Lava is targeting the budget smartphone market with the Storm Lite and Z61 Pro, but they take distinctly different approaches. The Storm Lite boasts a modern Mediatek Dimensity 6400 chipset, while the Z61 Pro opts for a more conservative processor. This comparison dissects these choices, revealing which phone delivers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava Storm Lite is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6400 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Z61 Pro’s processor, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the Z61 Pro offers a lower price point, the performance trade-off is substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 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, June 13 | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, July |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 19 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 78.1 x 8.3 mm (6.65 x 3.07 x 0.33 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 | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz processor |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | - |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µ |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µ |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 5W, 100% in 3h 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 3100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Astral Blue, Cosmic Titanium | Midnight Blue, Amber Red |
| Price | ₹ 8,499 | About 70 EUR |
Lava Storm Lite
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Faster 15W charging for quicker top-ups
- More efficient 6nm chipset for better battery life
- Likely higher price point
- No display specifications available
Lava Z61 Pro
- Lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Extremely slow 5W charging
- Underpowered processor leads to lag and sluggishness
- Limited performance for gaming and demanding apps
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given the price points, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels. The Z61 Pro’s slower processor may impact its ability to efficiently render higher refresh rates, should it even support one. The Storm Lite, with its more powerful chipset, has a higher potential for a smoother visual experience, even on a similar panel.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Z61 Pro’s likely lower processing power will hinder its ability to effectively process images, especially in low-light conditions. The Storm Lite’s Dimensity 6400 includes an ISP capable of faster image processing and potentially better noise reduction. The presence of a dedicated image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 6400 suggests a more refined camera experience, even if the sensors themselves are similar.
Performance
The Lava Storm Lite’s Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6nm) is a clear winner over the Z61 Pro’s unspecified octa-core 1.6 GHz processor. The Dimensity 6400’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.5 GHz, offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The 6nm process node also contributes to better power efficiency. The Z61 Pro’s processor, while octa-core, likely relies on less powerful Cortex-A55 cores across the board, resulting in noticeable lag during multitasking and demanding tasks. This difference will be most apparent to users who play mobile games or use resource-intensive applications.
Battery Life
The Lava Storm Lite supports 15W wired charging, a substantial advantage over the Z61 Pro’s extremely slow 5W charging, which takes 3 hours and 30 minutes for a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Storm Lite mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. Users who frequently top up their phones will greatly appreciate the convenience of the Storm Lite’s faster charging speed. The Z61 Pro’s charging time is a significant drawback for modern smartphone usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Storm Lite if you prioritize performance for gaming, streaming, or demanding apps, and value faster responsiveness. It’s ideal for users who want a phone that feels modern and capable. Buy the Lava Z61 Pro if your needs are extremely basic – primarily calls, texts, and light social media – and you are on a very tight budget where every dollar counts. It’s a functional device for minimal smartphone usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Z61 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Z61 Pro can run basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, its slower processor may result in noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading media. Users who frequently use these apps may find the experience frustrating compared to the smoother performance of the Storm Lite.
❓ Is the 3.5-hour charging time of the Lava Z61 Pro acceptable for everyday use?
The 3.5-hour charging time is a significant drawback in today’s fast-paced world. Most users expect to be able to quickly top up their phones, and the Z61 Pro’s slow charging will require planning and patience. The Lava Storm Lite’s 15W charging offers a much more convenient experience.
❓ Can the Lava Storm Lite handle moderate mobile gaming?
The Mediatek Dimensity 6400 in the Lava Storm Lite is capable of handling moderate mobile gaming at medium settings. While it won’t deliver flagship-level performance, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Z61 Pro’s processor.
❓ What type of user would benefit most from the Lava Z61 Pro?
The Lava Z61 Pro is best suited for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and occasional light social media browsing – and are on an extremely limited budget. It’s a functional device for those with minimal smartphone requirements.
