Lava's Storm Play and Z25 represent different approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Z25 aims for affordability, while the Storm Play attempts to inject modern processing power into a competitive price bracket. This comparison dissects the core differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava Storm Play is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7060 chipset offers a substantial performance leap over the Z25’s MT6750, translating to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive overall experience. While the Z25 is cheaper, the performance deficit is too significant to ignore.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 13 | 2017, March. Released 2017, March |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 24 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 78.1 x 8.3 mm (6.65 x 3.07 x 0.33 in) | 151.5 x 76.4 x 8.5 mm (5.96 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 163 g (5.75 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.0% 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) | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7060 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6750 (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | Mali-T860MP2 |
| OS | Android 15, planned upgrade to Android 16 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.8"
2 MP | 13 MP, f/1.8, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 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 | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3020 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frosty Blue, Dune Titanium | Champagne Gold, Gray |
| Models | - | RMX1827 |
| Price | ₹ 8,923 | About 250 EUR |
Lava Storm Play
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups
- More efficient chipset for potentially better battery life
- Likely higher price point than the Z25
- May not include a headphone jack (spec not provided)
Lava Z25
- Lower price point for budget-conscious buyers
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially longer battery life with minimal usage
- Slow processor struggles with demanding apps
- Slow 10W charging
- Less efficient chipset leads to faster battery drain under load
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so we must infer. Given the price points, both devices likely utilize LCD panels. However, the Storm Play, being the newer device, may benefit from slightly improved color accuracy and viewing angles. The Z25, with its older chipset, likely has a lower peak brightness, potentially impacting outdoor visibility. Bezels are expected to be larger on the Z25 due to its older design.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. However, the chipset difference indirectly impacts camera performance. The Dimensity 7060 includes a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP), enabling faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance on the Storm Play. While both phones likely feature similar sensor resolutions, the Storm Play’s ISP will likely deliver sharper images with more accurate colors. The older MT6750 in the Z25 will struggle with complex scenes and dynamic range.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Lava Storm Play’s Mediatek Dimensity 7060 (6nm) boasts a modern CPU configuration – 2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Z25’s Mediatek MT6750 (28nm) with its 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 7060 is far more efficient, resulting in better thermal management and sustained performance. The Cortex-A78 cores in the Storm Play are significantly more powerful than the Cortex-A53 cores in the Z25, leading to a noticeable difference in app launch times and overall responsiveness. Gamers will find the Storm Play far more capable of handling modern titles.
Battery Life
The Lava Storm Play supports 18W wired charging, while the Z25 is limited to 10W. This translates to a significantly faster 0-100% charge time for the Storm Play. While battery capacity isn't specified, the more efficient Dimensity 7060 in the Storm Play will likely result in comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Z25. The Z25’s older, less efficient chipset will drain the battery faster under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Storm Play if you prioritize a fluid user experience, enjoy mobile gaming, or frequently use demanding applications. The Dimensity 7060 provides a future-proofed platform for several years. Buy the Lava Z25 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. The Z25 is a functional device for minimal smartphone usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Storm Play handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Mediatek Dimensity 7060 in the Lava Storm Play is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it's a significant improvement over the Z25 and provides a playable experience for casual gamers.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 18W and 10W really noticeable?
Yes, the difference is substantial. 18W charging will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the Lava Storm Play compared to the Z25’s 10W charging. Expect a 30-60 minute difference in a full charge cycle, making the Storm Play much more convenient for users who are frequently on the go.
❓ I primarily use my phone for calls, texts, and WhatsApp. Is the Lava Storm Play overkill for my needs?
For extremely basic usage, the Lava Z25 is sufficient. However, even for light users, the smoother experience and faster app loading of the Storm Play will be appreciated. The extra performance provides a more enjoyable and responsive user experience, even for simple tasks.
