The LG Velvet 5G and W41 Pro represent divergent strategies from LG. The Velvet aimed for a premium mid-range experience with 5G connectivity and fast charging, while the W41 Pro focused on affordability with a basic feature set. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG Velvet 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset delivers significantly better performance, and the inclusion of 25W fast charging and 5G connectivity provides a more future-proof experience. The W41 Pro is only recommended for those on an extremely tight budget.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat16 1000/75 Mbps, 5G 2Gbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 22. Released 2021, March 03 | 2020, May 07. Released 2020, May 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 166.5 x 77.3 x 9.3 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) | 167.2 x 74.1 x 7.9 mm (6.58 x 2.92 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 900 x 1600 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~280 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 118.3 cm2 (~91.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | P-OLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, LG UX |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| 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 (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 15mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (standard), 1/3.06, 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| 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, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 25W wired, PD3.0, QC4
9W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Blue, Laser Blue | Aurora White, Aurora Green, Aurora Gray, Illusion Sunset, Red, Pink |
| Models | LMK610IM, LM-K610IM | LM-G900N, LM-G900EM, LM-G900, LM-G900TM |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 470 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.23 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 79h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-23.5 LUFS (Very good) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 297372 (v8)
GeekBench: 1905 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG W41 Pro
- Extremely affordable price point
- Decent battery endurance (79h)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Weak processor (Helio G35)
- Limited features and connectivity
- Likely a basic camera experience
LG Velvet 5G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Powerful Snapdragon 765G processor
- 25W fast charging with wireless charging support
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Higher price compared to the W41 Pro
- Battery life is similar to the W41 Pro despite the more powerful processor
Display Comparison
The LG Velvet 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 617 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the W41 Pro. While both are likely LCD panels given the price points, the Velvet’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. The Velvet’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a standard LCD contrast level, while the W41 Pro’s display specs are absent, implying a similarly basic experience. The lack of high refresh rate information on both devices suggests a standard 60Hz experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but details are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Velvet 5G’s positioning as a mid-range device suggests a more sophisticated camera system with potentially better image processing. The W41 Pro likely relies on simpler image processing algorithms. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests neither prioritizes advanced stabilization features.
Performance
The performance disparity is substantial. The LG Velvet 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm) is built on a far more advanced process node than the W41 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm). The Snapdragon 765G’s octa-core CPU, with its Kryo 475 Prime, Gold, and Silver cores, offers a more balanced and powerful architecture than the W41 Pro’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3GHz and four at 1.8GHz. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the Velvet. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both phones share an endurance rating of 79 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the performance differences. However, the Velvet 5G offers a significant advantage in charging speed with 25W wired charging (PD3.0, QC4) and 9W wireless charging. The W41 Pro’s charging capabilities are not specified, implying a slower, standard charging rate. The faster charging on the Velvet 5G minimizes downtime and provides greater convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W41 Pro if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. You're willing to compromise on performance and future-proofing. Buy the LG Velvet 5G if you value 5G connectivity, faster processing speeds for gaming and multitasking, and the convenience of 25W fast charging. You're willing to spend more for a smoother, more capable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 765G in the LG Velvet 5G powerful enough for demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings. While it's not a flagship-level chip, it provides a smooth gaming experience for most titles, and the 7nm process helps mitigate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Does the LG Velvet 5G support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
The Snapdragon 765G modem supports carrier aggregation, which allows the Velvet 5G to combine multiple 5G channels for faster download and upload speeds. However, actual speeds will depend on your carrier's network and coverage.
❓ Is the LG W41 Pro a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and basic social media?
Yes, the LG W41 Pro is a suitable option for basic usage. Its Helio G35 processor is sufficient for these tasks, and the battery life is adequate. However, expect slower app loading times and a less responsive experience compared to more powerful phones.
❓ What type of charging port does the LG Velvet 5G use?
The LG Velvet 5G uses a USB-C port, supporting 25W fast charging with Power Delivery 3.0 (PD3.0) and Quick Charge 4 (QC4) standards. This allows for compatibility with a wide range of chargers.
