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.
🏆 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.
| 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 | 2021, February 22. Released 2021, March 03 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.5 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) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 900 x 1600 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~280 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 118.3 cm2 (~91.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (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 6GB 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/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/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 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, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Blue, Laser Blue | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | LMK610IM, LM-K610IM | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 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.