The itel A100C and Lava A44 represent the extreme end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. While both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they differ significantly in their underlying hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional smartphone for basic tasks, the itel A100C emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T7100 chipset, with its octa-core configuration and higher clock speed, provides a demonstrably smoother experience than the Lava A44’s aging quad-core Mediatek MT6737M.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 3, 5, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, October 06 | 2017, June. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 8.5 mm thickness | 123 x 63.7 x 10.1 mm (4.84 x 2.51 x 0.40 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | - | 141 g (4.97 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~56.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits | TN |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7100 | Mediatek MT6737M (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8322 | Mali-T720MP1 |
| OS | Android 15 (Go edition), itel OS 15 | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED |
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 2.1 |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Stereo FM radio with RDS; recording |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pure Black, Titanium Gold, Blaze Blue, Silk Green | Black |
| Models | - | A44 |
| Price | - | About 5400 INR |
itel A100C
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More modern chipset architecture
- Potentially better image processing capabilities
- Battery life may be slightly shorter than the Lava A44
- Long-term software support is uncertain
Lava A44
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Domestic brand with potentially better local support
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Slow processor struggles with multitasking
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Limited performance for modern apps
Display Comparison
Neither itel nor Lava provide detailed display specifications. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. However, the A44’s older chipset may limit its ability to efficiently drive a higher refresh rate display, should one be present. The A100C’s newer architecture *could* offer slightly better color reproduction and viewing angles, but this is speculative without further data. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, the A100C’s more powerful processor allows for more sophisticated image processing, potentially resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The A44’s older chipset will likely result in slower image capture and limited post-processing capabilities. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered marketing filler and are unlikely to deliver meaningful results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A100C’s Unisoc T7100 is an octa-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz, offering significantly more processing power than the Lava A44’s Mediatek MT6737M, a quad-core processor running at 1.1 GHz. The Unisoc T7100’s architecture is also more modern, built on a more efficient process node (though the specific node isn't provided). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A100C. The A44 will likely struggle with even moderately demanding apps. The A100C’s advantage is particularly noticeable for users running multiple apps simultaneously.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, given the lower power consumption of the Mediatek MT6737M, the Lava A44 *might* offer slightly longer battery life on a single charge, assuming similar battery capacities. The itel A100C’s more powerful processor will consume more power, but the efficiency gains of the newer architecture could partially offset this. Charging wattage is also unknown, making it difficult to assess 0-100% charging times. The A100C’s processor could support faster charging protocols, but this is speculative.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A100C if you need a smartphone capable of handling more than just basic calling and texting – light social media browsing, WhatsApp, and occasional photo capture will be noticeably smoother. Buy the Lava A44 if your primary need is a very basic, reliable phone for calls and texts, and you prioritize a potentially longer software support lifecycle from a domestic brand over raw performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the itel A100C handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T7100 chipset in the itel A100C provides enough processing power to run WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it will be a noticeable improvement over the Lava A44 for these common tasks.
❓ Is the Lava A44 suitable for someone who primarily uses a phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Lava A44’s Mediatek MT6737M is sufficient for basic calling and texting functionality. If your smartphone needs are minimal, the A44 offers a reliable, albeit slow, experience.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither phone is well-suited for modern mobile gaming. The Lava A44 will struggle with even less demanding titles. The itel A100C might be able to run some simpler games at low settings, but don't expect a smooth or enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ What Android version do these phones run?
Given the hardware specifications, both phones likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. This helps to optimize performance and storage space.
