The LG W41+ and Samsung Galaxy M02s represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the LG W41+ is the better choice. While both phones are firmly in the entry-level category, the W41+'s Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy M02s' older 14nm Snapdragon 450, making it more responsive for everyday tasks.
| 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, January 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 19 |
| 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) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 196 g (6.91 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 (~81.8% 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 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | Go |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| 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 | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | Yes |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Blue, Laser Blue | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | LMK610IM, LM-K610IM | SM-M025F/DS, SM-M025F |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
LG W41+
- More modern and efficient Helio G35 chipset
- Potentially better performance in demanding apps
- Likely better thermal management
- Charging speed not specified (likely slower than M02s)
- LG's smartphone support is uncertain
Samsung Galaxy M02s
- 5000mAh battery capacity
- 15W wired charging
- Samsung brand recognition
- Older and less efficient Snapdragon 450 chipset
- Potentially slower performance
- Lower CPU clock speeds
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS vs TFT) and resolution are missing, but both are likely 720p+ displays given the price bracket. The lack of detailed display specs means a direct comparison is difficult, but the focus here is clearly on cost reduction, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details regarding sensor sizes and lens apertures are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on the M02s is a common marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to compensate for the limitations of the hardware. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but poor performance in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG W41+ utilizes the Mediatek Helio G35, a 12nm octa-core processor with a split core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). This newer process node generally translates to better power efficiency and potentially lower thermal throttling compared to the Samsung Galaxy M02s' Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, which is built on a 14nm process. While both CPUs feature octa-core Cortex-A53 cores, the higher clock speeds on the G35’s performance cores give it an edge in CPU-bound tasks. The Snapdragon 450’s all-Cortex-A53 configuration means it will likely struggle more with demanding applications. The G35’s GPU, while still entry-level, is also likely to offer a slightly better graphical experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the LG W41+, but given the segment, it's likely around 4000-5000mAh, similar to the Samsung Galaxy M02s’ 5000mAh battery. However, the Snapdragon 450’s less efficient 14nm process will likely result in faster battery drain under load. The M02s supports 15W wired charging, which is a slight advantage over the W41+ if charging speed is a priority. However, the G35’s efficiency could offset this difference in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W41+ if you need a slightly more responsive experience for basic multitasking and app usage. The Helio G35 offers a modest but tangible improvement in performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M02s if you prioritize a known brand and potentially slightly better software support, and are willing to accept a slower processor and potentially shorter software update lifespan. The 15W charging is also a small benefit for those who value faster top-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG W41+ struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio G35 isn't a powerhouse, it should handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, expect some lag when multitasking or running multiple apps simultaneously. The Snapdragon 450 in the M02s will likely exhibit even more noticeable slowdowns.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy M02s a significant advantage?
The 15W charging is a modest benefit, potentially reducing charging times by around 30-60 minutes compared to a slower charger. However, the LG W41+'s more efficient chipset might offset this advantage by consuming less power overall, leading to less frequent charging needs.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
Both phones will struggle to run PUBG Mobile smoothly, even on the lowest settings. The Helio G35 in the W41+ will offer a slightly better experience, but expect significant frame rate drops and lag. These phones are not designed for demanding gaming.
