Price and specifications of Lava Iris 250 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview

The Lava Iris 250, announced in August 2014 and later released in the same month, is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to cater to the basic needs of users. It comes equipped with modest specifications and is suitable for individuals looking for a simple device to handle everyday tasks such as calls, messaging, and light internet browsing. Although it has been discontinued, the Lava Iris 250 remains an interesting piece of technology for those interested in exploring budget devices from the mid-2010s era.

Design and Build

The smartphone's dimensions are 121.5 x 63.9 x 9.8 mm, giving it a compact form that fits comfortably in the hand. The Lava Iris 250 is available in three colors: Black, White, and Purple. The device is constructed with a dual SIM slot, which was a valuable feature for users requiring more flexibility in managing different contacts or networks. The build is typical of budget phones of the time, offering function over form with no standout design features, prioritizing practicality and affordability instead.

Display

With a 4.0-inch TFT display, the Lava Iris 250 offers a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, maintaining a 5:3 aspect ratio. This screen size and resolution result in a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi, which ensures basic clarity and sharpness for daily use. While the display is not designed for high-definition video playback or intense gaming, it suffices for tasks like web browsing, social media interaction, and viewing standard-definition multimedia content.

Performance

At its core, the Lava Iris 250 is powered by a dual-core 1.0 GHz processor. While this is not a high-performance setup, it is adequate for handling basic smartphone tasks and running simple applications. The device is paired with 512MB of RAM, which limits multitasking and the ability to run more demanding apps but allows for the functioning of essential applications like messaging, calls, and basic utilities.

Memory and Storage

The internal storage capacity of the Lava Iris 250 is 4GB, which is limited by contemporary standards but reflects the typical specifications for budget smartphones of its time. To manage storage constraints, the device supports microSDHC cards, enabling users to expand storage for additional apps, photos, and various multimedia files. This is a critical feature for users who need to store more than the default memory can accommodate.

Camera

The Lava Iris 250 is equipped with a 3.15 MP primary camera accompanied by a dual-LED flash, allowing it to capture basic images in different lighting conditions. Despite its low resolution by modern standards, the camera does include video recording capabilities, though the output aligns with simple and straightforward use cases. For selfies and video calls, the device offers a VGA front camera, again supporting basic functionality without notable enhancements in quality or technology.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1450 mAh battery, which was a common capacity for smartphones during that time. The battery life enables up to 250 hours of standby time and approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes of talk time, which is quite satisfactory for individuals using the device for basic everyday tasks without the need for frequent charging.

Operating System and Software

Operating on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the Lava Iris 250 offers users an interface and features from one of the more stable Android versions of the time. KitKat was recognized for its efficiency on devices with limited RAM, making it a reasonable choice for the Lava Iris 250. Users can enjoy access to a variety of apps available on Google Play Store, though the device's limited hardware may restrict the breadth of compatible applications.

Connectivity

The Lava Iris 250 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, providing adequate speed for standard mobile browsing and data usage. It is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band support, allowing connectivity to most wireless networks. Bluetooth 2.1 facilitates wireless data transfer between devices, whereas the absence of NFC indicates limited capabilities in features that require this technology. GPS support offers basic navigation capabilities, while FM radio with RDS is a notable inclusion for entertainment and information on-the-go. A microUSB 2.0 port caters to charging and file transfer needs.

Sound and Audio

For audio output, the Lava Iris 250 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, accommodating headphones and external speakers. This feature is particularly useful for playing music, listening to radio stations, or engaging in calls without relying on Bluetooth devices.

Sensors

The device is equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which serve fundamental roles in functionality such as screen rotation and managing screen timeout during calls, respectively.

Conclusion

The Lava Iris 250 is a no-frills smartphone that provides all essential features for users seeking a budget-friendly mobile device. While it lacks the advanced capabilities of modern smartphones, it fulfills basic communication and multimedia needs efficiently. The dual SIM capability, expandable storage, and inclusion of fundamental sensors make it a practical choice for users during its time. As technology evolves, devices like the Lava Iris 250 stand as benchmarks in understanding the progression and refinement of mobile technology in response to user needs and industry innovations.