Lava is targeting the entry-level smartphone market with the Yuva Star 2 and Z2 Max. While both aim to deliver affordability, they take distinctly different approaches to internal hardware. The Yuva Star 2 boasts a modern, if modest, octa-core Unisoc chipset, while the Z2 Max relies on a quad-core processor. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device provides the best user experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Lava Yuva Star 2 is the clear winner. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, with its eight cores, offers significantly more processing power than the Z2 Max’s quad-core CPU, making it better suited for everyday tasks and light app usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, May 05 | 2021, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May 05 | Available. Released 2021, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 174.7 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm (6.88 x 3.09 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 216 g (7.62 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | IMG8322 | - |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Radiant Black, Sparkling Ivory | Stroked Blue, Stroked Cyan |
| Models | - | LS0001 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Lava Yuva Star 2
- Octa-core processor offers better multitasking.
- More responsive user interface.
- 10W charging provides controlled power delivery.
- Limited detailed specifications available.
- 28nm process is not the most efficient.
Lava Z2 Max
- Simpler operation for basic users.
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor.
- Affordable price point.
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking.
- Slower app loading times.
- Limited future-proofing.
Display Comparison
Neither Lava provides display specifications beyond size, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of details like resolution or refresh rate suggests a focus on cost reduction. The user experience will likely be similar, with neither device offering a particularly vibrant or high-resolution display.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed specifications are unavailable. Given the market segment, image quality will likely be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess the low-light performance of either device. It’s safe to assume that neither phone will excel in photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava Yuva Star 2’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core processor built on a 28nm process, featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This configuration allows for better multitasking and handling of more demanding applications compared to the Lava Z2 Max’s quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU. While the Z2 Max’s cores are individually faster, the Yuva Star 2’s eight cores provide superior parallel processing capabilities. This translates to smoother app switching and a more responsive user interface. The 28nm process of the Unisoc chip, while not cutting-edge, is a reasonable compromise for this price segment.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Lava Yuva Star 2’s 10W wired charging suggests a focus on conservative power consumption, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity. The Z2 Max’s charging speed is unknown, but given its simpler processor, it may also prioritize efficiency. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both phones should be capable of lasting a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Yuva Star 2 if you need a phone capable of handling multiple apps simultaneously, enjoy occasional social media browsing, or want a smoother overall experience. It’s ideal for students or users on a tight budget who still desire a degree of responsiveness. Buy the Lava Z2 Max if your smartphone needs are extremely basic – primarily making calls and sending texts – and you prioritize simplicity above all else. It’s a functional device for those who rarely venture beyond core phone functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Yuva Star 2 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A’s octa-core architecture is sufficient to run social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant lag. The eight cores allow for better multitasking, ensuring a smoother experience even with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the Lava Z2 Max suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Lava Z2 Max’s quad-core processor is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like making calls and sending text messages. Its simplicity and affordability make it a good choice for users with minimal smartphone needs.
❓ Can the Lava Yuva Star 2 run basic games?
The Lava Yuva Star 2 can handle basic, less demanding games. However, don't expect a high-performance gaming experience. The integrated graphics are not powerful enough for graphically intensive titles. Expect lower frame rates and potentially some lag in more demanding games.
