iQOO Z7 vs LG W41: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The LG W41 represents a budget-conscious approach to smartphone ownership, while the vivo iQOO Z7 aims for a sweet spot of performance and features at a slightly higher price point. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two Mediatek-powered devices, focusing on how their chipsets impact real-world usage and whether the iQOO Z7’s advancements are worth the investment.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the vivo iQOO Z7 is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 920 chipset delivers a substantial performance uplift over the LG W41’s Helio G35, coupled with significantly faster 44W charging. While the W41 offers affordability, the Z7 provides a smoother, more capable experience.

PHONES
Phone Names LG W41 vivo iQOO Z7
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, 8, 38, 40, 41
5G bands-1, 3, 8, 28, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, February 22. Released 2021, March 032023, March 17
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, March 21
Body
Dimensions166.5 x 77.3 x 9.3 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.37 in)158.9 x 73.5 x 7.8 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight201 g (7.09 oz)173 g (6.10 oz)
 -IP54, dust and water resistant
Display
Protection-Schott Xensation glass
Resolution900 x 1600 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~280 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~413 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 118.3 cm2 (~91.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.38 inches, 98.3 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 10Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual-64 MP, (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
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 lens-
Single8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-44W wired, 50% in 25 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsMagic Blue, Laser BlueNorway Blue, Pacific Night
ModelsLMK610IM, LM-K610IMI2207
PriceAbout 160 EURAbout 200 EUR
SAR-1.15 W/kg (head)     0.84 W/kg (body)

LG W41

  • Highly affordable price point
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks

  • Outdated Helio G35 chipset
  • Slow charging speeds (likely)
  • Limited performance for demanding apps

vivo iQOO Z7

  • Powerful Dimensity 920 chipset
  • 44W fast charging (50% in 25 min)
  • Smoother user experience and gaming

  • Higher price compared to the LG W41
  • May not have the longest battery life (depending on capacity)
  • Potentially more complex software features

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the W41’s positioning, it likely features a standard 60Hz LCD panel. The iQOO Z7, being a more recent and slightly higher-tier device, may incorporate a higher refresh rate (90Hz or 120Hz) LCD or AMOLED panel, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. The Z7’s potential for a more advanced panel technology would be a noticeable benefit for media consumption and gaming.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the iQOO Z7, positioned as a more feature-rich device, likely benefits from a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Dimensity 920 chipset. This ISP would enable better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the Z7’s processing capabilities will likely result in superior photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. We can assume the LG W41 will rely more heavily on software processing to compensate for a potentially less capable sensor.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The iQOO Z7’s Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6nm) utilizes a more modern architecture – specifically, two Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.5GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the LG W41’s Helio G35 (12nm) which relies on four older Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3GHz and another four at 1.8GHz. The Dimensity 920’s 6nm process also contributes to improved power efficiency and thermal management. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a far more enjoyable gaming experience on the iQOO Z7. The Helio G35 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the iQOO Z7’s 44W wired charging is a major advantage. The ability to reach 50% charge in just 25 minutes significantly reduces downtime. The LG W41 likely supports a much slower charging speed, potentially requiring over two hours for a full charge. Even if the W41 has a slightly larger battery capacity, the Z7’s faster charging mitigates any potential disadvantage, offering greater convenience for users on the go.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG W41 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. You’ll appreciate its simplicity and affordability. Buy the vivo iQOO Z7 if you prioritize a responsive user experience, enjoy mobile gaming, or frequently multitask. The Z7’s superior chipset and faster charging will significantly enhance your daily usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iQOO Z7’s Dimensity 920 chipset capable of handling graphically intensive games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Dimensity 920 is a capable chipset for gaming. It offers a significant performance boost over the Helio G35, allowing for smoother frame rates and higher graphics settings in popular titles like PUBG and Genshin Impact. While it won’t match flagship-level performance, it provides a very enjoyable gaming experience for the price.
❓ How much faster is the 44W charging on the iQOO Z7 compared to a standard 10W or 15W charger?
The 44W charging on the iQOO Z7 is substantially faster. A typical 10W or 15W charger could take over 3 hours to fully charge the device, while the iQOO Z7 can reach 50% charge in just 25 minutes. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Will the LG W41 receive future software updates and security patches?
Given the LG W41's age and positioning, the likelihood of receiving significant software updates or long-term security patches is low. This is a common trade-off with budget devices, and users should be aware of the potential security implications.