The LG W11 and W31 represent LG’s attempt to capture the ultra-budget smartphone market. Despite appearing similar on paper, these devices were released in different regions and potentially with subtle software optimizations. This comparison dissects the nuances between the two, focusing on how they cater to distinct user needs despite sharing core hardware.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the LG W31 is the slightly better choice, primarily due to its potential for wider availability and potentially more refined software experience. However, given the identical core hardware, the W11 remains a viable option if priced significantly lower.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 06 | 2020, November 06. Released 2020, December 23 |
| Status | Cancelled | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 166.2 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 173.6 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| 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, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue | Midnight Blue |
| Models | LM-K310IM | LMK315IM, LM-K315, LM-K315IM |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 130 EUR |
LG W11
- Potentially lower price point
- Identical performance to W31 for basic tasks
- Reasonable power efficiency with Helio P22
- Potentially limited software support
- Regional availability may be restricted
LG W31
- Potentially wider availability
- Likely more refined software experience
- Identical performance to W11 for basic tasks
- May be slightly more expensive than W11
- Still limited by the Helio P22 chipset
Display Comparison
Both the LG W11 and W31 utilize displays that, while adequate for their price point, don’t push any boundaries. Given the lack of specific display specs in the provided data, we can infer they are likely IPS LCD panels. The focus here isn’t on cutting-edge technology like OLED or high refresh rates, but rather on providing a functional viewing experience. Differences, if any, likely reside in color calibration or brightness levels, which would be determined through testing. The identical chipsets suggest similar graphics processing capabilities, meaning gaming visuals will be constrained by the hardware, not the display.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, given the shared chipset and lack of specific camera sensor details. The market segment suggests the inclusion of basic camera modules, potentially with a primary sensor around 13MP. Image processing will be handled by the Helio P22’s ISP, which is adequate for basic photography but won’t deliver exceptional image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Any differences in camera output will likely stem from software optimizations rather than hardware variations. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens, common in this price range, offers limited practical benefit due to its low resolution and fixed focus.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, an octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz using Cortex-A53 cores. This chipset is designed for basic smartphone tasks – web browsing, social media, and light app usage. The 12nm process node offers reasonable power efficiency, but it’s not a powerhouse. Users should expect some lag when multitasking or running demanding applications. The identical CPU and GPU mean performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the two devices. RAM capacity, which is not specified, will be a significant factor in multitasking performance; more RAM will mitigate the limitations of the Helio P22.
Battery Life
Battery life will be heavily dependent on the battery capacity, which is not provided. However, the power-efficient Helio P22 chipset suggests both devices should be capable of lasting a full day with moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely falls in the 10W-15W range, resulting in relatively slow charging times. The 12nm process node of the Helio P22 contributes to better battery efficiency compared to older, larger process nodes, allowing for longer screen-on time.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W11 if you prioritize finding the absolute lowest price for a functional smartphone and are comfortable with potentially limited software updates or regional availability. Buy the LG W31 if you value a potentially more polished software experience, broader market availability, and a slightly higher chance of receiving software updates, even within the budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG W11 or W31 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio P22 can run these apps, expect some occasional lag, especially when switching between them. The chipset is designed for basic tasks, and these apps can be resource-intensive. Optimizing app usage and limiting background processes will help improve performance.
❓ Are software updates likely for either the LG W11 or W31?
Given their position in the ultra-budget segment, extensive software support is unlikely. LG may provide security patches, but major Android version updates are not guaranteed. The W31 *might* receive slightly more attention due to its potentially wider release, but expectations should remain low.
❓ Can either phone handle basic mobile gaming?
Simple 2D games will run adequately, but demanding 3D games will likely experience significant frame rate drops and lag. The Helio P22’s GPU is not designed for intensive gaming. Lowering graphics settings may improve performance, but the experience will still be limited.
