Lava is targeting the entry-level smartphone market with the Storm and Z71, but these phones represent vastly different approaches to value. The Storm leverages a newer Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset, while the Z71 relies on the older Helio P22. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device offers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava Storm is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience for everyday tasks and gaming, justifying the likely price premium. The Z71 remains a viable option for extremely basic use cases, but struggles to keep pace with modern app demands.
| 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, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 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 | 2023, December 21 | 2020, January. Released 2020, January |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December 28 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 168.7 x 76.7 x 9 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 145.6 x 70.9 x 9 mm (5.73 x 2.79 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 214 g (7.55 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.71 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~78.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide) | 13 MP
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 3200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Ruby Red, Steel Blue |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Lava Storm
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Likely better camera image quality due to improved ISP
- Potentially higher price point
- May not offer expandable storage (spec not provided)
Lava Z71
- Lower price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially longer battery life *on paper* (but offset by inefficient chipset)
- Lightweight and compact design (likely)
- Slow and laggy performance with demanding apps
- Inefficient chipset leads to faster battery drain under load
- Outdated processor architecture
- Likely lower quality display
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Z71’s older chipset, it’s likely to feature a lower resolution and less color accurate panel than the Storm. The Storm, benefiting from a more modern platform, likely has a higher refresh rate potential, even if not explicitly stated. Bezels are also likely to be more substantial on the Z71, reflecting its older design.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited, but the chipset difference provides insight. The Dimensity 6080 in the Storm includes a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP) capable of better noise reduction, dynamic range, and faster image processing. While both phones likely feature similar sensor resolutions in their main cameras, the Storm will produce superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered marketing features rather than significant photographic tools.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Lava Storm’s Mediatek Dimensity 6080, built on a 6nm process, features a modern CPU configuration with 2x 2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts sharply with the Lava Z71’s Helio P22, utilizing an older 12nm process and an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. The A76 cores in the Storm offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness, while the 6nm process improves power efficiency and reduces thermal throttling. The Z71’s A53 cores will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but the Storm’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Helio P22 is less power-efficient than the Dimensity 6080, meaning the Z71 will likely drain its battery faster under similar usage. The 33W charging on the Storm will allow for significantly faster top-ups, reducing downtime. Even if the Z71 has a slightly larger battery, the Storm’s efficiency and faster charging will likely result in a better overall user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Storm if you need a phone capable of handling multitasking, social media, and light gaming without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who want a device that feels relatively modern and will remain usable for longer. Buy the Lava Z71 if your primary needs are making calls, sending texts, and using very basic apps like WhatsApp – and you’re prioritizing the absolute lowest possible price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Storm be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Mediatek Dimensity 6080 in the Lava Storm is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Helio P22 in the Z71 will struggle significantly with these titles, offering a poor gaming experience.
❓ Is the Lava Z71 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Lava Z71 is a suitable choice for basic communication tasks like calls and WhatsApp. Its Helio P22 chipset is sufficient for these applications, and its lower price point makes it an attractive option for users with minimal smartphone needs.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Lava Storm with the 33W charger?
While a precise time isn't available, the 33W charging on the Lava Storm should fully charge the battery in approximately 60-90 minutes, depending on the battery capacity. This is significantly faster than the charging speed of the Lava Z71, which likely uses a slower charging standard.
❓ Does the Lava Storm support 5G connectivity?
The Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset *can* support 5G connectivity, but it depends on the specific configuration Lava implemented. Check the product specifications to confirm 5G support before purchasing.
