Lava is targeting the entry-level smartphone market with both the Storm Lite and the A97 2GB+. While both aim to provide affordable connectivity, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. This comparison dissects the key differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava Storm Lite is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6400 chipset offers a substantial performance leap over the A97’s Spreadtrum SC9832, making it significantly better for multitasking, gaming, and future-proofing. The A97 remains an option for extremely basic use cases.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 | 3, 5, 40 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 13 | 2017, June. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 19 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 78.1 x 8.3 mm (6.65 x 3.07 x 0.33 in) | 145 x 72 x 9.2 mm (5.71 x 2.83 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm) | Spreadtrum SC9832 |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Stereo FM radio with RDS; recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 2350 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Astral Blue, Cosmic Titanium | Gold, Silver, Blue |
| Price | ₹ 8,499 | About 7700 INR |
Lava Storm Lite
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient 6nm chipset for potentially better battery life
- Better image processing capabilities
- More future-proof for software updates and app compatibility
- May be slightly more expensive than the A97
- Charging speed is relatively slow at 15W
Lava A97 2GB+
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic communication tasks
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially longer standby time due to lower power demands
- Very slow processor leading to lag and frustration
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
- Likely to struggle with modern apps
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given the price points, we can assume both utilize LCD panels. The A97, being the lower-end model, likely features a lower resolution and potentially lower brightness. The Storm Lite, positioned slightly higher, may offer a marginally better viewing experience, but neither is expected to compete with phones featuring AMOLED or high refresh rate displays. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. It’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the processing capabilities of the Dimensity 6400 in the Storm Lite will likely result in better image quality, even with similar sensors, due to its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor). Any secondary cameras on the A97 are likely to be low-resolution and of limited utility.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Lava Storm Lite’s Mediatek Dimensity 6400, built on a 6nm process, features an octa-core configuration with two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.5 GHz, paired with six efficiency cores. This architecture provides a substantial advantage over the Lava A97’s Spreadtrum SC9832, a quad-core 1.3 GHz processor. The Dimensity 6400’s superior core count and higher clock speeds translate to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The 6nm process also implies better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the higher performance demands. The A97 will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Lava Storm Lite’s 15W wired charging suggests a moderate battery size, likely around 4000-5000 mAh. The A97’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar or slower. The Dimensity 6400’s 6nm efficiency could partially mitigate the impact of a potentially smaller battery, offering comparable or even better battery life than the A97 despite its higher performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Storm Lite if you need a phone capable of handling modern apps, light gaming, and occasional multitasking without significant lag. It’s ideal for students, first-time smartphone users, or anyone seeking a responsive experience on a budget. Buy the Lava A97 2GB+ if your needs are extremely limited to calls, texts, and very basic app usage – it’s a functional device for those prioritizing absolute affordability over performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava A97 2GB+ be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
The A97’s Spreadtrum SC9832 processor is likely to struggle with these apps, especially with only 2GB of RAM. Expect noticeable lag when scrolling through feeds or loading images. While they may technically run, the experience will be far from smooth.
❓ Is the Lava Storm Lite a good option for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Lava Storm Lite’s Dimensity 6400 is capable of running these games, but you’ll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve playable frame rates. Don’t expect a high-end gaming experience, but it’s significantly better than what the A97 can offer.
❓ How much storage does each phone have, and can it be expanded?
Storage capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the price points, both phones likely offer limited internal storage (e.g., 32GB or 64GB). It’s highly probable that both devices feature a microSD card slot for storage expansion, but this needs to be verified.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
The Android version is not specified. However, given the hardware, it’s likely both phones run a relatively older version of Android (e.g., Android 12 or 13) with a customized user interface from Lava. Software update support is likely to be limited.
