The LG W41 and Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G represent different approaches to the budget smartphone market. The W41 aims for reliable functionality, while the Poco M3 Pro 5G aggressively targets users wanting 5G connectivity and improved performance at the lowest possible price. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a significant performance boost over the LG W41’s Helio G35, and the inclusion of 5G connectivity future-proofs the device. While both offer similar battery endurance, the Poco’s faster charging is a welcome addition.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 22. Released 2021, March 03 | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166.5 x 77.3 x 9.3 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 900 x 1600 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~280 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 118.3 cm2 (~91.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Blue, Laser Blue | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | LMK610IM, LM-K610IM | M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1475:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
LG W41
- Potentially more affordable
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Decent battery endurance
- Significantly weaker processor
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Likely inferior camera performance
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
- Faster and more efficient processor
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Faster 18W charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- IPS LCD display (not OLED)
- Software experience can be cluttered
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a contrast ratio of 1475:1, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 536 nits, significantly brighter than what we’d expect from the W41 based on its market positioning. This higher brightness translates to better outdoor visibility. While both likely use IPS LCD panels, the Poco’s superior brightness is a clear advantage for users who frequently use their phones in sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the LG W41. The Poco M3 Pro 5G likely features a more sophisticated camera system, given its higher price point and focus on features. While neither is expected to compete with flagship camera performance, the Dimensity 700’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) offers more advanced image processing capabilities than the Helio G35’s. The absence of details on the LG W41’s camera suggests it’s a more basic implementation, likely prioritizing affordability over image quality.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, built on a 7nm process, features two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores alongside six efficiency cores. This contrasts sharply with the LG W41’s Helio G35, which utilizes eight Cortex-A53 cores fabricated on a less efficient 12nm process. The Dimensity 700’s architecture provides a noticeable uplift in CPU and GPU performance, making the Poco more capable for demanding apps and games. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Both the LG W41 and the Poco M3 Pro 5G achieve an endurance rating of 121 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G supports 18W wired charging, while the LG W41’s charging speed is unknown but likely slower. This faster charging capability on the Poco allows for quicker top-ups, reducing downtime and providing more convenience for users who frequently need to recharge their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W41 if you prioritize a simple, no-frills experience and are content with 4G connectivity. It’s a good option for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication and light tasks. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you want a faster processor for smoother multitasking and gaming, and if 5G connectivity is a must-have for your network and future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s 5G connectivity actually useful, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier. However, even if 5G isn't widely available now, the Poco M3 Pro 5G is future-proofed for when 5G networks expand. The Dimensity 700 chipset also supports Sub-6GHz 5G, which is the most common type of 5G deployment.
❓ The LG W41 uses a Helio G35. Will it struggle with modern mobile games?
Yes, the Helio G35 is a basic processor designed for light tasks. While it can handle less demanding games, you'll likely experience significant lag and low frame rates in more graphically intensive titles like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile, even on low settings.
❓ Does the Poco M3 Pro 5G support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
Support for VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) varies by carrier and region. It's crucial to check with your mobile carrier to confirm compatibility before purchasing the Poco M3 Pro 5G to ensure optimal call quality.
