Lava A82 InDepth Review Specs & Pricing

Overview of Lava A82

The Lava A82 is a smartphone that was announced in June 2016 and released the same month. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a point of interest for its budget-friendly features and practical design, catering to users in need of essential functionalities. Despite the emergence of more advanced devices, the Lava A82 serves as a testament to the transitional period in smartphone technology where affordability and basic functionality were key. In this detailed article, we'll explore every aspect of the Lava A82, from hardware to software, offering a comprehensive insight into its design and capabilities.

Network and Connectivity

The Lava A82 is equipped with GSM and HSPA technology, making it compatible with a variety of cellular networks. This accessibility was significant during its release as it catered to diverse geographic regions with 2G and 3G bands. Specifically, the device supports GSM 900/1800 for both SIM slots and HSDPA 900/2100 for 3G connectivity. With HSPA speed, the Lava A82 ensures decent data rates for browsing and communication, albeit within the limitations set by network availability and standards of 2016.

Design and Build

Design-wise, the Lava A82 presents a simple yet effective structure. Measuring 144 x 72.7 x 9 mm, it is compact and easy to handle. The weight of the device has not been specified, but it is likely a standard, manageable weight for budget smartphones of its time. It supports Dual SIM functionality, a feature that provides flexibility for users who require separate personal and professional lines or for those who frequently travel between regions with differing network providers. The available colors for the model were Black and White, maintaining a classic look.

Display Features

The Lava A82 possesses a 5.0-inch TN display, offering users a reasonably sized screen for viewing content. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 65.8%, providing adequate viewing space while allowing for ease of use with one hand. Despite having a modest resolution of 480 x 854 pixels at ~196 ppi density, the display serves its purpose for basic smartphone activities such as texting, calling, and basic browsing. However, this may not cater to users seeking high-resolution media playback or gaming experiences.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 5.1 Lollipop, the Lava A82 integrates a quad-core 1.2 GHz processor. At the time of its launch, Android Lollipop was popular for its user-friendly interface and enhanced performance over older versions. The quad-core processor suffices for routine tasks like social media usage, browsing, and email. However, with 1GB of RAM, the performance becomes limited for multitasking or running more demanding applications. Users can manage essential activities with this configuration, but should not expect high-speed processing or seamless multitasking.

Memory and Storage Options

The device comes with 8GB of internal storage, which is standard for entry-level smartphones released during this period. For users who require additional storage space, the device has a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing for expanded storage for media, apps, or documents. Given the increasing demand for more storage with app and media file sizes growing, this expandable storage feature acts as a significant advantage for users needing more than the internal storage allotted.

Camera Capabilities

Photography features include a 5MP main camera that supports LED flash, HDR, and panorama. This setup offers basic photography solutions and is quite satisfactory for users looking to capture everyday moments, though not tailored for enthusiasts seeking high-resolution images. Video recording is supported at 720p@30fps, allowing users to capture standard resolution videos. On the front, a 2MP selfie camera with an LED flash is available, adequate for video calls or casual selfie captures. However, compared to modern standards, these specifications provide very basic functionality.

Audio and Sound Quality

Audio-wise, the Lava A82 comes with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which accommodates traditional headphones and speakers. The inclusion of the 3.5mm jack is notably beneficial given current trends where many manufacturers are moving away from this feature. This allows users to use their existing audio accessories without needing adapters, facilitating convenience and cost-saving.

Communication and Connectivity Hardware

For connectivity, the Lava A82 is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, ensuring reliable internet access and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP is present for wireless file transfers and connections to Bluetooth-enabled devices. GPS is built-in for navigation and location-based services, vital for apps that require precise location information. The absence of NFC limits capabilities for contactless payments that have gained popularity in recent years. An FM radio is also included, offering entertainment and news via traditional means without the need for data services. Charging and data transfer are facilitated via a microUSB 2.0 port.

Additional Features

Essential sensors like the accelerometer are present, contributing to basic motion-based functionalities such as screen rotation. This is typical of budget smartphones designed to perform necessary operations without the frills of more advanced sensors found in high-end models. The simplicity of its feature set reflects its design ethos as an accessible device for everyday users.

Battery Life

A removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery powers the Lava A82, providing users with replaceability and the potential for extended usage if replacement batteries are available. Battery capacity, while modest, is consistent with the device's power requirements given the hardware specifications. Users can expect a reliable day’s use for essential activities such as calling, texting, and light browsing.

Conclusion

The Lava A82 catered to a segment of users seeking affordability and straightforward functionality in a smartphone. Positioned as an entry-level device, it served well in its time as a dependable tool for basic communication and multimedia needs. While its specifications may no longer meet today's higher demands for technology and application performance, it remains a noteworthy example of budget smartphones during its era. Its design, features, and capabilities make it relevant for regions with developing technological infrastructures or as a secondary device for minimalist needs. Despite its discontinuation, the Lava A82 embodies the balance between cost-efficiency and essential technology.