The LG W30 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A30s represent compelling options in the sub-$250 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid Android experience without breaking the bank, they diverge in their core hardware choices – Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 632 versus Samsung’s Exynos 7904. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value and performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and slightly faster charging, the LG W30 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 632 chipset, while older, offers a more refined experience than the Exynos 7904, especially in sustained tasks. However, the A30s’ lower price point for the 128GB variant makes it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, October | 2019, August 22. Released 2019, September 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 157.7 x 75.9 x 8.3 mm (6.21 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) | 158.5 x 74.7 x 7.8 mm (6.24 x 2.94 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Asahi Dragontrail Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Silver) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM632 Snapdragon 632 (14 nm) | Exynos 7904 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, AF |
| Triple | 13 MP, PDAF
8 MP, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 25 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired, 50% in 35 min | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4050 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Midnight Purple | Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush White, Prism Crush Green, Prism Crush Violet2 |
| Models | LMX600IM, LM-X600IM | SM-A307F, SM-A307FN, SM-A307G, SM-A307GN, SM-A307GT |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 260 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.43 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.05 W/kg (head) 1.54 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 194.02 |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 269.99 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 120.00 |
LG W30 Pro
- Faster charging speed (50% in 35 min)
- Potentially smoother sustained performance with Snapdragon 632
- More efficient CPU architecture
- Potentially higher price compared to A30s 128GB variant
- Camera performance details unknown
Samsung Galaxy A30s
- Lower price, especially for the 128GB/4GB RAM model ($194.02)
- Larger storage option available (128GB)
- Samsung’s potentially more vibrant display
- Slower 15W charging
- Exynos 7904 may exhibit more throttling under sustained load
- Image processing may be overly saturated for some users
Display Comparison
Neither LG nor Samsung provide display specifications beyond resolution in the provided data. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The real difference will lie in color calibration and peak brightness, areas where Samsung typically excels. Without specific nit ratings, it’s reasonable to assume the A30s may offer a slightly more vibrant viewing experience, but this is speculative. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the design trends of the time.
Camera Comparison
The provided data doesn’t detail camera specifications beyond the presence of a 2MP macro lens on both devices – a sensor often included for marketing purposes but offering limited real-world benefit. The primary sensor quality and image processing algorithms will be the deciding factors. Samsung’s image processing tends to be more saturated and vibrant, while LG often aims for a more natural look. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. The A30s may have a slight edge due to Samsung’s established camera software expertise.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The LG W30 Pro’s Snapdragon 632 utilizes a Kryo 250 architecture, split into performance 'Gold' and efficiency 'Silver' cores. This design aims for a balance between power and battery life. The Samsung Galaxy A30s, with its Exynos 7904, employs a more traditional Cortex-A73/A53 configuration. While the A73 cores offer higher peak performance, the 632’s architecture is generally more efficient and provides smoother sustained performance. The A30s’ CPU clock speeds (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) suggest a focus on burst performance, while the W30 Pro’s (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Silver) aims for consistent throughput. Both phones feature 4GB of RAM, but the Snapdragon’s optimized memory management could translate to fewer app reloads.
Battery Life
Both phones utilize 14nm process technology, suggesting similar power consumption characteristics. The LG W30 Pro boasts a 50% charge in 35 minutes, implying a faster charging rate than the A30s’ 15W wired charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the W30 Pro is a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their devices. The A30s’ slower charging speed could be a drawback for those with limited downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W30 Pro if you need a phone that handles everyday tasks and light multitasking smoothly, and appreciate a slightly quicker charging experience. It’s ideal for users who value consistent performance over absolute storage capacity. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A30s if you prioritize maximizing storage for the money, particularly if the 128GB/4GB RAM model is available at a significantly lower price than the W30 Pro. It’s a good fit for users who primarily consume media and don’t heavily rely on demanding apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7904 in the Galaxy A30s tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 7904, being built on a 14nm process, is prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. While it can handle casual gaming, demanding titles like PUBG may experience frame drops after extended play. The Snapdragon 632 in the W30 Pro, with its more efficient architecture, is likely to maintain more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included for marketing purposes but rarely deliver significant improvements over standard close-up shots taken with the main camera.
❓ What kind of storage does the Samsung Galaxy A30s use, and is it expandable?
The Samsung Galaxy A30s is available with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. It also supports microSD card expansion up to 512GB, allowing users to increase storage capacity as needed. This is a significant advantage for users who store a lot of photos, videos, or apps.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 632 handle multitasking compared to the Exynos 7904?
The Snapdragon 632’s optimized memory management and efficient CPU architecture generally result in smoother multitasking. While both phones have 4GB of RAM, the 632 is better at keeping more apps active in the background without needing to reload them, leading to a more responsive user experience.
