The HMD 110 4G and Lava A50 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. While both offer 4G connectivity, their internal hardware differs significantly. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the Unisoc T127 in the HMD 110 4G stacks up against the Lava A50’s quad-core 1.2 GHz processor.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic smartphone functionality like calls, messaging, and light social media, the HMD 110 4G offers a slight edge due to the more modern Unisoc T127 chipset. While the Lava A50 is a viable option, the Unisoc chip provides a more future-proofed platform and potentially smoother multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 13 | 2016, November. Released 2016, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September 22 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 123 x 63.4 x 9.7 mm (4.84 x 2.50 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 93.5 g (3.32 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~28.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~58.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 65K colors | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 1.2 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc T127 | - |
| OS | - | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 64MB 128MB RAM | 8GB 512MB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | QVGA | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 2.1, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 388 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 9 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1550 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Titanium | Black + Silver |
HMD 110 4G
- More modern Unisoc T127 processor offers better performance.
- Potentially smoother multitasking capabilities.
- Likely more efficient power consumption.
- Detailed specifications are limited.
- Camera performance is likely basic.
Lava A50
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Functional 4G connectivity.
- Older quad-core processor may struggle with performance.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Likely slower app launch times.
Display Comparison
Neither HMD nor Lava provide display specifications beyond basic functionality. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with resolutions around 480x854. The absence of detailed specs suggests neither phone will excel in color accuracy or brightness. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. The user experience will likely be similar in terms of visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It’s safe to assume both feature basic rear and front cameras, likely with resolutions around 5MP or 8MP. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and lighting conditions. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is impossible. However, the Unisoc T127’s integrated image signal processor (ISP) likely offers more advanced processing capabilities than the ISP paired with the Lava A50’s CPU, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality in favorable conditions. Expect limited low-light performance from both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The HMD 110 4G’s Unisoc T127 is a more modern design, incorporating ARM Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture is significantly more efficient than the likely Cortex-A7 or older cores found in the Lava A50’s 1.2 GHz quad-core CPU. While clock speed isn’t everything, the Unisoc T127 benefits from architectural improvements, resulting in better single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother scrolling. The Lava A50 will likely struggle with multitasking and more demanding applications. RAM specifications are unknown for both, but are likely limited, further exacerbating the performance gap.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. Given the budget nature of these phones, expect capacities around 2000-3000 mAh. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely limited to 5W or 10W. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the more efficient Unisoc T127 in the HMD 110 4G may offer slightly longer runtimes, especially during moderate use. The lack of fast charging on either device means a full charge will take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD 110 4G if you need a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding tasks, such as running multiple apps simultaneously or using newer versions of social media applications. Buy the Lava A50 if you prioritize simplicity and are looking for the absolute lowest possible price point for a functional 4G smartphone, primarily for calls and basic messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the HMD 110 4G handle popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
The Unisoc T127 processor in the HMD 110 4G should provide a reasonably smooth experience with WhatsApp and Facebook, especially with a limited number of contacts and media files. However, expect some lag when loading large images or videos. The Lava A50 may struggle more with these apps, particularly if multiple apps are open simultaneously.
❓ Is the Lava A50 a good option for someone who primarily needs a phone for making calls and sending texts?
Yes, the Lava A50 is a perfectly adequate option for basic communication. Its quad-core processor is sufficient for making calls and sending text messages. However, if you anticipate using any apps beyond basic communication, the HMD 110 4G is a better choice.
❓ Can either of these phones run multiple apps at the same time without significant slowdown?
Multitasking is a weakness for both devices, but the HMD 110 4G will handle it better. The Unisoc T127’s more efficient architecture and potentially higher RAM capacity (though unspecified) will allow for smoother switching between a limited number of apps. The Lava A50 will likely experience significant slowdowns when attempting to run multiple apps concurrently.
