The Lava Play Ultra and Xiaomi Redmi 10A represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 10A focuses on affordability, while the Lava Play Ultra aims to deliver significantly improved performance with a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Lava Play Ultra is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7300 chipset offers a substantial leap in processing power compared to the Redmi 10A’s Helio G25. However, the Redmi 10A remains a viable option for basic users on a very tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 21 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 25 | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.4 x 7.8 mm (6.38 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G615 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, (wide), 1/1.7", PDAF
5 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 83 min | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Slate, Arctic Frost | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | - | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | ₹ 12,999 | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Lava Play Ultra
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 7300)
- Faster 33W charging
- Likely superior display quality
- Potentially higher price
- May have a less optimized software experience (depending on Lava's UI)
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Slow Helio G25 processor
- Very slow 10W charging
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the Redmi 10A's price point, it likely features a basic LCD panel with a 60Hz refresh rate. The Lava Play Ultra, positioned higher, likely has a superior panel, potentially with a higher resolution and improved color accuracy. The difference in display quality will be noticeable, especially when viewing photos and videos. Expect the Lava Play Ultra to offer a more vibrant and detailed visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Lava Play Ultra’s higher overall positioning suggests a more capable camera system. The Redmi 10A likely features a basic camera setup focused on capturing acceptable images in good lighting conditions. The Lava Play Ultra may include features like improved low-light performance, better dynamic range, and potentially more advanced image processing algorithms. It's reasonable to expect a more versatile and higher-quality camera experience on the Lava Play Ultra.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Lava Play Ultra’s Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) is a modern, octa-core processor built on a significantly more efficient manufacturing process than the Redmi 10A’s Helio G25 (12nm). The Dimensity 7300’s Cortex-A78 cores provide a significant performance boost over the G25’s Cortex-A53 cores, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The 4nm process also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads. Gamers and power users will overwhelmingly benefit from the Lava Play Ultra’s superior processing power.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the charging speeds reveal a significant difference. The Lava Play Ultra’s 33W wired charging, capable of a full charge in 83 minutes, is considerably faster than the Redmi 10A’s 10W charging. This means the Lava Play Ultra will spend less time plugged into the wall, offering greater convenience. While a larger battery capacity on the Redmi 10A could offset the slower charging, the Lava Play Ultra’s faster charging is a clear advantage for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Play Ultra if you need a phone capable of handling demanding apps, moderate gaming, and benefit from faster charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who want a device that will remain responsive for years to come. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10A if you prioritize extreme affordability and only require a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. It’s a good choice for first-time smartphone owners or as a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10A struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Redmi 10A can run basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, its Helio G25 processor may exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns when multitasking or using these apps extensively. The Lava Play Ultra’s Dimensity 7300 will provide a much smoother and more responsive experience.
❓ Is the Lava Play Ultra a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Lava Play Ultra is significantly better suited for mobile gaming than the Redmi 10A. The Dimensity 7300 chipset offers a substantial performance boost, allowing for smoother gameplay and higher graphics settings in most games. The Redmi 10A’s Helio G25 will struggle with demanding titles.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Lava Play Ultra compared to the Redmi 10A?
The Lava Play Ultra charges at 33W, reaching 100% in 83 minutes, while the Redmi 10A charges at only 10W. This means the Lava Play Ultra can fully charge in roughly the same time it would take the Redmi 10A to reach 50%, offering a significant convenience advantage.
