The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Lava Blaze 1X and Realme Narzo N53 both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Blaze 1X leverages the more established Mediatek Dimensity 700, while the Narzo N53 opts for the Unisoc Tiger T612, alongside a significantly faster charging solution. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing quick top-ups and a slightly more modern design, the Realme Narzo N53 is the better choice. Its 33W charging dramatically reduces downtime compared to the Lava Blaze 1X’s 15W charging. While the Dimensity 700 offers a performance edge, the Narzo N53’s efficiency and charging speed are more impactful for daily use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 27 | 2023, May 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June 14 | Available. Released 2023, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.51 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 167.3 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.59 x 3.02 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, Realme UI T |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP
0.3 MP | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glass Blue, Glass Green | Black, Gold |
| Models | - | RMX3761 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Lava Blaze 1X
- More powerful processor (Dimensity 700)
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Established chipset with wider software support
- Significantly slower charging (15W)
- Likely less efficient processor (12nm vs 7nm)
- Less modern design aesthetic
Realme Narzo N53
- Much faster charging (33W, 50% in 31 min)
- More efficient processor (Unisoc Tiger T612)
- Modern Realme UI experience
- Less powerful processor (Unisoc Tiger T612)
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software updates
- Potentially lower peak performance
Display Comparison
Neither Lava nor Realme provide display specifications beyond the basic panel type. However, given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies in the charging, not display quality. Expect similar viewing experiences with standard color accuracy and brightness levels. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. Given the market segment, image processing will be heavily reliant on software algorithms. The Lava Blaze 1X’s potential processing advantage *could* translate to slightly faster image processing, but the sensor quality and lens aperture will be the dominant factors in image quality. We anticipate similar results in good lighting conditions, with both struggling in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) in the Lava Blaze 1X holds a clear architectural advantage over the Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm). The 7nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to potentially better sustained performance and less heat generation. The Dimensity 700’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is also more powerful than the Narzo N53’s 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55. This means the Blaze 1X will likely handle multitasking and more demanding applications with greater ease. However, the real-world difference may be subtle for everyday tasks. The Narzo N53’s Unisoc chip focuses on efficiency, potentially offering longer battery life during less intensive use.
Battery Life
The Realme Narzo N53’s 33W wired charging is the standout feature here. Realme claims a 50% charge in 31 minutes, a significant advantage over the Lava Blaze 1X’s 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed mitigates any potential capacity difference. The Narzo N53’s charging speed is a practical benefit for users who need to quickly replenish their battery, while the Blaze 1X will require considerably longer to fully charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Blaze 1X if you prioritize raw processing power for demanding apps or light gaming and prefer a brand with a growing presence in the Indian market. Buy the Realme Narzo N53 if you value faster charging, a more streamlined user experience (typical of Realme’s UI), and a phone that can quickly get you back up and running throughout the day. The Narzo N53 is ideal for users who frequently find themselves needing a quick power boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme Narzo N53 capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. The Dimensity 700 in the Lava Blaze 1X will offer a smoother experience at higher settings, but the difference won't be dramatic. Expect some frame drops on both devices during intense gameplay.
❓ How does the 15W charging on the Lava Blaze 1X compare to using a power bank?
The 15W charging on the Lava Blaze 1X is comparable to charging with a standard 15W power bank. It will take a significantly longer time to fully charge compared to the Realme Narzo N53’s 33W charging. Expect a full charge to take well over 2 hours, making overnight charging the most practical option.
❓ Will the Realme Narzo N53 overheat during prolonged use, given the Unisoc chipset?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 is designed for efficiency, and is less prone to overheating than more powerful chips. While some heat generation is normal during extended gaming or video recording, the Narzo N53’s thermal management should be adequate for typical use. The 12nm process helps to mitigate heat buildup.
