The Lava Z2 and itel Vision 2S represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The Z2 leverages a newer, albeit entry-level, Mediatek Helio G35, while the Vision 2S relies on the older, more power-hungry Unisoc SC9863A. This comparison will dissect these core differences and determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Lava Z2 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35, built on a 12nm process, offers a more efficient and capable architecture than the itel Vision 2S’s 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, translating to smoother multitasking and potentially better long-term performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 07 | 2021 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 11 | Available. Released 2021 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.8 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 166 x 76.3 x 8.9 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP
0.3 MP |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Red | Gradation Purple, Gradation Blue, Deep Blue |
| Models | LMG02 | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | - |
Lava Z2
- More efficient chipset (12nm)
- Higher CPU clock speeds
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Better long-term performance potential
- Charging speed likely slower than itel Vision 2S
- Unknown battery capacity
itel Vision 2S
- 18W fast charging
- Potentially lower price
- Newer Cortex-A55 architecture (efficiency per clock)
- May include additional software features
- Less efficient chipset (28nm)
- Lower CPU clock speeds
- Likely more throttling under load
- Potentially shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type and resolution are not provided. However, the focus should be on the chipset's ability to drive the display efficiently. The Z2's Helio G35, while not a graphics champion, benefits from a more modern architecture, potentially leading to smoother scrolling and animations compared to the Vision 2S's older Unisoc chip.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture suggests neither device will excel in low-light conditions. It's reasonable to assume both will rely heavily on software processing to enhance image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava Z2’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with a split of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This is a significant advantage over the itel Vision 2S’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) with its 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 12nm process node of the Helio G35 is far more efficient than the 28nm node of the Unisoc chip, meaning less heat generation and potentially less throttling under sustained load. Furthermore, the Cortex-A53 cores in the Z2, while older, are clocked higher than the A55 cores in the Vision 2S, offering a performance boost. The newer Cortex-A55 architecture in the Vision 2S *should* offer better efficiency per clock cycle, but the significant clock speed difference and process node disadvantage outweigh this benefit.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the itel Vision 2S’s 18W wired charging is a notable advantage. The Lava Z2’s charging speed is unknown, but likely slower. The Unisoc SC9863A’s less efficient architecture will likely result in faster battery drain during use, meaning the Vision 2S’s faster charging will be more frequently utilized. The Z2’s more efficient Helio G35 could potentially offset a smaller battery capacity with longer overall runtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Z2 if you need a phone that feels relatively snappy for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Its more modern chipset provides a better user experience, even if it's not a powerhouse. Buy the itel Vision 2S if you prioritize fast charging (18W) and are willing to accept compromises in performance and efficiency. It's a viable option for users who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and minimal app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the itel Vision 2S struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A, built on a 28nm process, is likely to exhibit performance slowdowns when multitasking with several apps. Its lower clock speeds and less efficient architecture compared to the Lava Z2’s Helio G35 will result in noticeable lag and app reloading.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the itel Vision 2S a game-changer, or is it just a marketing feature?
While 18W charging is faster than standard charging, its benefit is somewhat offset by the less efficient Unisoc SC9863A chipset. The Vision 2S will likely require more frequent charging due to higher power consumption, meaning you'll be utilizing that 18W charging more often. It's a useful feature, but doesn't entirely compensate for the chipset's shortcomings.
❓ Can the Lava Z2 handle basic mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Free Fire?
The Lava Z2’s Mediatek Helio G35 can handle basic mobile games like PUBG Mobile and Free Fire, but expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates. The G35 isn’t a gaming powerhouse, but its more efficient architecture will allow for longer gaming sessions before throttling becomes a significant issue.
