The LG K51 LMK500UM, known specifically as the K500UM30d_00_VZW_US_OP_0323_VRZ_12, is a budget-friendly smartphone offered by Verizon. This device is part of LG’s K series, which aims to provide solid performance and essential features at an affordable price. In this article, we’ll dive into the specifications, performance, design, and overall value of the LG K51 to determine whether it meets the needs of today’s budget-conscious consumers.
Specifications at a Glance
Before we delve into the details, let’s take a look at the key specifications of the LG K51 LMK500UM:
- Display: 6.5-inch HD+ FullVision Display (1560 x 720)
- Processor: MediaTek Helio P22
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB (expandable via microSD up to 2TB)
- Rear Cameras: Triple camera setup (13MP main, 5MP super wide-angle, 2MP depth sensor)
- Front Camera: 13MP
- Battery: 4,000mAh
- Operating System: Android 10
- Dimensions: 165.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm
- Weight: 194g
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C
- Additional Features: Fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock, DTS
3D Surround Sound
Design and Build Quality
The LG K51 boasts a modern design that, while not revolutionary, is aesthetically pleasing for a budget device. The front of the phone is dominated by a 6.5-inch HD+ FullVision Display, which offers a tall 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The screen is surrounded by relatively thin bezels, although the bottom bezel is slightly thicker.
The back of the phone features a glossy finish that mimics the appearance of glass, although it is actually made of plastic. This choice of material helps keep the cost down while providing a premium look. The triple camera setup is arranged vertically on the upper left side, accompanied by a fingerprint sensor located conveniently in the center.
In terms of ergonomics, the LG K51 is comfortable to hold, despite its large size. The weight of 194 grams gives it a solid feel without being overly heavy. Overall, the design and build quality are impressive for a device in this price range.
Display
The 6.5-inch HD+ FullVision Display is one of the highlights of the LG K51. While the resolution of 1560 x 720 pixels is not as sharp as Full HD displays, it is adequate for most daily tasks, including browsing the web, watching videos, and using social media. The display offers vibrant colors and decent brightness levels, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
One drawback is the absence of an OLED panel, which is not surprising given the budget nature of the device. However, the IPS LCD used here still provides good viewing angles and color accuracy. For a budget smartphone, the display performance of the LG K51 is commendable.
Performance
Under the hood, the LG K51 is powered by the MediaTek Helio P22 processor, paired with 3GB of RAM. This combination is sufficient for basic tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming. However, users should not expect flagship-level performance.
In everyday use, the LG K51 handles most applications smoothly, although there may be occasional slowdowns when multitasking or running resource-intensive apps. Casual games run without issues, but more demanding games may require lower graphics settings for a smoother experience.
The device comes with 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via microSD card up to 2TB. This is a welcome feature, as it provides ample space for apps, photos, and media files.
Camera Performance
The LG K51 features a versatile triple camera setup on the back, consisting of a 13MP main sensor, a 5MP super wide-angle lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. This configuration allows users to capture a variety of shots, from standard photos to wide-angle landscapes and portrait shots with bokeh effects.
Main Camera
The 13MP main sensor performs well in good lighting conditions, producing sharp and detailed images with accurate colors. The autofocus is reasonably fast, and the camera app offers several modes and features, including HDR, panorama, and manual mode.
Wide-Angle Camera
The 5MP super wide-angle lens is a great addition for capturing broader scenes and group photos. While the image quality is not as high as the main sensor, it is still useful for those times when you need to fit more into the frame.
Depth Sensor
The 2MP depth sensor assists in creating bokeh effects for portrait shots. The background blur effect is decent, although not as precise as higher-end devices. Still, it adds a nice touch to portrait photography.
Front Camera
The 13MP front-facing camera is capable of taking good selfies with adequate detail and color accuracy. It also supports portrait mode, allowing users to take selfies with blurred backgrounds.
Overall, the camera performance of the LG K51 is impressive for a budget smartphone, offering a range of features and versatility that will satisfy most casual photographers.
Battery Life
The LG K51 is equipped with a 4,000mAh battery, which provides excellent battery life. With moderate use, including browsing, social media, and streaming, the device easily lasts a full day on a single charge. Even with heavier use, the battery performance is reliable, ensuring that users can stay connected without constantly worrying about recharging.
The device supports standard 10W charging via USB Type-C. While it does not offer fast charging capabilities, the battery life is long enough that most users will find it sufficient.
Software and User Experience
The LG K51 runs on Android 10 with LG’s custom skin on top. The user interface is clean and intuitive, with several customization options available. The bloatware is minimal, although Verizon does include a few pre-installed apps that can be disabled if not needed.
One notable feature is the inclusion of DTS
3D Surround Sound, which enhances the audio experience when using headphones. This feature provides a more immersive sound quality, making it ideal for watching videos and listening to music.
Additionally, the device offers both a fingerprint sensor and face unlock for security. Both methods work reliably, providing quick and convenient access to the phone.
Connectivity and Network Performance
As a Verizon variant, the LG K51 supports 4G LTE, ensuring fast and reliable network performance. The device also includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. Call quality and signal reception are strong, with no significant issues reported by users.
Value for Money
The LG K51 LMK500UM offers excellent value for money, providing a solid set of features and performance at an affordable price. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of raw power or advanced features, it excels as a budget-friendly option that meets the needs of everyday users.
Pros:
- Large and vibrant display
- Versatile triple camera setup
- Long battery life
- Expandable storage
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Mediocre performance for resource-intensive tasks
- Low-resolution display compared to higher-end devices
- No fast charging support
Conclusion
The LG K51 LMK500UM, specifically the Verizon variant K500UM30d_00_VZW_US_OP_0323_VRZ_12, is a well-rounded budget smartphone that offers a range of features and solid performance for its price. Its large display, versatile camera setup, and long battery life make it an attractive option for users seeking a reliable and affordable device.
While it may not have the advanced features or high-end specifications of flagship smartphones, the LG K51 delivers where it matters most for everyday use. For budget-conscious consumers or those looking for a secondary device, the LG K51 is a compelling choice that provides excellent value for money.