Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Lava X3 and Lava Blaze 2 are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lava Blaze 2 emerges as the clear winner. Its superior Unisoc chipset, faster charging, and generally improved performance outweigh the Lava X3's potential cost advantage. If you prioritize speed and battery longevity, the Blaze 2 is the better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 22 | 2023, April 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 27 | Available. Released 2023, April 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) | 165 x 76.1 x 8.6 mm (6.50 x 3.00 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 203 g (7.16 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Blue | Glass Blue, Glass Black, Glass Orange |
| Models | - | LZX409 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Lava X3
- Potentially lower price
- Decent battery life (given the chipset)
- Basic functionality
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging
- Limited performance
- Likely lower screen quality
Lava Blaze 2
- Faster performance
- 18W fast charging
- Better multitasking
- Potentially better camera processing
- Slightly higher price (likely)
- Still a budget phone – don't expect flagship features
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness. The Blaze 2 *might* have slightly better color accuracy due to its more powerful processor allowing for better display calibration, but this is speculative without official specs.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar – probably a 13MP main sensor and a few lower-resolution secondary lenses. However, the Blaze 2's more powerful processor could lead to slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Both will likely produce acceptable photos in good lighting conditions.
Performance
This is where the Blaze 2 shines. The Unisoc Tiger T616's octa-core architecture, including Cortex-A75 cores, provides a significant performance boost over the X3's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Blaze 2. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better.
Battery Life
While both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, the Blaze 2's 18W fast charging is a major advantage. The X3's 10W charging will take considerably longer to fully charge the battery. The Blaze 2's more efficient chipset may also contribute to slightly better battery life in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
The Lava X3 is a good option for users on an extremely tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic calling, texting, and light social media use. The Lava Blaze 2 is ideal for those who want a smoother experience, better performance for multitasking, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lava Blaze 2 worth the extra money compared to the Lava X3?
Yes, the Blaze 2's improved performance and faster charging make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you use your phone for more than just basic tasks.
❓ What kind of games can I play on the Lava Blaze 2?
You can play most casual games and some less demanding titles on the Blaze 2. Don't expect to run high-end games at high settings.
