Lava's Storm and Z92 represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Z92 aims for affordability, while the Storm attempts to inject a significant performance boost. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on how their chipsets impact everyday use and long-term value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava Storm is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset offers a substantial performance leap over the Z92’s Helio P22, translating to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive user experience. While the Z92 is cheaper, the Storm’s performance justifies the price difference.
| 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, 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 | 2019, January. Released 2019, January |
| 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) | 156.9 x 75.8 x 8 mm (6.18 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 214 g (7.55 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.2% 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 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| 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, 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 3260 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Green |
| Price | About 130 EUR | - |
Lava Storm
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for potentially better battery life
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Improved image processing capabilities
- Likely higher price point than the Z92
- May not have a significantly better display
Lava Z92
- Lower price point for budget-conscious buyers
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially longer standby time due to less demanding processor
- Sluggish performance with multitasking and demanding apps
- Poor gaming performance
- Less efficient processor leading to potential overheating
- Slower charging speeds
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Z92’s focus on affordability, it likely utilizes a lower-resolution panel with narrower color gamut coverage compared to the Storm. The Storm, benefiting from its more modern chipset, may support a higher refresh rate, though this is unconfirmed. Bezels are also likely to be more prominent on the Z92 to reduce manufacturing costs.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited, but the chipset difference hints at a disparity in image processing capabilities. The Storm’s Dimensity 6080 includes a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) enabling faster image capture and potentially better low-light performance. While both phones may feature similar megapixel counts, the Storm will likely produce sharper, more detailed images with better dynamic range. The Z92’s Helio P22 will rely on simpler image processing algorithms, resulting in softer images and less effective noise reduction.
Performance
The performance gap between the Lava Storm and Z92 is significant. The Storm’s Mediatek Dimensity 6080, built on a 6nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture – two Cortex-A76 cores alongside six Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Z92’s Helio P22, which uses eight Cortex-A53 cores on a less efficient 12nm process. The A76 cores in the Storm provide a substantial uplift in single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness, while the 6nm node contributes to better thermal efficiency. This means the Storm is less likely to throttle under sustained load. The Z92’s Helio P22 will feel sluggish with multitasking and struggle with graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Storm’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Z92, which likely supports slower charging speeds. The 6nm Dimensity 6080 is also more power-efficient than the 12nm Helio P22, meaning the Storm could potentially offer comparable or even better battery life despite having a similar capacity. The faster charging on the Storm minimizes downtime and provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Storm if you prioritize a fluid user experience, enjoy mobile gaming, or frequently use demanding applications. The Dimensity 6080 provides a noticeable upgrade in responsiveness. Buy the Lava Z92 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you are on a very tight budget where every dollar counts. The Z92 is a functional device for essential tasks, but it will struggle with anything beyond that.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Storm be able to run demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
The Lava Storm’s Dimensity 6080 is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings for a consistently smooth experience. The Helio P22 in the Z92 will struggle significantly with these titles, likely requiring the lowest settings and still experiencing frame drops.
❓ Is the difference in processor performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is very noticeable. The Storm’s Dimensity 6080 will result in faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience when browsing the web or using social media apps. The Z92’s Helio P22 will feel sluggish and may exhibit noticeable lag.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Lava Storm compared to the Z92?
Without knowing the Z92’s charging wattage, it’s difficult to give an exact number. However, 33W charging is significantly faster than the typical 10-15W charging found on phones in the Z92’s price range. Expect the Storm to charge from 0-100% in approximately 1.5-2 hours, while the Z92 could take 3+ hours.
