The LG W41+ and W41 Pro represent LG's foray into the ultra-budget smartphone market. While appearing similar at first glance, understanding their nuanced differences is crucial, especially given their shared Mediatek Helio G35 chipset. This comparison aims to dissect those subtleties and determine if the 'Pro' designation justifies any price premium.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the LG W41+ and W41 Pro are functionally identical. The shared Helio G35 chipset and CPU configuration mean performance will be indistinguishable. The W41+ represents the better value proposition, as any price difference isn't justified by hardware improvements.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | 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 | 2021, February 22 | 2021, February 22. Released 2021, March 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 03 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.5 x 77.3 x 9.3 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) | 166.5 x 77.3 x 9.3 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 900 x 1600 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~280 ppi density) | 900 x 1600 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~280 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 118.3 cm2 (~91.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 118.3 cm2 (~91.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Blue, Laser Blue | Magic Blue, Laser Blue |
| Models | LMK610IM, LM-K610IM | LMK610IM, LM-K610IM |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 180 EUR |
LG W41+
- Likely more affordable price point
- Identical performance to the W41 Pro
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- May have limited availability
- No discernible hardware advantages over the Pro model
LG W41 Pro
- Identical performance to the W41+
- May benefit from slightly wider availability
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially higher price than the W41+
- No tangible hardware improvements
Display Comparison
Both the LG W41+ and W41 Pro utilize displays that, while adequate for their price point, lack detailed specifications in the provided data. Given the target market, we can assume both feature LCD panels, likely with a 720p+ resolution. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rate suggests a focus on cost reduction rather than display quality. Bezels are likely substantial on both models, contributing to a less immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is another area where differentiation is minimal. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the provided data doesn't specify sensor sizes or lens apertures. It's reasonable to assume a primary sensor around 13-16MP, accompanied by auxiliary lenses (depth, macro) that are unlikely to deliver significant image quality improvements. Image processing will likely be similar, focusing on basic scene optimization and HDR. The lack of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) suggests that low-light photography will be a challenge for both devices. The usefulness of any 2MP macro camera is questionable, offering limited detail and resolution.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35, a 12nm chipset featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This means performance will be virtually identical between the two phones. The Helio G35 is designed for entry-level gaming and multitasking, and users should expect smooth operation for basic apps but potential slowdowns with demanding games or heavy multitasking. RAM speed (likely LPDDR4X) and storage type (eMMC) are also likely identical, further cementing the performance parity. Thermal management will be similar, with the 12nm process offering reasonable efficiency for the intended use case.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified, but given the target market, we can anticipate a battery size around 4000-5000mAh on both devices. Charging speeds are likely to be relatively slow, potentially around 10-15W. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but users can expect a full day of moderate use. The absence of fast charging technology means 0-100% charging times will likely exceed two hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W41+ if you prioritize value and are seeking a basic, functional smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the LG W41 Pro if you find it at the same price as the W41+ – there's no compelling reason to choose the base model if the 'Pro' version is equally affordable, but don't pay extra for the name.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will I notice a difference in gaming performance between the LG W41+ and W41 Pro?
No, you will not. Both phones utilize the same Mediatek Helio G35 chipset and CPU configuration. This means gaming performance will be virtually identical, limited by the chipset's capabilities. Expect playable frame rates in less demanding titles, but potential stuttering in graphically intensive games.
❓ Is the camera quality significantly different between the two models?
Based on the available information, the camera quality is expected to be the same. Both phones likely feature similar sensor configurations and image processing algorithms. Any differences will be negligible and unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging?
Neither the LG W41+ nor the W41 Pro are expected to support fast charging. Given their budget positioning, they likely utilize standard 10-15W charging, resulting in longer charging times.
