The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Lava Z2 and the Motorola Moto G Play (2021) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and determines which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and battery efficiency, the Motorola Moto G Play (2021) is the better choice. While the Lava Z2’s Helio G35 offers a slightly higher clock speed on some cores, the Snapdragon 460’s 11nm process and optimized architecture provide a smoother, more reliable experience in everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 12, 14, 30, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 07 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 11 | Available. Released 2021, January 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.8 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 166.6 x 76 x 9.4 mm (6.56 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.6% 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 (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 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 | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| 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 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Red | Misty Blue |
| Models | LMG02 | XT2093-3, XT2093-7, XT2093-DL, XT2093DL |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 60 EUR |
Lava Z2
- Potentially higher peak CPU clock speed
- May be available at a slightly lower price point
- Octa-core processor for multitasking
- Less efficient 12nm process
- Likely shorter battery life
- Potentially more thermal throttling
Motorola Moto G Play (2021)
- More efficient 11nm Snapdragon 460
- 10W wired charging included
- Smoother overall performance
- Better power management
- Lower peak CPU clock speed
- May be slightly more expensive
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing, we can infer both likely utilize standard LCD panels. The absence of specifications like resolution or refresh rate suggests both are targeting the absolute lowest price point. Bezels are likely substantial on both, and color accuracy will be basic. The display is not a differentiating factor.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price bracket, both devices likely feature basic camera setups. We can assume both will include a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro sensor of limited utility. The image processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 460’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) are generally more refined than Mediatek’s equivalent in this price range, potentially leading to slightly better image quality in favorable lighting conditions. The absence of OIS on either device suggests low-light performance will be limited.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava Z2’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with a split design: four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. The Motorola Moto G Play (2021) utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) with four Kryo 240 cores at 1.8 GHz and another four at 1.6 GHz. While the G35 has a higher peak clock speed, the Snapdragon 460’s smaller 11nm process node is crucial. This translates to better power efficiency and less heat generation, leading to sustained performance. The Snapdragon’s Kryo cores, while lower clocked, are architecturally more efficient than the Cortex-A53s, resulting in a smoother user experience, especially during multitasking. The G35 may show brief bursts of speed, but the 460 will maintain a more consistent level of performance.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G Play (2021) includes 10W wired charging, a detail absent for the Lava Z2. While 10W is slow by modern standards, it’s a feature the Z2 lacks. The Snapdragon 460’s superior power efficiency will also contribute to longer battery life on the Moto G Play. While the battery capacity isn’t specified, the combination of a more efficient chipset and the inclusion of even slow charging gives the Moto G Play an advantage in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Z2 if you prioritize a potentially higher peak CPU performance for very light multitasking and are comfortable with potentially shorter battery life. Buy the Motorola Moto G Play (2021) if you value consistent performance, better power efficiency, and a more refined software experience, even if it means sacrificing a small amount of theoretical CPU horsepower. The G Play is ideal for users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and light web browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Z2 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Lava Z2’s Helio G35 can run these apps, but you may experience occasional lag or slowdowns, especially when multitasking. The Snapdragon 460 in the Moto G Play will handle these apps more smoothly and consistently due to its architectural advantages.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Motorola Moto G Play (2021) with the 10W charger?
With the included 10W charger, expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 3-4 hours. While slow, it’s better than no charging capability at all, which the Lava Z2 lacks specification for.
❓ Is either phone suitable for playing demanding mobile games like PUBG Mobile?
Neither phone is ideal for PUBG Mobile. Both chipsets will struggle to maintain a stable frame rate at higher settings. You may be able to play at the lowest settings with reduced graphics, but expect a compromised gaming experience on both devices.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto G Play (2021) support software updates?
Motorola typically provides at least one major Android update and a few security patches for the Moto G Play series. However, long-term software support is not guaranteed, and it will likely receive fewer updates than higher-end Motorola devices.
