Lava's Bold N1 4G and A97 2GB+ represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The N1 aims for a slightly more capable experience with a newer chipset, while the A97 focuses on affordability. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device delivers the best value for users prioritizing performance and everyday usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional smartphone for basic tasks, the Lava Bold N1 4G is the superior choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the A97’s quad-core Spreadtrum SC9832, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading times.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 3, 5, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 04 | 2017, June. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 04 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.1 x 8.8 mm (6.50 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 145 x 72 x 9.2 mm (5.71 x 2.83 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Spreadtrum SC9832 |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio with RDS; recording |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 2350 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Radiant Black, Sparkling Ivory | Gold, Silver, Blue |
| Price | ₹ 5,999 | About 7700 INR |
Lava Bold N1 4G
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Octa-core CPU enables better multitasking
- 10W charging is standard for the price range
- RAM is limited to 2GB, potentially causing slowdowns
- Detailed display and camera specs are unavailable
Lava A97 2GB+
- Extremely affordable price point
- Suitable for basic calling and texting
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow quad-core processor limits performance
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
- Likely lower quality display and camera
Display Comparison
Neither Lava provides detailed display specifications. However, given the price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions (likely 720p+). The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rates suggests a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices. The display experience will likely be similar, prioritizing functionality over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. Given the market segment, expectations should be tempered. Both phones likely feature a basic rear camera setup, potentially with a secondary depth sensor. Image quality will likely be acceptable in well-lit conditions but will struggle in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is almost certain. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; image processing capabilities, which are tied to the chipset, will play a larger role in determining final image quality, giving a slight edge to the N1 due to its more powerful processor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava Bold N1 4G’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core processor built on a 28nm process, featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Lava A97 2GB+'s Spreadtrum SC9832, a quad-core 1.3 GHz processor. The N1’s octa-core configuration and higher clock speeds translate to significantly improved multi-tasking and application responsiveness. While neither chipset is designed for demanding gaming, the N1 will handle casual games and everyday apps with greater ease. The 2GB of RAM in both devices will likely be a bottleneck, but the faster processor in the N1 will mitigate this to some extent.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, both are expected to feature batteries in the 2500-3500 mAh range, typical for this price point. The Lava Bold N1 4G’s 10W wired charging is standard for the segment. The A97’s charging speed is also likely similar. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the more efficient Unisoc SC9863A in the N1 may offer slightly longer runtimes, despite potentially having a similar capacity battery, due to its more optimized power management.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Bold N1 4G if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic calling and texting – light social media browsing, occasional video streaming, and smoother app transitions will benefit from the more powerful processor. Buy the Lava A97 2GB+ if your primary need is a very affordable device for essential communication and you prioritize minimizing upfront cost above all else, accepting a slower overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Bold N1 4G be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Lava Bold N1 4G’s octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor is sufficiently powerful to run Facebook, WhatsApp, and similar social media applications without significant lag. While 2GB of RAM is a limitation, the processor’s architecture will provide a smoother experience compared to the A97.
❓ Is the Lava A97 2GB+ suitable for someone who primarily uses a phone for making calls and sending texts?
Absolutely. The Lava A97 2GB+ is a perfectly adequate choice for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication. Its quad-core processor will handle calls and texts reliably, and its affordability makes it an attractive option for this specific use case. However, expect slower performance with anything beyond these core functions.
❓ Can I expect to play games on either of these phones?
Casual games, like simple puzzle games or older titles, may be playable on both devices. However, neither the Lava Bold N1 4G nor the Lava A97 2GB+ are designed for demanding mobile gaming. The N1 will offer a slightly better experience due to its more powerful processor, but frame rates will likely be low and graphics settings will need to be reduced.
