Lava is targeting the entry-level smartphone market with the Z2 and Blaze, both aiming to deliver essential features at incredibly affordable price points. However, a significant difference lies under the hood: the Z2 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G35, while the Blaze opts for the Helio A22. This comparison will dissect these chipset differences to determine which phone offers the best user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava Z2 is the superior choice. Its Helio G35 chipset, with its octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Blaze’s quad-core Helio A22, making it better suited for multitasking and moderately demanding apps. While both phones are budget-focused, the Z2 offers a more responsive experience.
| 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 07 | 2022, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 11 | Available. Released 2022, July 14 |
| 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) | 164.8 x 76.3 x 8.9 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-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 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Other unspecified cameras |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, 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, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Red | Green, Red, Black, Blue |
| Models | LMG02 | LZX403, LZX411 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Lava Z2
- Faster Octa-Core Processor
- Improved GPU Performance
- Better Multitasking Capabilities
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life (under heavy load)
- Likely Higher Price Point
Lava Blaze
- Lower Price
- Potentially Longer Battery Life (under light load)
- Simpler User Experience
- Slow Quad-Core Processor
- Limited Gaming Capabilities
- Struggles with Multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither Lava provides detailed display specifications beyond size. However, given their price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The real difference lies in the processing power driving the display. The Z2’s more capable GPU can potentially render UI elements and videos more smoothly. Without knowing the refresh rates or peak brightness, it’s difficult to assess visual quality beyond responsiveness.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed sensor information is unavailable. It’s safe to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth or macro sensor. However, the Helio G35’s integrated image signal processor (ISP) in the Z2 is more advanced than the A22’s, potentially leading to better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. The GPU’s capabilities also contribute to faster image processing times. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a camera winner, but the Z2 has a processing advantage.
Performance
The core differentiator is the chipset. The Lava Z2’s Mediatek Helio G35 features an octa-core CPU comprised of four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Lava Blaze’s Helio A22, which has a quad-core CPU with four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz. The G35’s higher clock speeds and additional cores translate to significantly better multi-core performance, crucial for running multiple apps simultaneously. The G35 also includes a more capable IMG GE8320 GPU, offering a better gaming experience, even if limited to less demanding titles. The Helio A22 will struggle with anything beyond basic app usage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Helio G35 in the Z2 is a 12nm chip, while the Helio A22 is also 12nm. While the node size is the same, the G35’s more complex architecture and higher performance will likely consume more power. Therefore, battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The Z2’s faster processor could offset some battery drain with quicker task completion, but heavy users will likely see a shorter runtime on the Z2 compared to the Blaze.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Z2 if you prioritize smoother performance for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and a more future-proof experience. Its octa-core processor will handle app switching and multitasking with greater ease. Buy the Lava Blaze if your needs are extremely basic – primarily calls, texts, and light social media – and you are looking for the absolute lowest possible price point. The Blaze is best suited for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Z2 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Helio G35 can run these games, expect to play them at the lowest graphics settings and potentially with reduced frame rates. It's not designed for a high-end gaming experience, but it's capable of casual gaming. The Lava Blaze will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the difference between the Helio G35 and Helio A22 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Z2’s octa-core processor will make app switching, web browsing, and scrolling through social media feeds much smoother and more responsive compared to the Blaze’s quad-core processor. The A22 can feel sluggish with even moderate multitasking.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging?
Charging specifications are not publicly available for either device. Given their price point, it's unlikely either phone supports fast charging technology. Expect standard 5W or 10W charging speeds.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes calls?
For basic communication, the Lava Blaze is sufficient. Its Helio A22 processor can easily handle WhatsApp and calls without issue. However, the Z2 will provide a more fluid and responsive experience even for these basic tasks.
