Lava O1 vs. Lava Z60s: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

Lava is targeting the entry-level smartphone market with the O1 and Z60s, but these phones represent very different approaches. The Z60s is an ultra-budget option, while the O1 aims for a balance of features and performance. This comparison dissects the core differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact the user experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Lava O1 is the superior choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset delivers significantly better performance than the Z60s’ Mediatek MT6739WW, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and capable of handling light gaming. While the Z60s is cheaper, the performance trade-off is substantial.

PHONES
Phone Names Lava O1 Lava Z60s
Network
2G bandsGSM 900 / 1800GSM 900 / 1800
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 411, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2023, July 042018, August. Released 2018, August
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, July 07Discontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back-
Dimensions163.7 x 75.3 x 9.3 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.37 in)144.3 x 71.4 x 8.5 mm (5.68 x 2.81 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Micro-SIM
Weight199.5 g (7.05 oz)136 g (4.80 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetUnisoc T606 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6739WW (28 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1PowerVR GE8100
OSAndroid 13Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC
Internal64GB 4GB RAM16GB 1GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash
Single13 MP5 MP, f/2.0, AF
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-LED flash
Single5 MP5 MP, f/2.4
VideoYes-
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE4.0, A2DP
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/acWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging18W wired-
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 2500 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsPrism Blue, Lively Lavender, Luxe RedGold, Black
Models-Z60s
Price-About 4950 INR

Lava O1

  • Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
  • More efficient chipset for better battery life
  • Faster 18W charging
  • Potentially better image processing

  • Likely higher price point
  • May not have a significantly better display

Lava Z60s

  • Lower price point
  • Functional for basic tasks
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Acceptable for calls and texts

  • Very slow processor
  • Poor multitasking performance
  • Limited app compatibility
  • Inefficient chipset leading to shorter battery life

Display Comparison

Neither Lava provides detailed display specifications. However, given the price points, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies in the processing power available to drive the display. The O1’s Unisoc T606 has a more capable GPU, potentially leading to smoother animations and faster app loading times on the display. The Z60s, with its older chipset, may exhibit noticeable lag when scrolling or switching between apps.

Camera Comparison

Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the O1’s more powerful chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing, potentially resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The Z60s’ limited processing power will likely result in slower image capture and less effective noise reduction. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn't be a deciding factor.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Lava 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 contrasts sharply with the Lava Z60s’ Mediatek MT6739WW, a quad-core processor built on a much older 28nm process, utilizing only Cortex-A53 cores. The 12nm process of the T606 is more efficient, and the A75 cores offer a substantial performance uplift over the A53 cores in the Z60s. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the O1. The Z60s will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Lava O1’s more efficient Unisoc T606 chipset will likely result in better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Z60s. Furthermore, the O1 supports 18W wired charging, which is significantly faster than what the Z60s likely offers, reducing charging times considerably. This faster charging is a tangible benefit for users who need to quickly top up their phone.

Buying Guide

Buy the Lava O1 if you prioritize a smooth user experience, even with basic apps, and want a phone that won't struggle with multitasking. It's ideal for users who occasionally browse social media, use messaging apps, and need a reliable daily driver. Buy the Lava Z60s if your budget is extremely limited and your needs are minimal – primarily making calls and sending texts, with very light app usage. It's a functional device for those who prioritize cost above all else.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Lava Z60s struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6739WW chipset in the Z60s is quite limited. While it can run these apps, you may experience noticeable lag, slow loading times, and occasional crashes, especially when multitasking or using the apps for extended periods.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Lava O1 a significant improvement over the Z60s?
Absolutely. The Z60s likely supports standard 5W or 10W charging. 18W charging will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the O1, making it much more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Can the Lava O1 handle basic mobile games?
The Lava O1, with its Unisoc T606 chipset, can handle basic mobile games at low to medium settings. Don't expect to play demanding titles like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates, but simpler games should run reasonably well.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on each device?
Storage details aren't provided. However, given the price points, both phones likely offer limited internal storage (32GB or 64GB) and support microSD card expansion. Check the product listing for specific details.