The LG Q52 and W31 represent LG's attempts to capture the budget smartphone market. Both devices offer a similar aesthetic, but diverge significantly under the hood. This comparison focuses on the core differences – specifically the chipset – and how those differences translate into real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG Q52 offers a more compelling experience. Its Helio P35 chipset, with its faster core clock speeds, provides a noticeable performance boost over the W31’s Helio P22, making it better suited for multitasking and moderately demanding apps. While both phones are entry-level, the Q52 delivers more for the money.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 06. Released 2020, December 23 | 2020, September 26. Released 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173.6 g (6.14 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| | - | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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) | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| 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, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue | Silky White, Silky Red |
| Models | LMK315IM, LM-K315, LM-K315IM | LM-Q520N |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 240 EUR |
LG W31
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Likely similar battery life to Q52
- Slower processor (Helio P22)
- Less responsive user experience
- Poorer performance in demanding apps
LG Q52
- Faster processor (Helio P35)
- Improved multitasking and app responsiveness
- Better performance in light gaming
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially slightly lower battery life (though likely minimal)
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither LG provides detailed display specifications beyond resolution. Given their market positioning, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like HDR is expected. The real difference lies in the processing power driving the display, which is covered in the performance section. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. The image processing capabilities are heavily reliant on the chipset, giving the Q52 an edge due to its more powerful processor. This translates to faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic; image quality from such sensors is typically underwhelming. The Q52’s chipset will likely handle computational photography tasks (like HDR) more effectively.
Performance
The core distinction between these phones is the chipset. The LG Q52’s Mediatek Helio P35 features an octa-core configuration with a split design: four cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the LG W31’s Helio P22, which utilizes eight Cortex-A53 cores all clocked at 2.0 GHz. The P35’s faster cores provide a significant advantage in single-core performance, impacting app launch times and overall responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the P35’s architecture is more efficient, potentially leading to slightly better thermal management under sustained load. Users who engage in light gaming or multitasking will experience a more fluid experience on the Q52.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given their similar form factors and target market, battery sizes are likely comparable. The Helio P35 in the Q52, while more powerful, is also slightly more efficient. This could translate to marginally better battery life, but the difference will likely be minimal. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both phones likely support standard 10W or 15W charging, resulting in similar 0-100% charge times.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W31 if you prioritize absolute affordability and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the LG Q52 if you want a smoother, more responsive experience, especially if you occasionally play mobile games or use multiple apps simultaneously. The Q52’s improved chipset offers a tangible upgrade in everyday usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG Q52 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The LG Q52’s Helio P35 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it’s significantly better than the W31 for casual gaming.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P22 and Helio P35 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Helio P35’s faster cores result in quicker app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience. Multitasking will also be less laggy on the Q52.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging?
Neither LG provides information on fast charging support. Both phones likely support standard 10W or 15W charging, meaning a full charge will take approximately 2-3 hours.
❓ Which phone is better for taking photos in low light?
The LG Q52 is likely better for low-light photography. Its Helio P35 chipset allows for more effective image processing, potentially reducing noise and improving detail in dimly lit environments.
