The LG W10 and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core represent the extreme lower end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very affordable secondary device. Both rely on Mediatek chipsets, but a significant generational gap exists, impacting performance and overall user experience. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG W10 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, built on a 12nm process, delivers noticeably better performance than the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s older, 28nm MT6739. While both phones are limited, the W10 offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and a slightly better future-proofing.
| 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, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, July | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm (6.14 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 164 g (5.78 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1512 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.19 inches, 96.0 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tulip Purple, Smokey Grey | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | LMX130IM | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
LG W10
- Faster and more efficient processor (Helio P22)
- More responsive user experience
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Likely higher price than the A01 Core
- Still a budget device with limitations
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable for very basic communication tasks
- Potentially longer standby time due to simpler functionality
- Significantly slower processor (MT6739)
- Poor multitasking performance
- Limited app compatibility
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the W10’s Helio P22 has a more capable GPU, potentially leading to smoother animations and faster app loading times, even if the panel itself is similar. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Detailed sensor information is lacking, but both likely feature low-resolution primary sensors. The A01 Core’s camera is unlikely to offer significant detail or dynamic range. The W10, benefiting from the more powerful ISP within the Helio P22, *may* offer slightly better image processing, but expectations should remain low. Any secondary cameras (depth or macro) on either device are likely to be of minimal practical use.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The LG W10’s Mediatek Helio P22, with its octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, is substantially more powerful than the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s quad-core Cortex-A53 running at 1.5 GHz. Crucially, the Helio P22 is fabricated on a 12nm process, offering improved power efficiency and thermal characteristics compared to the A01 Core’s 28nm MT6739. This means the W10 is less likely to throttle under sustained load and will deliver a more consistent experience. The A01 Core will struggle with multitasking and even moderately demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for both devices. However, the 28nm process of the MT6739 in the A01 Core is inherently less power-efficient than the 12nm process of the Helio P22 in the W10. This means the A01 Core will likely drain its battery faster under similar usage. While charging wattage is also unknown, the W10’s more efficient chipset gives it an advantage in overall battery life, even if the battery capacity is similar.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W10 if you prioritize responsiveness and a smoother user experience, even for basic tasks like browsing and social media. It’s a better option if you anticipate using more than a handful of apps or want a phone that will feel usable for a longer period. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if your absolute priority is the lowest possible price and your usage will be extremely limited to calls, texts, and perhaps a single, lightweight app. It’s best suited for those who need a phone purely for communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the A01 Core’s MT6739 chipset and limited RAM will likely result in slow loading times, lag, and potential crashes when running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, especially with multiple chats or features open simultaneously. The LG W10 will provide a noticeably smoother experience.
❓ Is the LG W10 a good choice for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
The LG W10 is a reasonable upgrade from a feature phone, offering a larger screen, access to apps, and smartphone functionality. While it’s not a high-end device, its Helio P22 chipset provides enough power for basic smartphone tasks, making it a suitable entry point into the Android ecosystem.
❓ Does either phone support 5GHz Wi-Fi?
It's highly unlikely that either phone supports 5GHz Wi-Fi. Devices in this price range typically only include 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity to reduce costs.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core likely runs Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. The LG W10 may run a full version of Android, but it's likely an older version with limited updates.
