The itel A80 and Lava Z2 Max represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to internal hardware, creating a clear distinction in potential performance and user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing multitasking and app responsiveness, the itel A80 is the clear winner. Its Unisoc T603 octa-core processor offers significantly more processing power than the Lava Z2 Max’s quad-core CPU. However, the Lava Z2 Max may appeal to those seeking a simpler, potentially more power-efficient experience for basic tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September | 2021, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2021, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 8.5 mm thickness | 174.7 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm (6.88 x 3.09 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 216 g (7.62 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 | - |
| OS | Android 14, itel OS 14 | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sandstone Black, Glacier White, Wave Blue | Stroked Blue, Stroked Cyan |
| Models | A671L, A671LC | LS0001 |
| Price | ₹ 6,499 | About 90 EUR |
itel A80
- Octa-core processor offers superior multitasking.
- More responsive app performance.
- Better suited for light gaming.
- Likely higher power consumption.
- May require more frequent charging.
Lava Z2 Max
- Potentially longer battery life due to lower processor demands.
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks.
- May be more affordable.
- Significantly slower performance for multitasking.
- Struggles with demanding apps and games.
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given their price point, both are likely to feature LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over vibrant color reproduction. The absence of information prevents a direct comparison of brightness or panel technology.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. It's reasonable to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests image stabilization will rely on software processing, which may be limited in this price range. Focusing on megapixel counts alone would be misleading without knowing sensor size and lens quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The itel A80’s Unisoc T603 is an octa-core processor, meaning it has eight processing cores, enabling it to handle multiple tasks concurrently with greater ease. In contrast, the Lava Z2 Max utilizes a quad-core 1.8 GHz processor. While clock speed is a factor, the core count advantage of the Unisoc T603 translates to superior multitasking and smoother app switching. The T603 also benefits from more modern architecture, likely resulting in better per-core performance. This difference will be most noticeable when running demanding apps or playing games. The Lava Z2 Max will likely struggle with resource-intensive applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the lower processing demands of the Lava Z2 Max, it may achieve longer battery life on a single charge, even with a smaller capacity battery. The itel A80, with its more powerful processor, will likely consume more power. Both phones support 10W wired charging, indicating relatively slow charging speeds. Expect several hours to fully charge from 0 to 100% on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A80 if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic calls and texts – think light social media, occasional gaming, and running multiple apps simultaneously. Its octa-core processor provides a noticeable performance boost. Buy the Lava Z2 Max if you prioritize simplicity and extended battery life for essential communication and minimal app usage. The quad-core processor, while less powerful, may offer better efficiency for core tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the itel A80 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T603 octa-core processor in the itel A80 should handle Facebook, Instagram, and similar social media apps without significant lag. The increased processing power compared to the Lava Z2 Max will provide a more fluid experience, especially when scrolling through feeds or loading images.
❓ Is the Lava Z2 Max suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Lava Z2 Max’s quad-core processor is sufficient for basic communication tasks like making calls, sending texts, and using a contact list. Its potential for longer battery life makes it a good choice for users who prioritize reliability and minimal power consumption for essential functions.
❓ Can I expect to play games on either of these phones?
While both phones can technically *run* some games, the experience will vary greatly. The itel A80 is better suited for light gaming, such as simple puzzle games or older titles. The Lava Z2 Max will struggle with most modern games due to its less powerful processor.
