if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, light gaming, and smoother multitasking. Its octa-core processor will provide a more fluid experience. Buy the Nokia 3.2 if you prioritize simplicity, a clean Android experience (potentially Android Go edition), and a slightly more efficient chipset for basic tasks like calls and messaging, and value the inclusion of 10W charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG W10 struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
While the LG W10 can run these apps, the Helio P22’s performance is at the lower end of the spectrum. Expect some occasional lag when scrolling through feeds or loading images, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The Nokia 3.2 will likely exhibit even more noticeable slowdowns.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 429 in the Nokia 3.2 sufficient for basic tasks like calling and texting?
Yes, the Snapdragon 429 is perfectly adequate for core smartphone functions like making calls, sending texts, and using basic messaging apps. Its power efficiency will contribute to good battery life during these tasks. However, it's not ideal for anything beyond these basic operations.
❓ Can either of these phones handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Both phones will struggle with these games. While you might be able to run them at the lowest settings, expect significant frame rate drops and a generally poor gaming experience. The LG W10 will offer a slightly better experience due to its more powerful processor, but it's still not a gaming-focused device.
