The sub-₹15,000 (approximately $180 USD) smartphone segment in India is fiercely competitive. Both the LG W31+ and the Samsung Galaxy A12 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 Mediatek Helio P22 in the LG W31+ versus the Samsung Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a more modern architecture, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice. Its Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, offers a noticeable advantage in efficiency and processing power over the LG W31+'s 12nm Helio P22, despite both featuring similar clock speeds. While the LG W31+ may offer a slightly longer battery life due to the less power-hungry chipset, the A12's overall experience is smoother.
| 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 | 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 140 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
LG W31+
- Potentially longer battery life due to the Helio P22's efficiency.
- May be available at a slightly lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Older and less efficient Helio P22 chipset.
- Likely to struggle with demanding apps and multitasking.
- Slower charging speeds (or lack thereof).
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- More powerful and efficient Exynos 850 chipset.
- Faster 15W wired charging.
- Smoother user experience and better multitasking.
- More future-proof platform.
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load.
- Potentially a higher price tag.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing, but both likely target a 720p+ resolution given the price point. The key difference lies under the hood: processing power impacts UI smoothness. While both will likely have similar color accuracy, the Exynos 850's superior GPU will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the primary sensor and image processing. Without specific sensor details, it's difficult to make a definitive statement. However, Samsung's image processing algorithms are generally more refined than LG's, potentially resulting in more pleasing photos in various lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick; image quality will be limited. Focus should be on the main sensor's megapixel count and aperture.
Performance
The Exynos 850 represents a significant architectural leap over the Helio P22. While both are octa-core CPUs clocked at 2.0 GHz, the Exynos 850 utilizes Cortex-A55 cores across all eight, offering improved efficiency and instruction throughput compared to the Helio P22’s Cortex-A53 cores. Crucially, the Exynos 850 is fabricated on an 8nm process, while the Helio P22 uses a 12nm process. This smaller node allows for greater transistor density and reduced power consumption, leading to better sustained performance and less thermal throttling. The A12 will handle multitasking and moderately demanding apps with greater ease.
Battery Life
The LG W31+ benefits from the Helio P22's lower power consumption. While specific battery capacities are not provided, the W31+ is likely to offer slightly longer battery life during typical usage. However, the Samsung Galaxy A12 compensates with 15W wired charging, a feature absent on the LG W31+. This faster charging capability significantly reduces downtime, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed. The Exynos 850's efficiency also minimizes battery drain during active use.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W31+ if you prioritize maximizing battery life above all else and primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media. The Helio P22's lower power draw will translate to longer periods between charges. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you value a more responsive user experience, smoother multitasking, and the potential for slightly better gaming performance. The Exynos 850 provides a more future-proof platform and a more enjoyable overall experience for demanding users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 850 is more efficient than the Helio P22, it can still experience some thermal throttling during prolonged, graphically intensive gaming. However, the 8nm process helps mitigate this, and the throttling will likely be less severe than on the LG W31+. Expect playable frame rates, but not consistently peak performance during long gaming sessions.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited detail and often produce blurry, underwhelming results. They are primarily a marketing feature and should not be a deciding factor in your purchase. Focus on the quality of the main camera sensor.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at reasonable frame rates?
The Exynos 850 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver the highest graphical fidelity, it provides a playable experience. The LG W31+ will likely struggle to maintain consistent frame rates, even at lower settings.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and streaming content?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) offers a slightly better experience for video consumption due to the Exynos 850's more capable GPU. This translates to smoother playback and potentially better color reproduction. However, the difference will be minimal if both phones have similar display panels.
