The Lava Z3 and Nokia C210 represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price point, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset selection. This comparison will dissect the core differences between the Mediatek Helio G35-powered Lava Z3 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662-equipped Nokia C210, revealing which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a smoother user experience, the Nokia C210 emerges as the better choice. The Snapdragon 662’s more efficient 11nm process and Kryo CPU architecture provide a noticeable advantage in multitasking and app responsiveness, outweighing the Lava Z3’s slightly higher CPU clock speeds on paper.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 26 | 2023, August 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2023, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 159.5 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.28 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 167.8 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~273 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~82.7% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Yes |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Cyan | Gray |
| Models | LZG403 25 | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 190 EUR |
Lava Z3
- Potentially lower price point
- Slightly higher CPU clock speeds (on paper)
- May offer more storage options (market dependent)
- Less efficient chipset (Helio G35)
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Likely inferior GPU performance
Nokia C210
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 662)
- Modern CPU architecture (Kryo 260)
- Superior GPU performance (Adreno 610)
- Better image processing capabilities
- Potentially higher price point
- May have limited storage options
- Could be less readily available in certain markets
Display Comparison
Neither Lava nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the display experience will likely be similar, focusing on cost-effectiveness. The absence of information regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) or brightness nits makes a direct comparison difficult. Both will likely target 60Hz refresh rates, prioritizing battery life over visual fluidity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a precise camera comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 662 is generally more sophisticated, offering better noise reduction and dynamic range. The Nokia C210 will likely benefit from Qualcomm’s image processing algorithms, resulting in more pleasing photos in various lighting conditions. The Lava Z3’s camera performance will likely be adequate for basic snapshots but may struggle in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia C210’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) utilizes a more modern architecture – Kryo 260 Gold & Silver – compared to the Lava Z3’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm). While the Z3 boasts slightly higher peak clock speeds (2.3 GHz vs 2.0 GHz on the Gold cores), the Snapdragon 662’s architectural efficiency and process node shrink provide a real-world advantage. The 11nm process allows for better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained tasks. The Snapdragon 662’s Adreno 610 GPU also offers superior graphics performance, making it the better choice for casual gaming. The Lava Z3’s Cortex-A53 cores, while numerous, are older and less efficient.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 662’s superior power efficiency will likely translate to longer battery life for the Nokia C210, even with a similar capacity battery. The 11nm process contributes significantly to reduced power consumption. Charging wattage is also unknown, but given the budget nature of these phones, fast charging is unlikely to be a priority. Expect similar 0-100% charge times, potentially exceeding 3 hours for both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Z3 if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize a potentially lower upfront cost. Buy the Nokia C210 if you prefer a more responsive device capable of handling moderate multitasking, streaming video, and casual gaming without significant lag, and value Qualcomm’s established software optimization.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Z3 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Lava Z3 can run these apps, the Helio G35’s limited processing power may result in noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading media. The Nokia C210’s Snapdragon 662 will provide a smoother, more responsive experience with these commonly used applications.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 662 in the Nokia C210 capable of playing games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 662 can run PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rate to maintain a playable experience. Expect occasional frame drops and stuttering. The Lava Z3’s Helio G35 will struggle significantly more with PUBG Mobile, making it less suitable for gaming.
❓ How does the difference in manufacturing process (12nm vs 11nm) affect real-world usage?
The 11nm process used in the Snapdragon 662 is more efficient, meaning it consumes less power for the same level of performance. This translates to longer battery life and less heat generation, reducing the risk of performance throttling during extended use. The 12nm Helio G35 will generate more heat and consume more power.
