Lava is targeting the budget and mid-range smartphone markets with the Play Ultra and Z61 Pro. While both offer Android functionality, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. The Play Ultra boasts a modern Mediatek Dimensity 7300 chipset, while the Z61 Pro utilizes a less-specified octa-core processor. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and fast charging, the Lava Play Ultra is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7300 chipset offers a substantial leap in processing power, and the 33W charging significantly reduces downtime. However, the Z61 Pro remains a viable option for basic users on a very tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 21 | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, July |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 25 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.4 x 7.8 mm (6.38 x 2.97 x 0.31 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 | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz processor |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G615 MC2 | - |
| OS | Android 15, up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, (wide), 1/1.7", PDAF
5 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µ |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µ |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 83 min | 5W, 100% in 3h 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 3100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Slate, Arctic Frost | Midnight Blue, Amber Red |
| Price | ₹ 12,999 | About 70 EUR |
Lava Play Ultra
- Significantly faster charging (33W)
- Much more powerful processor (Dimensity 7300)
- Potential for smoother gaming and multitasking
- Likely higher price point
- Battery capacity not specified
Lava Z61 Pro
- Extremely affordable
- Suitable for basic smartphone tasks
- Long battery life (due to lower power processor)
- Extremely slow charging (5W)
- Limited performance for demanding apps
- Outdated processor
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given the Z61 Pro's positioning, it likely features a standard 60Hz LCD panel. The Play Ultra, with its more powerful chipset, *could* support a higher refresh rate display (90Hz or 120Hz), though this is unconfirmed. The absence of details makes a direct comparison impossible, but the Play Ultra's potential for a smoother visual experience is a key differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Camera details beyond the presence of cameras are absent for both devices. It's reasonable to assume the Z61 Pro utilizes a basic camera setup focused on affordability. The Play Ultra, benefiting from its more powerful image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 7300, likely offers superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Without sensor size or aperture information, a precise comparison is impossible, but the Play Ultra’s chipset provides a foundation for better computational photography.
Performance
The Lava Play Ultra’s Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) represents a significant performance advantage over the Z61 Pro’s unspecified octa-core processor clocked at 1.6 GHz. The Dimensity 7300’s Cortex-A78 cores, running at 2.5 GHz, deliver substantially higher single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smooth multitasking. The 4nm fabrication process also translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. The Z61 Pro, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with graphically intensive games or demanding applications. The Play Ultra is designed for a more fluid and capable user experience.
Battery Life
The Lava Play Ultra’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer compared to the Z61 Pro’s incredibly slow 5W charging. The Play Ultra reaches 100% charge in just 83 minutes, while the Z61 Pro requires a lengthy 3 hours and 30 minutes. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Play Ultra mitigates any potential disadvantage from a smaller battery size. Users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their phone will greatly benefit from the Play Ultra’s charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Play Ultra if you need a phone capable of handling demanding apps, moderate gaming, and appreciate significantly faster charging. This phone is ideal for students, young professionals, or anyone who relies heavily on their smartphone throughout the day. Buy the Lava Z61 Pro if you primarily need a device for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and are unwilling to spend more than the absolute minimum. It's a suitable choice for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Play Ultra handle popular games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
The Mediatek Dimensity 7300 in the Lava Play Ultra is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings. While it's not a flagship-level chipset, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Z61 Pro's processor, offering smoother frame rates and reduced lag.
❓ Is the 5W charging on the Lava Z61 Pro really that slow? How long will it take to charge from 0%?
Yes, 5W charging is exceptionally slow by modern standards. Lava states it takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach 100%. This means you'll need to charge the phone overnight to ensure it's fully powered for the next day. It's best suited for users who don't mind leaving their phone plugged in for extended periods.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on each device?
Storage options are not specified in the provided data. However, given the Z61 Pro's budget positioning, it likely offers limited internal storage (e.g., 32GB or 64GB) with microSD card support. The Play Ultra likely offers more generous storage options (e.g., 128GB or 256GB).
