The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Lava Yuva 2 Pro and the ZTE Blade A72 5G. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A72 5G is the clear winner. Its 5G connectivity, significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset, and generally improved specs outweigh the Lava Yuva 2 Pro's potential cost advantage. While the Yuva 2 Pro might be cheaper, the A72 5G offers a more future-proof and performant experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 22 | 2022, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 22 | Available. Released 2022, June 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.5 x 9.2 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 204 g (7.20 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
VGA
VGA | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glass Lavender, Glass Green, Glass White | Blue, Gray |
| Models | LZX408 | 7540N |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Lava Yuva 2 Pro
- Potentially lower price
- Decent battery life
- Basic functionality
- Outdated chipset
- Slow performance
- Limited features
- Slow charging
ZTE Blade A72 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster performance (Dimensity 700)
- More modern features
- Potentially better camera processing
- Slightly higher price
- Basic camera quality (typical for budget phones)
- 10W charging
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature LCD displays around 6.5 inches. Expect similar resolutions (likely HD+). The ZTE Blade A72 5G *might* have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially better panel technology, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed reviews. Expect similar viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often a weak point in budget phones. The Lava Yuva 2 Pro likely has a basic triple camera setup (main, wide-angle, depth). The ZTE Blade A72 5G probably features a similar configuration, but the Dimensity 700's image signal processor (ISP) could result in slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Expect decent, but not exceptional, photo quality from both.
Performance
This is where the ZTE Blade A72 5G shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37 (12nm) in the Lava Yuva 2 Pro. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the ZTE. The Dimensity 700's Cortex-A76 cores also contribute to improved responsiveness.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have batteries in the 5000mAh range. Charging speeds are a limitation on both, with the Lava Yuva 2 Pro offering 10W wired charging. The ZTE Blade A72 5G may offer slightly faster charging, but it's unlikely to be significantly different.
Buying Guide
The Lava Yuva 2 Pro is best suited for users on the absolute tightest budget who primarily need basic calling, texting, and light social media usage. The ZTE Blade A72 5G is ideal for those wanting 5G connectivity, smoother performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and a more modern smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lava Yuva 2 Pro worth buying if I'm on a very tight budget?
It can be a viable option if your needs are extremely basic and price is the absolute top priority. However, the ZTE Blade A72 5G offers significantly more value for a slightly higher price.
❓ Does the ZTE Blade A72 5G support 5G in all regions?
5G support depends on your carrier and region. Check with your mobile provider to ensure compatibility before purchasing.