Lava is aggressively targeting the budget smartphone segment with the Z6 and Blaze 2. While both aim to deliver value, they take different approaches to achieving it. The Z6 relies on MediaTek’s Helio G35, while the Blaze 2 opts for the Unisoc Tiger T616. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava Blaze 2 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 performance cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Z6’s Helio G35, especially in multitasking and gaming. The 18W charging is also a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 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 | 2021, January 07 | 2023, April 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 11 | Available. Released 2023, April 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.8 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 165 x 76.1 x 8.6 mm (6.50 x 3.00 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 203 g (7.16 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| 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 |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Red | Glass Blue, Glass Black, Glass Orange |
| Models | LMX06 | LZX409 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Lava Z6
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Outdated Helio G35 chipset
- Slower performance in demanding apps
- Likely slower charging speeds
Lava Blaze 2
- More powerful Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- May be slightly more expensive
- Unisoc chipset may have less software optimization
- Camera performance is unknown
Display Comparison
Neither Lava provides detailed display specifications beyond size. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rates suggests a focus on cost optimization. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices. Without further data, a clear winner cannot be determined; display quality will likely be similar.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. However, given the market segment, both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing capabilities, a direct comparison is difficult. It's reasonable to assume both will perform adequately in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Focusing on megapixel counts alone would be misleading without further information.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava Z6’s MediaTek Helio G35 utilizes four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. This is a relatively older architecture. Conversely, the Lava Blaze 2’s Unisoc Tiger T616 features a more modern configuration: two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores represent a significant architectural improvement, offering substantially better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the T616’s architecture translates to a smoother user experience, particularly when multitasking or running demanding applications. The Z6 will likely struggle with heavier tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Lava Blaze 2’s inclusion of 18W wired charging is a clear advantage. While the Z6 likely supports standard 10W charging, the Blaze 2 will significantly reduce charging times, offering greater convenience. Even with a similar battery capacity, the more efficient Unisoc T616 in the Blaze 2 may contribute to slightly longer battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Z6 if your primary need is a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and you prioritize a potentially lower price point. Buy the Lava Blaze 2 if you want a more responsive experience for everyday tasks, enjoy occasional gaming, and value faster charging capabilities. The Blaze 2 is the better all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Blaze 2 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Unisoc Tiger T616 in the Blaze 2 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost over the Z6’s Helio G35, resulting in a more playable experience. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but it should be generally enjoyable.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Lava Blaze 2 a significant improvement over standard charging?
Yes, 18W charging is a substantial improvement. While a precise 0-100% time isn't available, it will likely reduce charging time by at least 30-50% compared to the Lava Z6’s expected 10W charging. This means less time tethered to a wall and more time using the phone.
❓ How does the Unisoc Tiger T616 compare to the MediaTek Helio G35 in terms of everyday app usage?
The Unisoc Tiger T616 offers a noticeably smoother experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and app switching. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, resulting in faster app launch times and reduced lag compared to the Helio G35’s Cortex-A53 cores.
