Lava has positioned the Storm and A50 as accessible options in the competitive budget smartphone market. However, a significant disparity in processing power separates these two devices. This comparison dissects the Lava Storm’s Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset against the Lava A50’s quad-core processor, revealing which phone offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava Storm is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6080 provides a substantially more responsive experience for everyday tasks and even light gaming, justifying the likely price difference. The A50 remains a viable option for extremely basic use cases, but struggles to keep pace.
| 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, 40, 41 | - |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 21 | 2016, November. Released 2016, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December 28 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.7 x 76.7 x 9 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 123 x 63.4 x 9.7 mm (4.84 x 2.50 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 214 g (7.55 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~58.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.2 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | - |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 8GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | VGA |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 2.1, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | - |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 388 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 9 h |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 1550 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Black + Silver |
| Price | About 130 EUR | - |
Lava Storm
- Significantly faster processor for smooth performance
- 33W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- More capable ISP for better image quality
- Likely a higher price point than the A50
- May have a slightly shorter battery life if battery capacity is lower
Lava A50
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Functional for basic communication tasks
- Slow processor struggles with multitasking
- Slow charging speeds
- Limited camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given the price points, we can anticipate both phones utilize LCD panels. The A50 likely features a lower resolution and refresh rate. The Storm, benefiting from its more powerful chipset, *could* support a higher resolution display, potentially 720p+, offering a sharper image. Bezels are also likely to be more substantial on the A50, impacting the overall viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Storm’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 6080 will enable superior image processing, resulting in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. The A50’s camera will likely produce acceptable images in ideal lighting conditions, but will struggle in low-light scenarios. We anticipate both phones will include a basic rear camera setup, and potentially a low-resolution front-facing camera.
Performance
The Lava Storm’s Mediatek Dimensity 6080, built on a 6nm process, represents a massive leap in performance over the Lava A50’s quad-core CPU. The Dimensity 6080’s octa-core configuration (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) allows for significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The A50’s 1.2 GHz quad-core processor will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks, exhibiting noticeable lag when switching between apps or running multiple processes. The 6nm node of the Dimensity 6080 also implies better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Lava Storm’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage. This allows for a much faster recharge time compared to the A50, which likely supports a slower charging rate. While a larger battery capacity on the A50 *could* offset the slower charging, the Dimensity 6080’s power efficiency may allow the Storm to achieve comparable battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Storm if you need a phone capable of handling multitasking, streaming video, and playing moderately demanding games. It’s ideal for users who want a smooth, modern smartphone experience without breaking the bank. Buy the Lava A50 if your primary needs are making calls, sending texts, and very occasional light browsing – it’s a functional device for those prioritizing simplicity and minimal cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Storm be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Mediatek Dimensity 6080 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, demanding graphics settings may result in frame drops. The A50 is unlikely to provide a playable experience for these titles.
❓ Is the Lava Storm a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for social media and browsing?
Yes, the Lava Storm is an excellent choice. The Dimensity 6080 ensures a smooth and responsive experience when browsing social media, streaming videos, and navigating the web. The A50 will function for these tasks, but may exhibit noticeable lag and slower loading times.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Lava Storm compared to the Lava A50?
The Lava Storm’s 33W charging is significantly faster. While the A50’s charging speed is unknown, it’s likely to be around 10W or less. This means the Storm can potentially charge from 0-100% in around 90-120 minutes, while the A50 could take several hours.
