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LG K42 Unveiling Features Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2020, September 21
Camera
13MP
Battery
4000mAh
Battery Type
10W
Processor
Helio P22
Screen
6.6"
Storage
64GB , microSDXC
Ram
3GB RAM
Operating System
Android 10, up to Android 11

Design and Build

The LG K42 boasts a sleek and modern design, measuring 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm and weighing 182 grams. It's designed with a durable plastic back and a front glass. The phone features a dual SIM capability, allowing users to manage two numbers simultaneously. The phone is available in two colors: Gray and Green, which gives users an option to choose according to their taste.

Display

The device comes with a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display, boasting a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels with a 20:9 aspect ratio. It holds an impressive screen-to-body ratio of around 83.1%, providing an immersive viewing experience. The choice of an IPS panel ensures decent color reproduction and viewing angles, which is suitable for media consumption and gaming.

Performance

Under the hood, the LG K42 is powered by the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 chipset, built on the 12nm process. It features an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a PowerVR GE8320 GPU. This combination is geared towards handling daily tasks efficiently, such as browsing, social media, and moderate gaming. However, it's worth noting that it may struggle with more demanding applications and games. The device is equipped with 3GB of RAM, which further aids in multitasking performance.

Storage

The handset comes with 64GB of internal storage, providing sufficient space for apps, media, and other content. For those who need more storage space, the device supports microSDXC cards, allowing for storage expansion up to a user's needs.

Camera

The LG K42 features a quad-camera setup at the back comprising a 13 MP wide lens, a 5 MP ultrawide lens with a 115-degree field of view, a 2 MP macro lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. This versatile setup enables users to capture a variety of shots, from wide landscapes to detailed macro shots. Camera features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama are also included to enhance photo quality. The rear cameras are capable of shooting 1080p videos at 30fps.

On the front, the phone houses an 8 MP wide camera for selfies and video calls, also capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps.

Battery Life

The LG K42 is outfitted with a non-removable Li-Po 4000 mAh battery that provides a decent longevity, enabling a full day’s use under moderate usage scenarios. It supports 10W charging, which is relatively standard, but users should not expect fast charging capabilities.

Software

The device originally runs on Android 10 but is upgradable to Android 11, letting users enjoy newer features and improved security. LG’s custom user interface provides additional features and personalization options to enhance the user experience.

Connectivity and Features

The LG K42 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring wide compatibility with global carriers. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. The device also features NFC, which may vary by market or region, allowing for contactless payments and data sharing.

Other connectivity options include a USB Type-C port with OTG support, providing quick data transfer and peripheral connectivity. For audio, the device retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to those who prefer wired headphones.

Sensors

The LG K42 is equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is convenient for quick unlocking while also providing enhanced security. Additionally, the device includes an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass.

Price and Availability

Announced and released in September 2020, the LG K42 is available in various international markets, including Europe, where it supports several 4G bands. The device is priced at approximately 140 EUR, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a smartphone with a comprehensive feature set.

Key Features of the LG K42

  • Network Technology: GSM / HSPA / LTE
  • Display: 6.6 inches IPS LCD with ~83.1% screen-to-body ratio
  • Resolution: 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio
  • Operating System: Android 10, upgradable to Android 11
  • Processor: Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 with Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
  • Memory: 64GB internal storage with 3GB RAM and microSDXC support
  • Main Camera: Quad setup with 13 MP wide, 5 MP ultrawide, 2 MP macro, and 2 MP depth sensors
  • Selfie Camera: 8 MP wide with 1080p video recording
  • Audio: Equipped with a loudspeaker and 3.5mm audio jack
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC (market/region dependent), USB Type-C 2.0, OTG support
  • Sensors: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity, compass
  • Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery, with 10W charging
  • Colors Available: Gray and Green

Drawbacks of LG K42

  • Low display resolution with only 720 x 1600 pixels, resulting in a moderate pixel density (~266 ppi).
  • Powered by a low-performance Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 chipset, which may not handle demanding applications smoothly.
  • Limited RAM at 3GB, which may affect multitasking and overall performance.
  • Basic camera setup, with only 13 MP for the main camera, may result in average photo quality compared to competitors.
  • No fast charging support, limited to 10W charging, which may result in slower battery charging times.
  • Absence of FM radio feature, which some users may find disappointing.
  • Limited internal storage at 64GB, though expandable via microSDXC, could be insufficient for heavy storage users.
  • May not receive future Android updates beyond the upgrade to Android 11.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38 - Europe
Speed Yes, 384 kbps
Launch
Announced 2020, September 21
Status Available. Released 2020, September 21
Body
Dimensions 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)
Weight 182 g (6.42 oz)
SIM Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density)
Platform
OS Android 10, upgradable to Android 11
Chipset Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
GPU PowerVR GE8320
Memory
Card slot microSDXC
Internal 64GB 3GB RAM
Main Camera
Quad 13 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
Features LED flash, panorama, HDR
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 8 MP, (wide)
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE
Positioning GPS
NFC Yes (market/region dependent)
Radio No
USB USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Charging 10W wired
Misc
Colors Gray, Green
Models LMK420, LM-K420, LMK420H, LM-K420H, LMK420E, LM-K420E, LMK420Y, LM-K420Y
Price About 140 EUR

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