Lava is targeting the entry-level smartphone market with the O1 and Z50, but these phones represent very different approaches to achieving affordability. The O1 leverages a newer, more efficient chipset, while the Z50 relies on an older, more established platform. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava O1 is the superior choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience and better long-term performance than the aging Mediatek MT6737M in the Z50. While both phones are budget-focused, the O1 offers a more modern foundation.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 04 | 2018, March. Released 2018, March |
| 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) | 135 x 66.6 x 9.7 mm (5.31 x 2.62 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 199.5 g (7.05 oz) | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 1 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~218 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~62.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | TN TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6737M (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android Oreo (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prism Blue, Lively Lavender, Luxe Red | Gold, Black |
| Models | - | Z50 |
| Price | - | About 4400 INR |
Lava O1
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life
- Better suited for modern apps and multitasking
- Display specifications are unknown
- Camera quality dependent on sensor details
Lava Z50
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Adequate for basic communication tasks
- Outdated and slow processor
- Poor performance with modern apps
- Less efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life
- Potential for thermal throttling
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the target market, both devices likely utilize LCD panels. The Z50's older chipset may struggle to efficiently drive a higher resolution or refresh rate display, potentially resulting in a less vibrant and responsive visual experience. The O1, with its more modern processor, has the headroom to support a better display, even if the resolution remains similar.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. However, given the price points, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The processing capabilities of the Unisoc T606 in the O1 will likely result in better image processing, even with similar sensors. The Z50’s older chipset may struggle with noise reduction and dynamic range optimization. Without specific sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement, but the O1’s superior processing power gives it an edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava O1’s Unisoc T606, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55). This architecture provides a substantial performance advantage over the Lava Z50’s Mediatek MT6737M, a quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A53 processor fabricated on a significantly older 28nm node. The T606’s Cortex-A75 cores offer considerably more processing power per core, leading to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 28nm process of the MT6737M is less efficient, meaning it will generate more heat and consume more power for the same level of performance, potentially leading to thermal throttling and reduced sustained performance. The O1 will handle modern apps and light gaming far more effectively.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified. However, the Lava O1’s more efficient Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a 12nm process, will translate to significantly better battery life compared to the Lava Z50’s power-hungry Mediatek MT6737M on a 28nm node. While the Z50 has 18W charging, the O1's efficiency means it may not need to be charged as frequently, mitigating the impact of potentially smaller battery capacity. The Z50 will likely require more frequent charging to maintain usability throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava O1 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and better multitasking capabilities. It's ideal for users who frequently use social media, browse the web, or play casual games. Buy the Lava Z50 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls and texts – and you require a phone with minimal software demands. It's best suited for first-time smartphone users or those on an extremely tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Z50 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6737M chipset in the Lava Z50 is quite old and may exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns when running modern apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The limited processing power and RAM will be strained by these applications.
❓ Is the Lava O1 a good choice for playing mobile games?
The Lava O1 is suitable for casual mobile gaming. While it won't handle graphically demanding titles at high settings, the Unisoc T606 chipset provides enough power for games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers. More intensive games may require lower graphics settings for a smooth experience.
❓ How much faster is the Lava O1 compared to the Lava Z50 in real-world usage?
The Lava O1 is significantly faster in real-world usage. App launch times will be noticeably quicker, multitasking will be smoother, and the overall user experience will be more responsive. The difference is primarily due to the O1's more modern and powerful chipset.
❓ Does the Lava Z50 support all the latest Android features?
The Lava Z50, due to its older chipset and likely limited software support, may not support all the latest Android features. It may also receive fewer software updates and security patches compared to the Lava O1.
