The LG W41 Pro and W41+ represent a curious case in the smartphone market. Released around the same time, they target the entry-level segment, but their near-identical specifications raise the question: what differentiates them, and which one offers the better value proposition for budget-conscious consumers?
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the LG W41+ is the slightly better choice, assuming pricing is comparable. While both phones share the same Mediatek Helio G35 chipset and core features, the W41+ often benefits from wider availability and potentially more aggressive promotions, making it the more accessible option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 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. Released 2021, March 03 | 2021, February 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 03 |
| 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 | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| 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 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB 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 (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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) |
| 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 | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Blue, Laser Blue | Magic Blue, Laser Blue |
| Models | LMK610IM, LM-K610IM | LMK610IM, LM-K610IM |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 170 EUR |
LG W41 Pro
- Identical performance to W41+
- Potential for deeper discounts
- Same Helio G35 chipset
- Potentially limited availability
- Uncertain long-term software support
LG W41+
- Identical performance to W41 Pro
- Generally wider availability
- Potentially better software support
- May not always be cheaper than W41 Pro
- Same Helio G35 chipset
Display Comparison
Both the LG W41 Pro and W41+ utilize displays with similar characteristics, though precise specifications like resolution and panel type aren't provided. Given their market segment, we can assume they feature LCD panels. The lack of information regarding peak brightness or color gamut coverage suggests these displays are geared towards basic usability rather than media consumption. Bezels are likely to be noticeable, typical of phones in this price range. The user experience will be largely the same on both devices regarding display quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not detailed beyond the chipset. Given the target market, we can expect a basic camera setup, likely featuring a primary sensor and potentially a depth sensor. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture suggests image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots but will struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera (likely present on both) offers limited practical benefit due to its low resolution and fixed focus. Image processing will likely be basic, prioritizing speed over advanced features. Expect similar camera performance from both devices.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This chipset is designed for entry-level performance, capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. Gaming performance will be limited to less demanding titles at lower settings. The 12nm process node indicates reasonable power efficiency, but thermal throttling could become a factor during prolonged gaming sessions. RAM configurations are not specified, but will significantly impact multitasking performance; more RAM is always preferable. The identical chipset guarantees identical CPU and GPU performance between the two models.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified. However, considering the Helio G35's power efficiency and the target market, we can anticipate a battery capacity in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Charging speeds are likely to be relatively slow, potentially utilizing a 10W or 15W charger. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use. The lack of fast charging support means 0-100% charging times will likely exceed two hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W41 Pro if you find it significantly discounted and availability is a concern. Its performance will be identical to the W41+, making it a sensible choice if the price is right. Buy the LG W41+ if you prioritize ease of purchase and potentially better long-term software support, as it was generally the more widely distributed model. Both are suited for basic smartphone tasks, light gaming, and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G35 in either phone handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Mediatek Helio G35 is an entry-level chipset. While it can *run* PUBG Mobile, you'll need to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially accept lower frame rates for a smooth experience. It's not designed for demanding gaming.
❓ Is the software on either the LG W41 Pro or W41+ likely to receive updates?
Given LG's exit from the smartphone market, the likelihood of significant software updates for either the W41 Pro or W41+ is very low. Expect security patches to be infrequent or non-existent. Both phones likely launched with an older version of Android.
❓ What type of charging port do these phones use?
Based on the market segment and typical LG designs, both the W41 Pro and W41+ likely use a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. This is slower than USB-C, but common in this price range.
