The Lava Z2 and Samsung Galaxy M02s represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and efficiency.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a slightly more responsive experience, the Lava Z2 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35, built on a more modern 12nm process, provides a performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy M02s’ older Snapdragon 450, despite similar core counts. However, the M02s offers 15W charging, a feature absent in the Z2.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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, January 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 11 | Available. Released 2021, January 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.8 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 196 g (6.91 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | Go |
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Red | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | LMG02 | SM-M025F/DS, SM-M025F |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Lava Z2
- More modern chipset (Helio G35)
- Potentially better single-core performance
- More efficient 12nm manufacturing process
- No fast charging support
- Limited brand recognition
Samsung Galaxy M02s
- 15W fast charging
- Established brand (Samsung)
- Potentially better software support
- Older chipset (Snapdragon 450)
- Less efficient 14nm manufacturing process
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ resolution. The absence of features like high refresh rates or HDR support is expected. The focus here is purely functional, prioritizing visibility over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be comparable, and largely dependent on software processing. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside basic auxiliary lenses (details not provided). Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G35 is newer, potentially offering slightly improved image quality and processing speed. Expect basic photography capabilities suitable for social media sharing, but not professional-level results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava Z2’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) utilizes a more efficient manufacturing process than the Samsung Galaxy M02s’ Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm). While both are octa-core CPUs using Cortex-A53 cores, the G35’s architecture and clock speeds (2.3 GHz vs 1.8 GHz) suggest a performance edge, particularly in single-core tasks. The G35’s GPU will also offer a slight advantage in gaming, though neither phone is designed for demanding titles. The 14nm process of the Snapdragon 450 will likely result in slightly higher power consumption under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Samsung Galaxy M02s’ 15W wired charging is a clear advantage. The Lava Z2 lacks any mention of fast charging, suggesting a slower charging speed. This means the M02s will be able to replenish its battery significantly faster, a crucial benefit for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. The efficiency gains of the Helio G35 might partially offset the slower charging, but the M02s still holds an advantage in this area.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Z2 if you need a phone for basic multitasking, social media, and light gaming, and prioritize a slightly smoother user experience. The newer chipset offers a tangible, if modest, performance boost. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M02s if you prioritize a brand with established software support and faster charging, and are willing to accept a slightly less responsive overall experience. The 15W charging is a significant benefit for those who frequently need to top up their battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Z2 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G35 in the Lava Z2 is capable of running everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsers without significant lag. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it provides a functional and responsive experience for basic tasks.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 450 in the Samsung Galaxy M02s sufficient for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 450 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. Expect noticeable lag and stuttering, especially in intense moments. It's not ideal for gaming, and a more powerful chipset is recommended for a smoother experience.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy M02s support reverse wireless charging?
No, the Samsung Galaxy M02s does not support reverse wireless charging. This feature is typically found on higher-end Samsung devices.
❓ What type of charging port do both phones use?
Both the Lava Z2 and Samsung Galaxy M02s are expected to use a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer, which is standard for phones in this price range.
