The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Lava Z3 and the Realme C30. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C30 edges out the Lava Z3 thanks to its slightly more modern chipset and faster charging. While both are budget options, the C30's smoother performance and convenience make it the preferable choice for most users, despite similar price points.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 26 | 2022, June 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2022, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 720p@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, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Cyan | Lake Blue, Bamboo Green |
| Models | LZG403 25 | RMX3581, RMX3623 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) |
Lava Z3
- Potentially larger display
- Decent gaming performance for the price
- Affordable
- Slower chipset
- Slower charging
- Potentially less refined software
Realme C30
- Faster chipset (Unisoc T612)
- Faster charging (10W)
- Generally smoother performance
- Potentially better image processing
- Smaller display (potentially)
- Limited camera features
- Basic design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large, HD+ displays, likely around 6.5 inches. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels, typical for this price range. The Lava Z3 might have a slightly larger display, but the Realme C30 could offer better viewing angles due to potential panel technology differences (likely IPS for the C30).
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar – expect a 13MP main camera on both, potentially with a depth sensor. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Realme often has slightly better image processing algorithms, so the C30 might produce marginally better photos in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be average on both.
Performance
Here's where the differences become more apparent. The Realme C30's Unisoc Tiger T612, with its dual Cortex-A75 cores, offers a noticeable performance boost over the Lava Z3's Helio G35, which relies on Cortex-A53 cores. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the C30. Gaming performance will be adequate on both, but the C30 will handle more demanding titles better.
Battery Life
Both phones likely pack a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the Realme C30's 10W charging provides a faster charging experience compared to the Lava Z3's likely slower charging speed (potentially 5W or similar).
Buying Guide
The Lava Z3 is a good option for users prioritizing a larger display and potentially slightly better gaming performance due to the Helio G35's GPU. The Realme C30 is ideal for those seeking a more responsive daily driver with faster charging and a generally more polished software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Lava Z3 might offer slightly better gaming performance due to the Helio G35's GPU, but the Realme C30's faster processor will still provide a playable experience for most games.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries. However, the Realme C30 charges faster.
❓ Which phone has the better camera?
The Realme C30 likely has the edge in camera quality due to potentially better image processing, although both phones have basic camera setups.
