LG W41 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy A12 (India): Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

Both the LG W41 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) target the highly competitive budget smartphone market. However, they approach this segment with different silicon and design philosophies. The LG prioritizes a slightly different CPU core configuration, while Samsung leverages its in-house Exynos 850 chipset. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice. Its Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the LG W41 Pro’s 12nm Helio G35. While the LG may offer a slightly different software experience, the A12’s superior processing power and 15W charging make it the more compelling option.

PHONES
Phone Names LG W41 Pro Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, February 22. Released 2021, March 032021, August 12
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, August 12
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions166.5 x 77.3 x 9.3 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.37 in)164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight201 g (7.09 oz)205 g (7.23 oz)
Display
Resolution900 x 1600 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~280 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 118.3 cm2 (~91.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)PLS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)Exynos 850 (8 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G52
OSAndroid 10Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad48 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 lens48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF 5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio, RDS, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging-15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMagic Blue, Laser BlueBlack, Blue, White
ModelsLMK610IM, LM-K610IMSM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS
PriceAbout 180 EURAbout 160 EUR
SAR-0.79 W/kg (head)

LG W41 Pro

  • Potentially more customized software experience (LG UI)
  • Helio G35 may be sufficient for very basic tasks
  • May be available at a lower price point

  • Less powerful processor (Helio G35)
  • 12nm process is less efficient
  • Likely slower charging speeds

Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)

  • More powerful Exynos 850 processor
  • 8nm process for better efficiency
  • 15W fast charging support
  • Samsung’s established brand and support

  • Samsung’s One UI can be resource-intensive
  • May be slightly more expensive than the LG W41 Pro

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifics like panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing, but both likely target a 720p+ resolution common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: processing power impacts UI smoothness. While both will likely offer adequate viewing angles, the A12’s more powerful chipset will contribute to a more responsive touch experience.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed sensor information beyond the presence of multiple cameras, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the A12’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Exynos 850 likely offers more sophisticated image processing capabilities than the Helio G35’s ISP. This could result in better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos. The prevalence of 2MP macro and depth sensors on both devices suggests limited utility; focusing on the main sensor’s quality is more important. The A12’s processing power will likely allow for faster image capture and processing times.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, is the clear winner in the performance category. This smaller node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency compared to the LG W41 Pro’s 12nm Helio G35. The Exynos 850 utilizes eight Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, a more modern architecture than the W41 Pro’s mix of 2.3 GHz and 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While the LG’s higher clock speeds on some cores *might* offer a slight advantage in single-threaded tasks, the A12’s more efficient architecture and consistent core speeds will translate to smoother multitasking and better sustained performance. The A12 is better suited for running demanding apps and light gaming.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the Samsung Galaxy A12’s inclusion of 15W wired charging is a significant advantage. The LG W41 Pro’s charging speed is unknown, but it’s likely slower. Even with a similar battery capacity, the A12’s faster charging will reduce downtime. The Exynos 850’s 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life during typical usage.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG W41 Pro if you prioritize a potentially more customized software experience and are comfortable with a less powerful processor for basic tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you need a phone capable of handling moderate multitasking, occasional gaming, and benefit from Samsung’s established brand reputation and faster charging capabilities. The A12 is the better all-rounder.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 (India) get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 850 isn't a flagship chip, its 8nm process and efficient architecture help manage thermals reasonably well. You may experience some warming during extended gaming, but it's unlikely to lead to significant throttling or performance drops, unlike some other chips in this price range. The LG W41 Pro's Helio G35 may throttle sooner due to its less efficient 12nm process.
❓ Are the 2MP macro and depth cameras on either phone actually useful for taking good photos?
Generally, the 2MP macro and depth cameras on both the LG W41 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) offer limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail. The depth sensor assists with portrait mode, but software processing plays a larger role in achieving a convincing bokeh effect. Don't base your purchase decision on these cameras.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve consistently smooth frame rates. The Exynos 850 is capable, but it's not a dedicated gaming chip. Expect frame rates in the 30-40 FPS range with optimized settings. The LG W41 Pro will likely struggle to maintain stable frame rates even at lower settings.