The Panasonic Eluga I7 (2019) represented a solid, if unremarkable, entry into the budget smartphone space. Now, the Lava Z61 Pro enters the arena, boasting an octa-core processor. This comparison dissects whether that core count translates to a meaningful user experience, and if the Z61 Pro justifies consideration over the older Eluga I7.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Lava Z61 Pro is the clear winner. Its octa-core processor offers a demonstrable performance advantage over the Panasonic Eluga I7’s quad-core chip, despite the slightly longer charging time. The Eluga I7 remains viable for extremely basic use cases.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | 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 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, July | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 148.8 x 70.9 x 9.3 mm (5.86 x 2.79 x 0.37 in) | 147 x 71.8 x 9.2 mm (5.79 x 2.83 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Octa-core 1.6 GHz processor |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µ |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µ |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio with RDS | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 5W, 100% in 3h 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Blue | Midnight Blue, Amber Red |
| Price | About 9990 INR | About 70 EUR |
Panasonic Eluga I7 (2019)
- Potentially lower price point (due to age)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May be readily available in specific regions
- Outdated quad-core processor
- Likely slower performance and multitasking
- Potentially inferior display quality
Lava Z61 Pro
- Faster octa-core processor for improved performance
- Potentially better display quality (newer device)
- Faster charging (3h 30m at 5W)
- May be slightly more expensive
- 5W charging is relatively slow
- Camera quality likely remains basic
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are available, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Eluga I7's 2019 release, it likely features an LCD panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Lava Z61 Pro, being a more recent device, *may* incorporate improvements in color accuracy and viewing angles, but without specific data, this remains speculative. The Eluga I7's market positioning suggests a focus on cost reduction, likely resulting in wider bezels than a modern device like the Z61 Pro.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is impossible. However, budget phones in this segment typically prioritize megapixel count over sensor size and image quality. It’s reasonable to assume both devices feature basic camera setups. The Lava Z61 Pro, being newer, *may* benefit from improved image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in slightly better photos in good lighting conditions. The Eluga I7’s camera will likely perform adequately in optimal conditions but struggle in low light.
Performance
The Lava Z61 Pro’s octa-core 1.6 GHz processor is the defining advantage here. Compared to the Panasonic Eluga I7’s quad-core 1.5 GHz CPU, the Z61 Pro offers significantly improved multitasking capabilities and faster app loading times. While clock speed is only one factor, the doubling of cores allows for parallel processing, benefiting users who switch between apps frequently. The Eluga I7 will likely struggle with more demanding applications, experiencing noticeable lag. The Z61 Pro, while not a powerhouse, provides a more fluid experience.
Battery Life
The Lava Z61 Pro takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to fully charge at 5W. The Panasonic Eluga I7’s charging time is unknown, but given its age, it likely charges at a similar or slower rate. While the Z61 Pro’s charging time isn’t particularly fast by modern standards, the performance gains from its processor likely outweigh the slightly longer charge time for most users. Battery capacity for both devices is unknown, but the Z61 Pro’s more efficient processor could translate to comparable or even better real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Panasonic Eluga I7 (2019) if you absolutely need a phone for the most basic tasks – calls, texts, and occasional light browsing – and are on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Lava Z61 Pro if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming, and value the benefits of a modern octa-core processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lava Z61 Pro's 5W charging significantly slow compared to other phones?
Yes, 5W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. Many phones now offer 18W, 33W, or even faster charging. However, for a budget device like the Z61 Pro, it's acceptable, and the octa-core processor's performance benefits likely outweigh the slower charging speed for most users.
❓ Will the Panasonic Eluga I7 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Panasonic Eluga I7’s quad-core processor and limited RAM (spec not provided, but likely low) will likely result in noticeable lag and slowdown when running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, especially with multiple chats or tabs open. The Lava Z61 Pro will handle these apps much more smoothly.
❓ Can the Lava Z61 Pro handle basic mobile gaming?
The Lava Z61 Pro’s octa-core processor is capable of handling basic mobile games, but don’t expect high frame rates or graphics settings. It will be suitable for casual gaming, but more demanding titles may experience lag or require reduced settings.
