The LG W31 and W31+ represent LG's foray into the ultra-budget smartphone segment. With nearly identical core specifications, the distinction between these two devices is subtle, prompting the question: does the 'plus' designation signify a meaningful upgrade, or is it merely a marketing tactic? This comparison aims to provide a definitive answer for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the LG W31 and W31+ are functionally equivalent. Both devices offer a basic smartphone experience powered by the Mediatek Helio P22. The W31 is the better buy if available at a significantly lower price, as the '+' model offers no tangible performance benefits.
| 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. Released 2020, December 23 | 2020, November 06. Released 2020, December 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | 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) | 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue | Midnight Blue |
| Models | LMK315IM, LM-K315, LM-K315IM | LMK315IM, LM-K315, LM-K315IM |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 140 EUR |
LG W31
- Potentially lower price point
- Identical performance to W31+
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Unspecified display quality
LG W31+
- Identical performance to W31
- May include additional accessories
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Likely higher price than W31
- Unspecified display quality
Display Comparison
Both the LG W31 and W31+ utilize displays with unspecified resolutions and panel technologies. Given their market positioning, it's safe to assume both employ IPS LCD panels. Without knowing the peak brightness or color gamut coverage, it's impossible to definitively state a display advantage. However, the lack of high refresh rate technology on either device suggests a focus on power efficiency rather than visual fluidity. Expect standard viewing experiences suitable for basic content consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not detailed enough to draw meaningful conclusions. Both devices likely feature a multi-camera setup, but without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms, a direct comparison is impossible. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to deliver significant photographic improvements; these sensors typically lack the resolution and dynamic range to produce detailed macro shots. Image quality will likely be adequate for social media sharing in good lighting conditions, but will suffer in low-light environments.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, a 12nm chipset featuring an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. This chipset is geared towards entry-level performance, capable of handling basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing. The identical CPU and chipset mean performance will be indistinguishable between the two. The GPU, also identical, will struggle with graphically intensive games, limiting gaming to older titles or low settings. RAM configurations are not specified, but likely hover around 2-4GB, further constraining multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the power-efficient Helio P22 chipset and likely 720p display resolution, both the W31 and W31+ should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, suggesting a standard 5W or 10W charging rate. Expect a 0-100% charge to take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W31 if you prioritize absolute value and are seeking the most affordable smartphone option with a functional, if basic, Android experience. Buy the LG W31+ if you find it at the same price as the W31, or if you simply prefer the aesthetic differences (if any) in the design or included accessories. Neither phone is ideal for demanding tasks like gaming or heavy multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG W31 or W31+ run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Mediatek Helio P22 chipset is not designed for demanding games like PUBG Mobile. While it might be possible to run the game at the lowest graphics settings, expect significant frame rate drops and a less-than-ideal gaming experience. These phones are better suited for casual gaming.
❓ Is the camera on either phone good enough for taking clear photos of documents?
The camera should be adequate for capturing documents in good lighting conditions. However, the lack of autofocus and potentially low resolution may result in blurry or illegible images, especially for smaller text. Ensure sufficient lighting and a steady hand for best results.
❓ What type of SIM cards do these phones support?
Given the target market, both the LG W31 and W31+ likely support dual SIM cards (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by). However, specific network compatibility (4G bands) should be verified based on your carrier.
