Lava is targeting the entry-level smartphone market with the Bold N1 4G and Z61 Pro. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an affordable price point, but they differ significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which phone offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly more capable processor, the Lava Bold N1 4G is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, while still entry-level, offers a more defined architecture than the Z61 Pro’s generic octa-core, resulting in a smoother user experience. However, the Z61 Pro’s longer advertised charging time may be a concern for some.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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 | 2025, June 04 | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, July |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 04 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.1 x 8.8 mm (6.50 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 147 x 71.8 x 9.2 mm (5.79 x 2.83 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz processor |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | IMG8322 | - |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| 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, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µ |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µ |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 5W, 100% in 3h 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 3100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Radiant Black, Sparkling Ivory | Midnight Blue, Amber Red |
| Price | ₹ 5,999 | About 70 EUR |
Lava Bold N1 4G
- More powerful and defined chipset (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Faster 10W charging
- Potentially better multitasking performance
- Battery capacity not specified
- Display specifications are unknown
Lava Z61 Pro
- Simpler user experience (potentially)
- May have a larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Affordable price point
- Significantly slower 5W charging (3.5 hours)
- Generic octa-core processor with unknown architecture
- Lack of performance details
Display Comparison
Neither Lava provides detailed display specifications. Assuming typical LCD panels for this price bracket, color accuracy and peak brightness are likely similar. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests both devices operate at the standard 60Hz. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, given the budget nature of the devices. Without further data, a clear winner cannot be determined.
Camera Comparison
Both phones lack detailed camera specifications. It’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a meaningful comparison is impossible. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly enhance the photography experience, serving primarily as a marketing feature. The focus should be on the main sensor, but details are unavailable.
Performance
The Lava Bold N1 4G’s Unisoc SC9863A chipset is a 28nm processor featuring a heterogeneous octa-core configuration – four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and four at 1.2GHz. This architecture, while not high-end, provides a degree of efficiency and responsiveness. The Lava Z61 Pro, conversely, lists only an octa-core 1.6 GHz processor without specifying the core architecture. This lack of detail suggests a less optimized or older design. The N1’s chipset is likely to offer better sustained performance and smoother multitasking. The N1’s chipset also benefits from being a known quantity, allowing for more accurate performance expectations.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the charging speeds are. The Lava Bold N1 4G supports 10W wired charging, while the Z61 Pro offers a slower 5W charging rate, taking 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach 100%. This significant difference in charging speed is a major drawback for the Z61 Pro, especially for users who rely on quick top-ups. While a larger battery capacity on the Z61 Pro *could* offset the slower charging, the lack of information makes this uncertain.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Bold N1 4G if you need a phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage, and value a slightly more efficient processor. Buy the Lava Z61 Pro if you prioritize simplicity and are less concerned with performance, and are willing to accept a significantly longer charging time. Both are suitable for first-time smartphone users or as reliable backup devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Lava Bold N1 4G handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Unisoc SC9863A is sufficient for running everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing without significant lag. While it won't excel at demanding tasks, it provides a smoother experience than a generic octa-core processor, especially when multitasking between these apps.
❓ Is the 3.5-hour charging time of the Lava Z61 Pro a dealbreaker for most users?
For users accustomed to fast charging, the 3.5-hour charging time of the Z61 Pro is a significant drawback. It requires overnight charging or a long period of inactivity to fully replenish the battery, making it less convenient for those who need quick top-ups throughout the day.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle basic 2D games and less demanding 3D titles. However, expect limited frame rates and potential lag in more graphically intensive games. The Lava Bold N1 4G’s chipset is likely to provide a slightly better gaming experience due to its more efficient architecture.
