Lg K42 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The LG K42 is a budget smartphone that was released in September 2020. It boasts a MIL-STD-810G compliance, which means it has been tested to withstand a variety of extreme conditions. With a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display and a quad-camera setup, this phone has some impressive features for its price point. However, it faces stiff competition from other budget devices in the market.

Design and Build Quality

The LG K42 boasts a sleek and modern design, with dimensions of 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm and a weight of 182g, making it relatively compact and lightweight for a budget smartphone. The device features a plastic body with a matte finish that provides an excellent grip. The rear panel houses a quad-camera system, while the front panel features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and an aspect ratio of 20:9.

The phone is available in two colors, gray and green, both of which look stylish and contemporary. The LG K42 is also MIL-STD-810G compliant, which means it is resistant to shock, vibration, extreme temperatures, and other harsh environmental conditions. However, it is important to note that this certification does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions.

The LG K42's build quality is commendable, with no visible flex or creaks when pressed. The buttons on the side of the device are tactile and responsive, while the fingerprint scanner is conveniently placed on the power button and works accurately. The USB Type-C port and 3.5mm headphone jack are located at the bottom of the device, while the SIM and microSD card slots are on the left side.

Overall, the LG K42's design and build quality are impressive for a budget smartphone, and it is undoubtedly one of the best-looking devices in its price range. The phone feels sturdy and well-built, and its sleek and modern design is sure to appeal to a wide range of users.

Display

The LG K42 boasts a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and an aspect ratio of 20:9, offering a pixel density of around 266 ppi. While this resolution might not be the highest in the market, the display is big enough to offer an immersive viewing experience.

The colors on the screen are vivid and bright, and the contrast is decent, making it a good display for watching videos and playing games. The viewing angles are also satisfactory, and the display offers good visibility even in direct sunlight. However, the display could have been sharper, especially given the size of the screen.

The touch sensitivity is decent, and the response time is quick, ensuring seamless navigation through the UI. The phone also comes with a pre-installed blue light filter that helps reduce eye strain, making it easier to use the phone for extended periods.

Overall, the display on the LG K42 is decent but not exceptional. The resolution could have been better, but the colors and brightness are good enough for most tasks. If you're looking for a phone with a good display, this phone might not be the best choice, but it serves its purpose well enough for everyday use.

Performance

The LG K42 is powered by a Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 chipset, coupled with an Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a PowerVR GE8320 GPU. In terms of memory, the phone comes with 64GB of internal storage and 3GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most daily tasks.

In terms of real-world performance, the LG K42 provides a smooth and seamless experience when navigating through the user interface, launching and switching between apps, and browsing the web. Multitasking is also a breeze, thanks to the phone's ample RAM capacity.

When it comes to gaming, the LG K42 can handle casual games with ease, but it may struggle with more demanding titles. However, this is expected from a budget smartphone, and the phone's performance is still commendable for its price range.

In benchmark tests, the LG K42 scored a modest 102,000 in AnTuTu, which is comparable to other devices in its price range. Overall, the LG K42 provides a satisfactory level of performance that should be more than enough for most users.

While it may not be the most powerful smartphone on the market, the LG K42 offers decent performance for its price range, making it a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly device with respectable performance.

Software and User Interface

The LG K42 runs on Android 10, which can be upgraded to Android 11. The device has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The UI is not cluttered with unnecessary bloatware, making it a good option for those who prefer a clean and minimalistic interface. LG has also included some customization options that allow users to personalize the look and feel of their phone.

One downside is that the phone does not come with a lot of pre-installed apps, which may be a problem for some users who are used to having certain apps readily available. However, this also means that users have more control over which apps they want to install and use.

LG has a good reputation for providing software updates, which is a plus for those who want to keep their phone up-to-date with the latest features and security patches. The device comes with a fingerprint scanner that is located on the side of the device, which is convenient for unlocking the phone with one hand.

Overall, the software and user interface of the LG K42 are well-designed and user-friendly. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some other devices, it offers a clean and customizable interface that is easy to use.

Camera

The LG K42 is equipped with a quad-camera setup on the back, with a 13MP main shooter, a 5MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The front-facing camera is an 8MP shooter for selfies and video calls.

The main camera on the LG K42 takes decent photos in good lighting conditions. The color saturation is well-balanced, and the contrast is on-point. However, it struggles in low-light environments, producing photos with a lot of noise. The ultra-wide lens is a welcome addition, providing a wider field of view for landscape shots and group photos.

The macro lens on the LG K42 is a bit of a letdown. It struggles to focus on subjects, resulting in blurry photos. The depth sensor, on the other hand, works well in separating the subject from the background, providing a nice bokeh effect in portrait mode.

Video recording on the LG K42 is limited to 1080p at 30fps. The footage is stabilized, but the overall quality is mediocre at best. The front-facing camera takes decent selfies in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.

Overall, the LG K42's camera setup is satisfactory for its price range. The main camera takes decent photos in good lighting, the ultra-wide lens is a welcome addition, and the depth sensor works well in portrait mode. However, the macro lens is a bit of a letdown, and the video recording quality is mediocre.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The LG K42 is equipped with a range of connectivity options to help keep you connected to the world around you. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, making it compatible with a wide range of cellular providers around the world.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the LG K42 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing for fast and reliable wireless internet access. Bluetooth 5.0 is also included, providing seamless wireless connectivity for accessories such as headphones and speakers.

For those who require navigation assistance, GPS is available on the LG K42, ensuring accurate and reliable location data. Additionally, NFC is included on some market/region dependent models, allowing for easy wireless payment capabilities.

The LG K42 also features a USB Type-C 2.0 port, which supports OTG and allows for fast charging and data transfer speeds. Unfortunately, the phone does not feature a radio, which may be a drawback for some users.

Overall, the LG K42 offers a solid range of connectivity options that should be more than sufficient for most users. Whether you need to stay connected to the internet, make wireless payments, or simply navigate your way around town, the LG K42 has you covered.

Additional Features

The LG K42 boasts several additional features that make it stand out from its competitors, including its MIL-STD-810G compliance, which ensures that the device is durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Additionally, the device supports NFC technology which allows for easy wireless payments and data transfers.

The K42 also offers expandable storage options via its microSDXC card slot, which can increase the device's internal storage capacity up to 1 TB. This is a particularly useful feature for users who need extra storage space for their media files, such as photos and videos.

Audio quality on the LG K42 is impressive, with the device featuring a 3.5mm headphone jack and a loudspeaker that produces clear and distortion-free sound. Moreover, the device comes with a range of audio customization options that allow users to fine-tune their audio experience to their liking.

The K42's speaker performance is also notable, with the device producing loud and clear sound even at maximum volume levels. This makes the device a great choice for users who enjoy listening to music or watching videos on their phone.

Finally, the LG K42 features several other unique features and innovations, such as its rear camera setup that includes a macro lens for close-up shots, and its side-mounted fingerprint sensor that allows for quick and easy unlocking of the device. All in all, the LG K42 offers a range of additional features that enhance the user experience and make it a great choice for users looking for a feature-packed budget smartphone.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the LG K42 to other related phones in the market, there are a few noteworthy options to consider. One such option is the Samsung Galaxy A12, which boasts a similar screen size and resolution, but with a slightly larger battery capacity of 5000mAh and a more powerful processor, the Mediatek Helio P35.

Another comparable phone is the Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite, which also has a 6.5-inch screen, similar camera setup, and a larger 5000mAh battery. It also has a slightly more powerful processor, the Mediatek Helio P35, and comes with 4GB of RAM compared to the LG K42's 3GB.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Realme C11 is worth considering. It has a smaller 6.5-inch screen and a lower resolution, but comes with a larger 5000mAh battery and a more powerful processor, the Mediatek Helio G35. It also has 2GB of RAM, which is lower than the LG K42, but it is priced significantly lower.

Overall, when compared to these related phones, the LG K42 stands out for its MIL-STD-810G compliant durability and its NFC support. However, it may fall slightly short in terms of battery life and processing power when compared to some of its competitors.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the LG K42 is a budget smartphone that offers a decent set of features and specifications. While it may not be the most impressive phone on the market, it is a good option for those looking for a reliable device without breaking the bank.

The phone's design and build quality are sturdy and durable, and its display offers decent color accuracy and brightness. The performance is satisfactory, with its processor and RAM providing sufficient power for day-to-day use. The camera setup is also decent, producing good quality images in various lighting conditions.

However, the phone does have its downsides, including its lack of water and dust resistance, mediocre battery life, and limited software support. Additionally, its competitors offer more value for money, making the LG K42 a tough sell in its price range.

Overall, the LG K42 is a decent budget smartphone that offers reliable performance and features. While it may not be the best option on the market, it can still be a viable choice for those looking for an affordable and practical device. However, it is important to consider its limitations and compare it to other phones in the same price range before making a final decision.