The Lava Z2 and Nokia C20 Plus represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. While both run Android (the C20 Plus utilizes the Go edition), their underlying hardware differs significantly, particularly in the chipset department. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava Z2 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, built on a more modern 12nm process, delivers noticeably improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the Nokia C20 Plus’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. While the Nokia offers a cleaner software experience, the Z2’s performance advantage is more impactful for daily tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 29, 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 | 2021, June 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 11 | Available. Released 2021, June 16 |
| 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) | 165.4 x 75.9 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 204.7 g (7.23 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 (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% 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 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 | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4950 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Red | Ocean Blue, Graphite black |
| Models | LMG02 | TA-1388, TA-1380 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Lava Z2
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G35 chipset
- Likely better performance for multitasking and gaming
- More modern 12nm process for improved efficiency
- Display specifications are unknown
- Battery capacity is unknown
Nokia C20 Plus
- Clean Android Go Edition experience
- Potentially slightly longer battery life under light use
- 10W wired charging
- Significantly less powerful Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- Older 28nm process node
- Slow 10W charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the Lava Z2's display, but given its price point, it likely features a basic IPS LCD panel. The Nokia C20 Plus also utilizes an IPS LCD. The key difference lies under the hood; the older 28nm Unisoc chipset in the Nokia likely contributes to lower overall power efficiency, potentially impacting display brightness and color accuracy. Both will likely suffer from narrow viewing angles and limited outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are unlikely to deliver exceptional camera performance. Details on the Lava Z2’s camera are unavailable, but budget phones typically feature low-resolution sensors. The Nokia C20 Plus’s camera setup is similarly basic. Focusing on megapixel counts is misleading; sensor size and image processing are far more important. Given the price bracket, image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions but will struggle in low light. Expect soft details and limited dynamic range from both devices.
Performance
This is where the Lava Z2 pulls ahead. The Mediatek Helio G35, fabricated on a 12nm process, offers a significant architectural advantage over the Unisoc SC9863A’s 28nm node. The G35’s octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) provides a higher clock speed and more efficient cores compared to the C20 Plus’s (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55). The Cortex-A55 cores in the Nokia are more efficient *per clock cycle*, but the lower clock speeds and older process node mean the Z2 will handle tasks like app loading and web browsing with greater speed. The G35 also includes a more capable GPU, making it better suited for light gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details for the Lava Z2 are unavailable. The Nokia C20 Plus features a 3000mAh battery and supports 10W wired charging. While the Nokia’s less powerful Unisoc chipset *could* translate to slightly better battery life under very light usage, the difference will likely be minimal. The 10W charging on the Nokia is slow; a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. Without knowing the Z2’s battery capacity, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement, but the more efficient Helio G35 could offset a potentially smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Z2 if you prioritize responsiveness and the ability to handle slightly more demanding apps or multitasking. It’s ideal for users who occasionally play casual games or need a phone that doesn’t feel sluggish. Buy the Nokia C20 Plus if a clean, uncluttered Android Go experience and potentially longer battery life (due to the less powerful chipset) are your primary concerns. It’s best suited for very basic usage – calls, texts, and light app use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Z2 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G35 chipset in the Lava Z2 is sufficiently powerful to run most popular social media apps without significant lag. The higher clock speeds and more efficient cores compared to the Nokia C20 Plus’s chipset will provide a smoother user experience.
❓ Is the Android Go Edition on the Nokia C20 Plus a significant benefit for performance?
Android Go Edition is designed for devices with limited resources. While it helps optimize performance on the Nokia C20 Plus’s weaker Unisoc SC9863A chipset, it’s a compromise. It uses lighter versions of apps, which may have reduced functionality. The Lava Z2’s more powerful chipset can handle standard Android apps more effectively.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Nokia C20 Plus with the 10W charger?
With the 10W charger, expect the Nokia C20 Plus to take approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is a relatively slow charging speed compared to modern smartphones, but typical for devices in this price range.
