The Lava Z3 and Infinix Smart 5 Pro represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The key differentiator lies in their chipsets: Mediatek’s Helio G35 in the Z3 versus Unisoc’s SC9863A in the Smart 5 Pro. This comparison will dissect these differences and determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Lava Z3 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35, built on a 12nm process, offers a more efficient and capable architecture than the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, resulting in smoother multitasking and a slightly better gaming experience.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 26 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| 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 11 | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Cyan | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | LZG403 25 | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Lava Z3
- More modern and efficient chipset (Helio G35)
- Potentially smoother multitasking and app loading
- Slightly better gaming performance
- Charging speed is unknown
- Display specifications are basic
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Lower price point (likely)
- 10W wired charging included
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks
- Less efficient and slower chipset (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Noticeably slower performance in demanding apps
- Potentially shorter battery life due to inefficient chipset
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are absent from the provided data, suggesting both utilize basic LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of specifications like peak brightness or color gamut coverage indicates neither phone is geared towards media consumption. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Without sensor size or aperture information, a detailed camera comparison is impossible. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses in this segment suggests both may include one, but their utility is limited. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to compensate for the limitations of the hardware. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but poor performance in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava Z3’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with a split of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This 12nm fabrication process is significantly more efficient than the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The SC9863A also uses an octa-core setup, but with slower 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Cortex-A55 cores in the Infinix are more efficient *per clock cycle* than the A53, but the lower clock speeds and larger process node mean overall performance will be lower. The Z3 will handle multitasking and app loading with noticeably less lag. While neither is a gaming powerhouse, the Z3’s GPU will provide a slightly smoother experience in less demanding titles.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Infinix Smart 5 Pro includes 10W wired charging, while the Lava Z3’s charging capabilities are unknown. The 28nm process of the Unisoc chip in the Smart 5 Pro will likely result in higher power consumption, potentially negating any advantage a larger battery might offer. The 10W charging on the Infinix will provide a slow but steady charge, suitable for overnight top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Z3 if you need a phone that feels more responsive for everyday tasks like browsing and social media, and if you anticipate keeping the device for more than a year. The newer chipset provides a degree of future-proofing. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if your primary concern is absolute lowest price and you only need a phone for very basic communication – calls, texts, and light WhatsApp usage. The 10W charging is a bonus for those who prioritize simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Z3 handle popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G35 chipset in the Lava Z3 is sufficiently capable to run apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant lag. The newer architecture provides a more responsive experience compared to the Infinix Smart 5 Pro, especially when multitasking between these apps.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Infinix Smart 5 Pro suitable for playing mobile games?
The Unisoc SC9863A is not ideal for gaming. While it can run less demanding games, expect low frame rates and potential stuttering, even on low graphics settings. The Lava Z3’s Helio G35 will offer a slightly better gaming experience, but neither phone is designed for serious mobile gaming.
❓ How much faster is the Helio G35 compared to the SC9863A in real-world usage?
The Helio G35 is approximately 20-30% faster in CPU performance benchmarks than the SC9863A. This translates to quicker app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience on the Lava Z3. The difference is most noticeable when switching between multiple apps.
