Lava's product lineup presents a curious comparison with the Prowatch VN and the X3. One is a smartwatch aiming for affordability and basic fitness tracking, while the other is an entry-level smartphone focused on essential connectivity. This comparison isn't about direct competition, but understanding which device best fits your needs given their vastly different form factors and intended use cases.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, the Lava X3 is the clear winner due to its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset. The Lava Prowatch VN caters to a different audience seeking a budget-friendly smartwatch for notifications and activity tracking, but lacks the core functionality of a smartphone.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 23 | 2022, December 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 26 | Available. Released 2022, December 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Zinc alloy frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 164.6 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 210 g (7.41 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 320 x 386 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.96 inches | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | No | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 230 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver | Black, Green, Blue |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Lava Prowatch VN
- Affordable smartwatch option
- Potential for multi-day battery life
- Compact and lightweight design
- Limited functionality compared to a smartphone
- Unknown specifications regarding display and sensors
- Dependent on a smartphone for full connectivity
Lava X3
- Functional smartphone with essential features
- Mediatek Helio A22 provides basic performance
- Standalone device – no smartphone required
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited camera capabilities
- Helio A22 struggles with demanding tasks
Display Comparison
The Lava Prowatch VN, being a smartwatch, will feature a small display, likely a TFT LCD, optimized for glanceable information and low power consumption. Details regarding its resolution and brightness are unavailable. The Lava X3, as a smartphone, will have a larger display, but its quality is likely basic given the Helio A22 chipset. Expect a lower resolution and peak brightness compared to mid-range or flagship phones. The X3's larger screen is crucial for usability, while the Prowatch VN prioritizes compactness.
Camera Comparison
Details regarding the Lava Prowatch VN's camera (if any) are unavailable. It's unlikely to feature a significant camera system. The Lava X3's camera specifications are also limited in available data. It likely features a basic rear camera, potentially with a low-resolution sensor. Image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but expect limited performance in low light. The X3's camera is for basic documentation, not photography.
Performance
The Lava X3's Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) chipset, with its quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, provides sufficient power for basic tasks like calling, texting, and running lightweight apps. However, it will struggle with demanding games or multitasking. The Lava Prowatch VN's performance is dictated by its internal processor and memory, which are currently unknown. It will be limited to processing sensor data and displaying notifications, requiring minimal processing power. The X3's 12nm process node offers a degree of efficiency, but it's still a relatively older architecture.
Battery Life
The Lava Prowatch VN's battery life will depend on its capacity and usage patterns, but smartwatches generally offer multi-day battery life with moderate use. The Lava X3 supports 10W wired charging. Given its likely smaller battery capacity (estimated around 3000-4000 mAh based on similar devices), a full charge should be achievable within 2-3 hours. The X3's 10W charging is slow by modern standards, but adequate for its target market.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Prowatch VN if you need a simple, affordable wearable for basic fitness tracking and smartphone notifications, and already own a smartphone. Buy the Lava X3 if you require a functional smartphone for communication, light media consumption, and essential apps, and don't need smartwatch features. The X3 is a standalone device, while the Prowatch VN is an accessory.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio A22 in the Lava X3 sufficient for running WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Helio A22 is capable of running popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, expect some lag when switching between apps or loading media-heavy content. It's designed for basic connectivity and light app usage.
❓ Can the Lava Prowatch VN track heart rate and sleep?
While specific sensor details are unavailable, most budget smartwatches like the Lava Prowatch VN include basic heart rate and sleep tracking functionality. Accuracy may vary compared to more expensive fitness trackers, but it provides a general overview of your activity levels.
❓ Does the Lava X3 support 4G connectivity for faster internet speeds?
The Mediatek Helio A22 chipset supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for faster internet speeds compared to 3G. This is beneficial for browsing the web, streaming music, and using online apps, provided you have a 4G SIM card and network coverage.
