Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Lava Z3 and Xiaomi Poco C50 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lava Z3 takes the win thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G35 chipset, offering noticeably better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. While the Poco C50 boasts a slightly better charging speed, the Z3's superior processing power makes it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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, 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 | 2023, January 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2023, January 10 |
| 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) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | - | Dust & splash resistant |
| 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 (~81.0% 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) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 1080p@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, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Cyan | Country Green, Royal Blue |
| Models | LZG403 25 | MZB0D3DIN, 220733SPI, 220733SPH |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
Lava Z3
- More powerful processor (Helio G35)
- Octa-core CPU for better performance
- Likely slightly larger display
- Good value for money
- Basic camera quality
- Potentially less refined software experience
- Charging speed not as fast as Poco C50
Xiaomi Poco C50
- Slightly faster 10W wired charging
- Reputable brand (Xiaomi)
- Good battery life
- Weaker processor (Helio A22)
- Quad-core CPU limits performance
- Basic camera quality
- Less responsive than Z3
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays with resolutions around 720 x 1600 pixels. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price point, but don't anticipate flagship-level display quality. The Z3 might have a slightly larger screen size, but this needs confirmation from official specs.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely to be similar, with both phones featuring a primary rear camera around 13MP. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Z3 might have a slight edge due to its more powerful processor assisting with image processing, but this is not guaranteed.
Performance
This is where the Lava Z3 shines. The Helio G35 chipset with its Octa-core CPU significantly outperforms the Poco C50's Helio A22 Quad-core processor. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the Z3. The Poco C50 will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Poco C50's 10W wired charging provides a slight advantage in charging speed, but the difference isn't substantial.
Buying Guide
The Lava Z3 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and want a smoother experience for multitasking and occasional gaming. The Xiaomi Poco C50 is a good option for those primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing, and who value a slightly faster charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Lava Z3 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G35 chipset and Octa-core CPU. The Poco C50 will struggle with even basic games.
❓ Does the Poco C50 support fast charging?
Yes, the Poco C50 supports 10W wired charging, which is slightly faster than what the Lava Z3 likely offers.
