The sub-₹15,000 (approximately $180 USD) smartphone market in India is fiercely competitive. Both the LG W31 and the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India variant) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications of the Exynos 850 and MediaTek Helio P22, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and future-proofing, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice. Its Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, offers a significant performance advantage over the LG W31’s 12nm Helio P22, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the LG W31 may offer a slightly longer battery life due to the less powerful chip, the A12’s 15W charging mitigates this.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 06. Released 2020, December 23 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173.6 g (6.14 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
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) | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | LMK315IM, LM-K315, LM-K315IM | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
LG W31
- More powerful Exynos 850 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- More efficient architecture
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life (offset by charging)
- May be slightly more expensive
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Potentially longer battery life
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Efficient chipset for basic tasks
- Significantly slower Helio P22 chipset
- No fast charging
- Less responsive user interface
- Struggles with multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing for both, but both are likely 720p+ displays given the price point. The key difference lies under the hood. The Exynos 850’s more efficient architecture allows for potentially better display power management. While neither phone is expected to reach high brightness levels, the A12’s chipset could deliver slightly more consistent brightness under direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed sensor information. However, given the market segment, both phones likely feature a primary sensor around 13-16MP. The Exynos 850’s image signal processor (ISP) is likely more advanced than the Helio P22’s, potentially resulting in better image processing, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The LG W31 likely includes standard auxiliary lenses (depth, macro) that offer limited utility. The A12’s ISP will likely provide more consistent results across all lenses.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the LG W31’s 12nm MediaTek Helio P22. The Exynos 850 utilizes Cortex-A55 cores across all eight threads, offering improved efficiency and instruction throughput compared to the older Cortex-A53 cores in the Helio P22. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience. While both CPUs are clocked at 2.0 GHz, the architectural improvements in the Exynos 850 provide a clear advantage. The A12 will handle multitasking and moderately demanding apps with greater ease.
Battery Life
The LG W31, powered by the less demanding Helio P22, will likely exhibit slightly longer battery life under identical usage scenarios. However, the Samsung Galaxy A12 compensates with 15W wired charging, a feature absent on the LG W31. This means the A12 can replenish its battery significantly faster, reducing downtime. While the W31 might last a bit longer on a single charge, the convenience of faster charging on the A12 is a significant advantage for many users.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W31 if you prioritize absolute minimal power consumption and are primarily using the phone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. The Helio P22 will sip power, extending battery life. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you value a more responsive user experience, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle moderately demanding apps and games. The Exynos 850 provides a noticeable performance uplift, making it a more versatile device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 850 isn't a high-end gaming chip, its 8nm process and efficient design help manage thermals reasonably well. You may experience some throttling during extended gaming, but it's unlikely to overheat to the point of causing performance issues or discomfort. The Helio P22 in the LG W31 will run cooler, but its lower performance will limit the gaming experience significantly.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful camera component. Expect soft, grainy results, and don't rely on them for high-quality close-up photography.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The Galaxy A12 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve consistently playable frame rates (around 30-40fps). The Exynos 850 is capable, but it's not a dedicated gaming chipset. The LG W31 will struggle to maintain even low frame rates in PUBG Mobile, making the experience less enjoyable.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and streaming content?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice for video consumption. The Exynos 850’s slightly more powerful GPU will provide smoother playback, especially for higher-resolution videos. While both phones likely have similar display quality, the A12’s chipset will handle decoding and rendering video content more efficiently.
