Lava is targeting the entry-level smartphone market with two distinct offerings: the Lava Storm Play, powered by a modern Mediatek Dimensity 7060, and the Lava A97 2GB+, relying on the older Spreadtrum SC9832. This comparison dissects the core differences to help you determine which device provides the best value for your needs, particularly focusing on performance and everyday usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava Storm Play is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful Dimensity 7060 chipset delivers a far smoother experience for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. While the A97 2GB+ is cheaper, the performance gap is substantial enough to justify the price difference for anyone beyond the most basic usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 3, 5, 40 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 66, 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 24 | 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, 750 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7060 (6 nm) | Spreadtrum SC9832 |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 15, planned upgrade to Android 16 | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.8"
2 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 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, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Stereo FM radio with RDS; recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 2350 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frosty Blue, Dune Titanium | Gold, Silver, Blue |
| Price | ₹ 8,923 | About 7700 INR |
Lava Storm Play
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for better battery life
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Likely better camera image processing
- Higher price point
- May have limited storage options
Lava A97 2GB+
- Lower price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding processor (though offset by slower charging)
- Lightweight and compact
- Very slow processor for modern apps
- Poor multitasking performance
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Likely lower quality camera
Display Comparison
Neither Lava provides detailed display specifications beyond size. However, the performance disparity suggests different target markets. The Storm Play, with its more powerful chipset, likely has a higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy. The A97 2GB+, geared towards basic use, likely utilizes a simpler, more cost-effective panel. Expect wider bezels on the A97 to further reduce production costs.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable for either device. However, given the A97’s focus on cost reduction, it likely features a basic camera setup with limited image processing capabilities. The Storm Play, benefiting from its more powerful chipset, likely has a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) enabling better image quality and potentially more features. Expect the Storm Play to perform better in low-light conditions and offer more detailed photos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava Storm Play’s Mediatek Dimensity 7060 (6nm) is a modern octa-core processor featuring two high-performance Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.6 GHz and six efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz. This architecture allows for significantly faster processing speeds and improved multitasking compared to the Lava A97 2GB+'s Spreadtrum SC9832, a quad-core 1.3 GHz processor. The Dimensity 7060’s 6nm process node also contributes to better power efficiency and thermal management. The A97’s processor will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks, while the Storm Play can handle more demanding applications and light gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Lava Storm Play’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over what is likely a slower charging solution on the A97. The Dimensity 7060’s 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference. While the A97 might have a slightly larger battery, the Storm Play’s faster charging and more efficient processor will likely result in a comparable or better real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Storm Play if you need a phone capable of handling modern apps, light gaming, and multitasking without frustrating lag. It’s ideal for students, social media users, and anyone who wants a responsive experience. Buy the Lava A97 2GB+ if your primary needs are making calls, sending texts, and very light web browsing, and you are on an extremely tight budget where every dollar counts. It’s best suited for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Storm Play be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Dimensity 7060 in the Lava Storm Play is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Don't expect high-end graphics or consistently smooth performance at the highest settings. The A97 2GB+ will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is 2GB of RAM enough on the Lava A97 2GB+ for multitasking?
2GB of RAM is very limited in 2024. The Lava A97 2GB+ will struggle with multitasking. Switching between apps will be slow, and you may experience frequent app reloads. It's best to keep only a few apps open at a time.
❓ What type of storage does the Lava Storm Play use, and is it expandable?
Storage type is not specified. However, given the price point, it's likely eMMC storage. Expandability via microSD card is highly probable, but confirmation is needed from Lava.
❓ How does the Spreadtrum SC9832 processor in the A97 2GB+ compare to other processors in this price range?
The Spreadtrum SC9832 is an older, entry-level processor. It's significantly less powerful than processors like the Mediatek Helio G35 or even older Snapdragon 400 series chips, which are found in some competing devices. It's best suited for very basic tasks.
