The Lava Z3 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. However, subtle differences in their chipsets and features can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best balance of performance and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava Z3 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, with higher CPU clock speeds, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Redmi 9A Sport’s Helio G25, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light gaming. While the Redmi 9A Sport offers 10W charging, the Z3's performance advantage justifies the trade-off.
| 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 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| 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 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| 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) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| 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 | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| 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 |
| 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 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Cyan | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | LZG403 25 | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Lava Z3
- Faster CPU performance due to Helio G35
- More responsive user experience
- Potentially better gaming performance
- Charging speed likely slower than Redmi 9A Sport
- Display specs are likely basic
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- 10W wired charging for faster top-ups
- Affordable price point
- Reliable brand reputation
- Slower CPU performance with Helio G25
- Less responsive for multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price segment. Detailed display specs like resolution and brightness are unavailable, but we can infer they are similar – likely 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick on both models, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, with both likely featuring a primary sensor and potentially a secondary depth or macro sensor. Given the price point, image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions but will struggle in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means relying heavily on software processing for stabilization. Detailed sensor specs are unavailable, making a precise comparison difficult, but the focus should be on the primary sensor's megapixel count and aperture, rather than any auxiliary lenses.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava Z3’s Mediatek Helio G35 features an octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.3 GHz, utilizing four Cortex-A53 cores at this speed and another four at 1.8 GHz. The Redmi 9A Sport’s Helio G25, while also octa-core, is clocked lower at 2.0 GHz (4x) and 1.5 GHz (4x). This clock speed difference translates to a tangible performance advantage for the Z3 in CPU-bound tasks. While both use the same Cortex-A53 architecture, the higher clock speeds on the Z3 allow it to process instructions faster. The GPU performance is also likely to be slightly better on the Z3, though both are geared towards basic gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, common for this segment. The Redmi 9A Sport has a clear advantage with its 10W wired charging support, allowing for faster replenishment of the battery. The Lava Z3’s charging speed is unknown, but it’s likely to be slower, potentially relying on 5W charging. This means the Redmi 9A Sport will offer a quicker top-up, which is beneficial for users who frequently need to recharge their phones.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Z3 if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, especially when multitasking or playing casual games. It’s ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or need a phone that doesn’t feel sluggish. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you specifically need the convenience of 10W wired charging and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions like calls, messaging, and light social media use. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone owners or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Z3 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Helio G35 can run these games, expect to play them at the lowest graphics settings and potentially with reduced frame rates. The focus is on casual gaming rather than demanding titles. The Redmi 9A Sport will likely struggle even more with these games.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed between the Helio G35 and G25 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 300MHz difference in peak CPU clock speed is noticeable when multitasking, opening apps, and browsing the web. The Lava Z3 will feel more responsive and less prone to lag in these scenarios.
❓ Does the Redmi 9A Sport's 10W charging significantly reduce charging time?
Compared to a potential 5W charger on the Lava Z3, 10W charging will noticeably reduce the time it takes to fully charge the Redmi 9A Sport. Expect a faster top-up, especially useful for users who don't have extended periods to charge their phone.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes calls?
Both phones are perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like WhatsApp and calls. However, the Lava Z3's smoother performance will provide a slightly more pleasant experience, even for these simple tasks.
