The Micromax Bharat 2+ and Lava Z40 represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. However, with limited publicly available specifications for the Bharat 2+, the comparison largely focuses on the Lava Z40's known hardware and extrapolating the Bharat 2+'s position based on Micromax's historical product strategy.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a known chipset and basic functionality, the Lava Z40 is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9832E processor provides a defined performance baseline, while the Bharat 2+'s specifications remain largely unknown, making it a riskier purchase. The Z40 offers a degree of predictability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, Q4. Released 2017, Q4 | 2019, March. Released 2019, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 125 x 63.4 x 10.8 mm (4.92 x 2.50 x 0.43 in) | 125.5 x 63.9 x 11.7 mm (4.94 x 2.52 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 120 g (4.23 oz) | 120 g (4.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~57.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~56.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TN TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9832E |
| GPU | - | Mali |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat) | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 160 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 16 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 1600 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2250 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold | Gold, Glossy Black |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 3500 INR |
Micromax Bharat 2+
- Potentially lower price point
- Micromax brand recognition (for existing fans)
- May include specific software features tailored to the Indian market
- Lack of publicly available specifications
- Uncertain performance capabilities
- Potentially outdated hardware
Lava Z40
- Known Unisoc SC9832E chipset
- Predictable performance for basic tasks
- Generally better value for money due to transparency
- Limited processing power for demanding apps
- Likely basic camera performance
- Slow charging speeds
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Micromax Bharat 2+, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. The Lava Z40 likely features a standard IPS LCD panel, common in this price segment. Display quality will likely be similar between the two, focusing on basic readability rather than color accuracy or high brightness. Expect both to have resolutions around 720p, prioritizing battery life over sharpness. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. The Lava Z40's camera specifications are unknown beyond the chipset, but budget phones typically feature low-resolution sensors and lack optical image stabilization (OIS). Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but will suffer significantly in low light. The Bharat 2+'s camera is even more of an unknown, and it's unlikely to offer any significant advantage over the Z40. Focusing on the primary sensor resolution is key, as auxiliary sensors (like 2MP macro lenses) offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The Lava Z40's Unisoc SC9832E chipset, with its quad-core 1.4 GHz CPU, defines its performance capabilities. This chipset is designed for basic smartphone tasks and will handle apps like WhatsApp and Facebook adequately, but will struggle with demanding games or multitasking. The Micromax Bharat 2+, lacking published specs, likely utilizes a similar, or potentially even less powerful, chipset to maintain its competitive price. The SC9832E's architecture, while not cutting-edge, is optimized for power efficiency, which is crucial in budget devices. Users should expect noticeable lag when switching between apps on both devices.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor in this segment. Both the Micromax Bharat 2+ and Lava Z40 likely feature batteries in the 2500-3500 mAh range. The Unisoc SC9832E's power efficiency in the Lava Z40 contributes to potentially longer battery life compared to a device with a more powerful, but less efficient, chipset. Charging speeds will likely be slow on both devices, utilizing Micro-USB ports and 5W or 10W chargers. Expect a full charge to take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax Bharat 2+ if you prioritize brand loyalty to Micromax and are comfortable with a degree of uncertainty regarding its internal components. It may appeal to users seeking the absolute lowest price point. Buy the Lava Z40 if you prefer a device with a known chipset – the Unisoc SC9832E – and a predictable level of performance for everyday tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media use. The Z40 is the safer bet for first-time smartphone buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9832E in the Lava Z40 capable of running WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9832E is designed to handle essential apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, expect some lag when switching between multiple apps or using more demanding features within these platforms. It's optimized for basic connectivity and communication.
❓ What kind of storage options are likely available on the Lava Z40, and can it be expanded?
The Lava Z40 likely comes with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, which is typical for this price range. Crucially, it almost certainly supports microSD card expansion, allowing users to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps. This is essential given the limited internal storage.
❓ Given the limited information on the Micromax Bharat 2+, is it a risky purchase?
Yes, purchasing the Micromax Bharat 2+ carries a higher risk due to the lack of publicly available specifications. Without knowing the chipset, RAM, or storage, it's difficult to assess its performance and value accurately. The Lava Z40 offers more transparency and a predictable user experience.
