Lava is targeting the entry-level smartphone market with the O1 and Z90, but these phones represent very different approaches to affordability. The O1 leverages a newer, more efficient chipset, while the Z90 opts for a tried-and-true, albeit older, platform. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 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 software support potential. While the Z90 is cheaper, the performance trade-offs are substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 04 | 2017, September. Released 2017, September |
| 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) | 148.5 x 73.1 x 8.1 mm (5.85 x 2.88 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 199.5 g (7.05 oz) | 159 g (5.61 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~68.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6737 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| 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, GLONASS |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 2750 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prism Blue, Lively Lavender, Luxe Red | Blue, Gold |
| Models | - | Z90 |
| Price | - | About 10750 INR |
Lava O1
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life
- 18W fast charging support
- Potential for better software updates
- Likely higher price point
- May not have a dramatically better display
Lava Z90
- Lower price point
- Simple and easy to use for basic tasks
- Acceptable for calls and texts
- Potentially longer standby time (due to less functionality)
- Slow processor and sluggish performance
- Poor gaming performance
- Inefficient chipset leading to shorter battery life
- Limited software support
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, both devices likely utilize LCD panels. The Z90's older chipset may struggle to efficiently drive a higher resolution or refresh rate display, potentially resulting in lower visual fidelity. The O1, with its more modern processor, has a greater capacity to handle a more demanding display, though this remains speculative without further details.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a detailed comparison is difficult. However, the processing capabilities of the Unisoc T606 in the O1 are likely superior to the MT6737 in the Z90, resulting in better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Z90’s older chipset may struggle with complex image processing algorithms, leading to softer images and less dynamic range. It's reasonable to assume both phones include basic camera functionality, but the O1 will likely deliver more usable results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava O1’s Unisoc T606, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration with a mix of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores. This architecture provides a substantial performance advantage over the Lava Z90’s MediaTek MT6737, a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor fabricated on a significantly older 28nm node. The 28nm process of the MT6737 is inherently less efficient, leading to higher power consumption and potentially more heat generation under load. The A75 cores in the O1 offer a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smoother multitasking. The O1 will handle modern apps and light gaming far more effectively.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Lava O1’s more efficient Unisoc T606 chipset will translate to better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery to the Z90. The 28nm process of the MT6737 is power-hungry, meaning the Z90 will drain its battery faster during typical usage. The O1’s 18W charging support is also a benefit, allowing for quicker top-ups compared to the Z90, which likely has slower charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava O1 if you prioritize a smooth user experience, faster app loading times, and the potential for future software updates. It's ideal for users who frequently use social media, browse the web, or play casual games. Buy the Lava Z90 if your budget is extremely limited and your primary needs are basic communication – calls and texts – with minimal app usage. It's best suited for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Z90 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the MediaTek MT6737 is a relatively weak processor. While it can technically run these apps, you'll likely experience noticeable lag, slow loading times, and occasional crashes, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously.
❓ Is the Lava O1 a good choice for playing mobile games?
The Lava O1 is suitable for casual gaming. The Unisoc T606 can handle less demanding titles without significant issues. However, for graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile, you'll need to lower the graphics settings considerably to achieve playable frame rates.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the Lava Z90?
Given the age of the MediaTek MT6737 chipset and Lava's position in the market, software update support for the Z90 is likely to be limited. Expect minimal security patches and potentially no major Android version upgrades.
❓ Does the Lava O1 support VoWiFi (WiFi Calling)?
This information is not available in the provided specifications. However, given the O1's more modern chipset, it is *more likely* to support VoWiFi compared to the Z90, but this needs to be verified with Lava directly or through independent testing.
