Unveiling the Lava 3G 402 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Lava 3G 402, released in August 2013, comes with dimensions of 125.5 x 64.5 x 11.4 mm and weighs about 124 grams. Despite being a budget-friendly device, its build quality is reasonable with a modest yet functional design. The phone is available in three distinct colors: Metallic Brown, Metallic Grey, and Metallic White, allowing users to choose based on their aesthetic preferences. Its Dual SIM capability is an asset for users who need to manage two different phone numbers simultaneously.

Display

Equipped with a 4.0-inch TFT display, the Lava 3G 402 offers a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, which results in a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi. While not the most vibrant display, it is sufficient for day-to-day tasks such as browsing, texting, and running simple applications. The screen-to-body ratio stands at about 56.3%, which was typical for budget smartphones of that era.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the smartphone runs on a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor paired with a Mali-400 GPU. While these specifications are modest by today's standards, they were once adequate for handling basic tasks like calling, messaging, and running light applications. It operates on Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), which offers a user-friendly interface and compatibility with many apps available at the time.

Memory and Storage

With 512MB of internal storage and 256MB of RAM, the Lava 3G 402 is limited in terms of multitasking and storing large applications or files. However, the inclusion of a microSDHC card slot provides users the option to expand the storage capacity, which is a necessary feature for those looking to store more content than the onboard memory allows.

Camera Capabilities

The device sports a single 3.15MP rear camera equipped with autofocus and panorama features. While it doesn't compete with the high-resolution sensors found in more modern devices, it is capable of capturing simple photos and recording videos at 720p@30fps, suitable for light photography needs. The VGA front-facing camera is basic and serves the minimum purpose of facilitating video calls, though it's unlikely to satisfy today's selfie enthusiasts.

Battery and Power Management

A removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery powers the Lava 3G 402, offering up to 200 hours of standby time and about 4 hours of talk time. While these figures may not seem impressive, they are typical for devices in the low-budget segment from its release period. The removable nature of the battery also provides an option for users to carry a spare battery, which can be a convenient feature for those who are frequently on the go.

Connectivity Options

The phone supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, ensuring basic connectivity needs are met. Its WLAN capabilities include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and Bluetooth is present for short-range wireless communication. The phone includes GPS for location services and an FM radio with recording capability. The absence of NFC is a slight downside, but the inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port satisfies the need for data transfer and charging connectivity.

Additional Features

In terms of additional features, the Lava 3G 402 comes equipped with sensors like an accelerometer and a proximity sensor, which support basic functionalities such as adjusting screen orientation and handling calls. It includes a 3.5mm audio jack for music lovers who prefer using wired headphones or external speakers.

Conclusion

The Lava 3G 402, with its budget-friendly price tag of approximately 60 EUR, offers an entry-level smartphone experience. It is suitable for users requiring basic functionalities or those looking for a secondary device. While it may not boast the advanced features of today's smartphones, it encapsulates the essentials of communication and light media usage, making it a fitting choice for its time.