The Lava Z2 and Micromax In 1b represent a resurgence of Indian smartphone brands in the ultra-budget segment. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers and those seeking a reliable secondary device. This comparison focuses on dissecting their similarities and, crucially, the subtle differences that might sway a purchasing decision, particularly around charging capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a complete package, the Micromax In 1b edges out the Lava Z2. While both share the same Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, the In 1b’s inclusion of 10W wired charging, including reverse wired charging, provides a tangible usability advantage over the Z2, which lacks any charging information.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 07 | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 11 | Discontinued |
| 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) | 164.5 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 188 g (6.63 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 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Red | Blue, Purple, Green |
| Models | LMG02 | E6523, E7533 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
Lava Z2
- Potentially lower price point (depending on market)
- Basic functionality for essential tasks
- Reliable Mediatek Helio G35 chipset
- Lack of charging information – charger may not be included
- Missing display specifications
- Limited camera details
Micromax In 1b
- 5000mAh battery for all-day usage
- 10W wired charging with included charger
- Reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- Basic camera system
- Helio G35 chipset is entry-level
- Likely limited display quality
Display Comparison
Both the Lava Z2 and Micromax In 1b are expected to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, specific details like resolution, peak brightness, and color gamut coverage are unavailable. Given the target market, we can anticipate 720p+ resolutions and standard color reproduction. The absence of information regarding features like PWM dimming rates means users sensitive to screen flicker should exercise caution with both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are largely absent for the Lava Z2, making a direct comparison difficult. The Micromax In 1b is also likely to feature a basic camera setup. Given the price point, image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. Expect limited low-light performance and minimal detail. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the In 1b is unlikely to provide significant photographic value, serving more as a marketing feature than a practical tool.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This indicates identical processing power for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The GPU performance will also be comparable. However, thermal management, which isn’t specified, will likely dictate sustained performance under load. The lack of LPDDR4X or LPDDR5 RAM specifications suggests both devices likely utilize slower RAM, potentially impacting multitasking responsiveness.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Lava Z2. The Micromax In 1b packs a 5000mAh battery, a standard size for budget smartphones, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Crucially, the In 1b supports 10W wired charging and reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices. The Lava Z2’s lack of charging information suggests it may not include a charger in the box, adding to the overall cost for the consumer.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Z2 if you need a basic, functional smartphone and are comfortable sourcing a charger separately. It’s a viable option if you already have a USB charger and prioritize simplicity. Buy the Micromax In 1b if you prefer a more complete out-of-the-box experience, including a charger and the convenience of reverse wired charging to top up accessories like earbuds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Micromax In 1b’s 10W charging significantly impact charging speed compared to faster charging standards?
While 10W is relatively slow compared to modern fast charging standards, it’s adequate for overnight charging and topping up the 5000mAh battery. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours. The convenience of having a charger included is more impactful than the charging speed itself in this price segment.
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G35 chipset capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G35 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. Frame drops and stuttering are likely to occur during intense gameplay. These phones are better suited for casual gaming rather than demanding titles.
❓ What type of storage does the Micromax In 1b use, and is it expandable?
While not explicitly stated, the Micromax In 1b likely uses eMMC storage, common in this price range. It does support microSD card expansion up to 256GB, allowing users to increase storage capacity for photos, videos, and apps.
