Both the LG W41+ and Realme Narzo 30A target the ultra-budget smartphone market, but they approach it with different philosophies. The LG focuses on a balanced experience, while the Realme prioritizes gaming performance. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance, especially gaming, the Realme Narzo 30A is the clear winner. Its Helio G85 chipset offers a substantial upgrade over the LG W41+'s Helio G35. While the LG offers a potentially more refined software experience (depending on regional variations), the Narzo 30A’s raw power is more impactful.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 22. Released 2021, March 03 | 2021, February 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.5 x 77.3 x 9.3 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| 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 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 470 nits (typ), 570 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED 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, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | 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 |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Blue, Laser Blue | Laser Black, Laser Blue |
| Models | LMK610IM, LM-K610IM | RMX3171 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 450 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.37 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
LG W41+
- Potentially cleaner software experience (depending on region)
- May offer a more balanced overall experience for basic users
- Likely a more understated design
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Narzo 30A
- Less capable chipset for gaming and multitasking
- Lacks fast charging and reverse charging capabilities
Realme Narzo 30A
- Superior performance thanks to the Helio G85 chipset
- Faster 18W charging and 5W reverse charging
- Better gaming capabilities
- Realme UI can be more aggressive with notifications and pre-installed apps
- Potentially less refined build quality compared to LG
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are missing for the LG W41+, but given its market segment, it's likely a standard IPS LCD. The Realme Narzo 30A also uses an IPS LCD. The key difference will likely be color calibration and viewing angles, areas where Realme often performs adequately but doesn't excel. Without concrete data, it's difficult to declare a winner; both are likely sufficient for basic consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar camera setups focused on affordability. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the Realme Narzo 30A’s chipset offers a more powerful image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to better image processing and noise reduction. The LG W41+’s G35 ISP is less sophisticated. It’s safe to assume both phones will perform adequately in good lighting conditions, but the Narzo 30A will likely have an edge in low-light scenarios. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests these are largely marketing features with limited real-world utility.
Performance
The Realme Narzo 30A’s Helio G85 is the defining advantage here. Its octa-core configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores represents a significant architectural leap over the LG W41+'s Helio G35, which uses 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The A75 cores in the Narzo 30A provide substantially better single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness and smoother multitasking. The G85 also features a more capable GPU, translating to a better gaming experience. The LG W41+'s G35 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Realme Narzo 30A includes 18W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the LG W41+. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the LG W41+, the Narzo 30A’s 18W charging significantly reduces charging times. The 5W reverse charging on the Narzo 30A is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds. The more efficient Helio G85 in the Narzo 30A may also contribute to slightly better battery life, even with a similar capacity battery, due to reduced power consumption during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W41+ if you need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and value a potentially cleaner software experience. Buy the Realme Narzo 30A if you prefer a phone capable of handling mobile games, multitasking, and demand faster overall performance, even if it means a slightly more aggressive software approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 30A handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G85 in the Narzo 30A is specifically designed for gaming. While you may need to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance, it will provide a significantly smoother experience than the LG W41+’s Helio G35. Expect playable frame rates at medium settings.
❓ Does the LG W41+ receive regular software updates?
LG’s smartphone support has been inconsistent in recent years. While the W41+ may have launched with a specific Android version, the frequency and duration of software updates are uncertain. Realme generally provides more consistent updates for its Narzo series, though the update schedule can still vary.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the Narzo 30A useful?
Yes, the 5W reverse charging is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or even a friend’s phone in an emergency. It’s not a fast charging solution, but it’s a welcome addition at this price point.
