The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Lava Blaze 1X and Xiaomi Poco C55 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and determines which phone offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and future-proofing, the Lava Blaze 1X is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Poco C55’s 12nm Helio G85, despite the Poco’s slightly higher clocked Cortex-A75 cores.
| 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, 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, February 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June 14 | Available. Released 2023, February 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Panda Glass), eco leather back |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.51 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | - | Dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| 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) | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@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, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glass Blue, Glass Green | Cool Blue, Power Black, Forest Green |
| Models | - | 22127PC95I |
| Price | - | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
Lava Blaze 1X
- More powerful and efficient Dimensity 700 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Integrated 5G modem for future-proofing
- May have a less polished software experience (Lava's UI)
- Limited brand recognition compared to Xiaomi
Xiaomi Poco C55
- Larger display (likely, based on market positioning)
- Established brand reputation (Xiaomi)
- Potentially more readily available service network
- Less powerful and efficient Helio G85 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- No 5G connectivity
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. While display specs are not provided, the Dimensity 700 in the Blaze 1X has the headroom to handle more complex UI rendering, potentially resulting in smoother animations. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, relying heavily on software processing. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role. The Dimensity 700’s ISP is more advanced, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos and videos. Expect both phones to struggle in low-light conditions, and the ubiquitous 2MP macro lenses on both devices offer limited practical value.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava Blaze 1X’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) is a significant upgrade over the Poco C55’s Helio G85 (12nm). The 7nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and sustained performance. While the Poco C55’s Helio G85 features 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores, the Blaze 1X’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores are architecturally superior, offering better single-core performance. This impacts app launch times, responsiveness, and overall system fluidity. The Dimensity 700 also includes an integrated 5G modem, a feature absent in the Poco C55.
Battery Life
The Poco C55’s 10W charging is a clear disadvantage compared to the Lava Blaze 1X’s 15W charging. While neither is fast charging by modern standards, the 5W difference translates to a noticeable reduction in charge times. The more efficient Dimensity 700 in the Blaze 1X also contributes to better battery life, offsetting any potential capacity differences (which are not specified). Users will likely see a more consistent experience throughout the day with the Blaze 1X.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Blaze 1X if you need a phone capable of handling moderate multitasking, occasional gaming, and benefit from 5G connectivity. The Dimensity 700 offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and a longer software support lifespan. Buy the Xiaomi Poco C55 if you prioritize a slightly larger display and are primarily focused on basic communication and light social media use, accepting a trade-off in processing power and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G85 in the Poco C55 struggle with demanding apps like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G85 is a budget chipset and will likely require significant graphics settings reductions to achieve playable frame rates in PUBG Mobile. Expect noticeable lag and stuttering, especially in crowded scenes. The Dimensity 700 in the Lava Blaze 1X will offer a smoother, more consistent gaming experience, though still not ideal for high-end graphics settings.
❓ Does the Lava Blaze 1X support VoWiFi (Wi-Fi Calling)?
While not explicitly stated, Lava phones generally support VoWiFi, especially given the Dimensity 700’s modem capabilities. However, VoWiFi functionality is also dependent on carrier support, so it’s crucial to check with your mobile provider to confirm compatibility.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging time between 10W and 15W charging?
The difference is noticeable. A 0-100% charge on the Poco C55 with its 10W charger will take considerably longer – likely over 3 hours – compared to the Lava Blaze 1X, which should charge fully in around 2.5 to 2.75 hours with its 15W charger. This is especially important for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
