LG has a new device dubbed the K31, available for just $119, and built around a moderately-sized 5.78-inch display panel, reports say. That’s a capable but not brilliant HD+ touchscreen, rated at a resolution of 720 x 1,520. And the cameras aren’t necessarily going to be best in class either. The dual-array system is comprised of a 13-megapixel primary lens and a 5-megapixel wide-angle shooter.
Around the front, there’s a droplet-style notch with a 5-megapixel selfie camera.
None of that means this won’t be a great device in its bracket either though. For instance, LG ensured that the LG K31 is MIL-STD 810G compliant. And that means this will actually be one of the most rugged gadgets in its segment, with ample drop and shock protection. There’s a 3.5mm headphone jack as well. And that’s further accented by the inclusion of a dedicated Google Assistant key in the edge — accompanying the usual volume and power keys.
Last but not least, this will be one of the few handsets in its price range to offer a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. That’s a capacitive scanner rather than the latest tech. But it’s something that a significant number of smartphones at this price simply don’t offer.
LG K31 is a straightforward budget handset with budget specs
In terms of under-the-hood power and other specs, LG K31 is a device that matches its pricing. It’s powered by a MediaTek SoC, for starters. That’s not necessarily a bad thing since the MediaTek Helio P22 should prove a capable chipset. Even if it is backed by just 2GB RAM and 17GB of usable storage from its 32GB storage overall.
There’s no mention on the site or at retailers of any microSD card support either. So this really will be a phone best used by those just getting starting with phones. Or for those who need a burner device for whatever reason.
Of course, the 3,000mAh battery should also be more than usable since this phone won’t be running the most intensive apps. So users who really need something that doesn’t cost a lot should have a good experience on that front. And here, that’s charged via micro-USB rather than the now-almost-ubiquitous USB-C.
Availability
Now, the LG K31 can be found online unlocked or bought directly from Spectrum Mobile outright for $119. With the latter MVNO, users can also snag the gadget for pocket change. The carrier is offering the gadget for just $5 per month over the course of 24 months. There, it’s available in just one color. That’s silver, in a design that harkens back to older LGs rather than stepping toward its latest design language.
