Lava is targeting the entry-level smartphone market with the O1 and A32. While both aim to deliver affordable connectivity, they differ significantly under the hood. The O1 boasts a modern Unisoc T606 chipset, while the A32 relies on a much simpler 1GHz processor. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which phone offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Lava O1 is the clear winner. Its Unisoc T606 chipset provides a substantial performance boost over the A32’s 1GHz processor, making it significantly more capable for everyday tasks and even light multitasking. While both phones are budget-focused, the O1 offers a more future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 04 | 2016, July. Released 2016, July |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 07 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.3 x 9.3 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.37 in) | 124.4 x 64.6 x 10.8 mm (4.90 x 2.54 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 199.5 g (7.05 oz) | 92 g (3.25 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~56.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | TFT, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | 1 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | - |
| OS | Android 13 | Android OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 512MB 256MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | VGA |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 2.1 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prism Blue, Lively Lavender, Luxe Red | Black, White |
Lava O1
- Significantly faster processor (Unisoc T606)
- Faster charging (18W)
- More capable for multitasking and gaming
- Likely higher price than the A32
- Display specifications are unknown
Lava A32
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Reliable for basic communication
- Very slow processor (1GHz)
- Limited functionality
- Slow charging (assumed)
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given their price points, it's reasonable to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The A32, being the more basic model, likely has wider bezels and lower peak brightness. The O1, positioned slightly higher, may offer a marginally better viewing experience, but neither is expected to compete with phones featuring AMOLED or high refresh rate displays.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. It’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the O1’s more powerful processor likely enables better image processing, resulting in slightly improved photo quality. The A32’s camera will likely be limited to basic point-and-shoot functionality, while the O1 may offer features like HDR or basic scene detection.
Performance
The performance gap between the Lava O1 and A32 is substantial. The O1’s Unisoc T606 is an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process, featuring two Cortex-A75 cores for performance and six Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency. This architecture allows for smoother multitasking and faster app loading times compared to the A32’s single-core 1GHz processor. The A32’s processor is likely based on an older ARM architecture and will struggle with even moderately demanding applications. The T606 also benefits from a more modern GPU, enabling basic gaming capabilities not present in the A32.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the O1’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. The A32 likely supports slower charging speeds, potentially taking considerably longer to reach a full charge. While battery life will depend on usage patterns, the O1’s more efficient processor and faster charging capabilities provide a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava O1 if you need a smartphone capable of handling more than just basic calling and texting. It’s ideal for users who enjoy social media, light gaming, or occasionally need to run multiple apps simultaneously. Buy the Lava A32 if your primary need is a simple, reliable device for voice calls and essential communication, and you prioritize absolute affordability above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava O1 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 processor in the Lava O1 is more than capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. The A32’s 1GHz processor may struggle with these apps, leading to a less fluid experience.
❓ Is the Lava A32 suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for making calls and sending texts?
Absolutely. The Lava A32 is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like making calls and sending text messages. Its simplicity and affordability make it a good choice for users who don't require advanced features or performance.
❓ Can I play games on the Lava O1?
The Lava O1 can handle light gaming, but don't expect to play demanding titles at high settings. The Unisoc T606’s GPU allows for basic gaming, but it’s not a gaming-focused processor. The A32 is unlikely to be able to run most modern games.
