The LG W41 and W31 represent LG's attempts to capture the ultra-budget smartphone market. While visually similar, a key differentiator lies under the hood: their chipsets. This comparison dissects the Mediatek Helio G35 in the W41 against the Helio P22 in the W31, revealing which device delivers a smoother experience for everyday use and light multitasking.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG W41 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, featuring more powerful Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the W31’s Helio P22, making it more responsive for app loading and general navigation.
| 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, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 22. Released 2021, March 03 | 2020, November 06. Released 2020, December 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.5 x 77.3 x 9.3 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) | 166.2 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 173.6 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 900 x 1600 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~280 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 118.3 cm2 (~91.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB 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 | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Blue, Laser Blue | Midnight Blue |
| Models | LMK610IM, LM-K610IM | LMK315IM, LM-K315, LM-K315IM |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 130 EUR |
LG W41
- Noticeably faster CPU performance thanks to the Helio G35.
- Slightly improved GPU performance for basic gaming.
- Potentially better power efficiency under load.
- May be slightly more expensive than the W31.
- Still an entry-level chipset, not suitable for demanding tasks.
LG W31
- Likely the more affordable option.
- Sufficient for very basic smartphone tasks.
- Acceptable battery life for minimal usage.
- Significantly slower CPU performance.
- Struggles with multitasking and app loading.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
Display Comparison
Both the LG W41 and W31 likely feature similar LCD panels, given their market positioning. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they target the standard for this price bracket. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison of color accuracy or viewing angles. However, the display is not a key differentiating factor between these two models.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor specifications, a direct camera comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro/depth sensors of limited utility). The image processing capabilities of the respective chipsets will play a role, but the Helio G35’s slightly more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer marginally better image quality in good lighting conditions. However, expect similar results in low-light scenarios, where both phones will struggle.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG W41’s Mediatek Helio G35 utilizes an octa-core configuration with 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This contrasts with the LG W31’s Helio P22, which features an octa-core setup clocked uniformly at 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. The higher clock speeds on the G35, combined with its core configuration, translate to approximately 15-20% faster CPU performance in benchmarks. This means faster app launch times and smoother multitasking. While both are based on a 12nm process, the G35’s architecture provides a clear advantage. The GPU in the G35 is also slightly more capable, offering a modest improvement in gaming performance, though neither phone is designed for demanding titles.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing. However, given their similar form factors and target market, we can assume comparable battery sizes (likely around 4000mAh). The Helio G35 in the W41 is slightly more power-efficient under load due to its architectural improvements, potentially leading to marginally longer battery life during gaming or video playback. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to support standard 10W or 15W charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W41 if you prioritize a more fluid user experience, even with basic tasks, and anticipate occasional light gaming. The Helio G35 offers a tangible performance advantage. Buy the LG W31 if your needs are extremely basic – primarily calls, texts, and very light app usage – and you're seeking the absolute lowest possible price point. The W31 will suffice for minimal smartphone functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG W41 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G35 in the LG W41 provides enough processing power to run social media apps without significant lag. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it will be noticeably smoother than the W31 for scrolling through feeds and browsing content.
❓ Is the LG W31 suitable for playing games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The LG W31 is not well-suited for playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. The Helio P22 chipset will struggle to maintain a stable frame rate, even on the lowest graphics settings. The LG W41 offers a slight improvement, but still isn't ideal for serious gaming.
❓ How much faster is the LG W41 in real-world usage compared to the LG W31?
In real-world usage, the LG W41 will feel approximately 15-20% faster than the LG W31 when launching apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. This difference is noticeable and makes the W41 a more responsive device overall.
