Unveiling the Lava Iris 349+ Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The Lava Iris 349+ is a budget-friendly smartphone that was released in July 2013. Although it was discontinued shortly thereafter, it still holds significance for those looking into the evolution of mobile technology in the early 2010s. The device was tailored to suit users looking for a basic smartphone experience. Here, we delve into its design, specifications, and overall performance.

Design & Build

The Lava Iris 349+ exhibits a straightforward design, typical of entry-level smartphones from that time period. Measuring 115 x 61.5 x 13.3 mm and weighing just 115.4 g, the phone was easy to handle and fit comfortably in users' hands. The device came with a dual SIM capability, catering to those who needed to manage two different numbers or separate professional from personal life. Available in brown and cool gold, its color options added a bit of flair to the traditional aesthetic.

Display

The phone features a 3.5-inch TFT display that presents 256K colors. While the display resolution of 320 x 480 pixels (~165 ppi density) does not match up to modern standards, it was quite sufficient for basic operations and suited the needs of its target audience. The screen design covered approximately 51.6% of the device's front, making it a modest screen for visual interaction, be it messaging or basic multimedia.

Platform, Performance, and Storage

Under the hood, the Lava Iris 349+ is powered by a 1.0 GHz CPU, enough for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and occasional web browsing. It ran on Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, which was contemporary during its release but is now far obsolete. The device's internal storage was limited to 512MB with 256MB RAM. However, users could expand storage using the microSDHC slot, increasing the phone's capacity for storing additional apps and media files.

Camera

The phone is equipped with a 2 MP rear camera, capable of taking basic photos and capturing video. While it lacks a front camera, which today might seem like a significant drawback, its main camera sufficed for the undemanding photography needs of casual users during its time.

Sound & Connectivity

In terms of sound, the Lava Iris 349+ was equipped with a loudspeaker and included a 3.5mm headphone jack, a standard feature for many phones even today. Connectivity options were aligned with early smartphone technology, offering Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, GPS, and even FM radio for entertainment on the go. Absent was the NFC feature, but USB connectivity was possible through its proprietary connection.

Battery Life

The device comes with a removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery. While not large by today's standards, this battery offered up to 250 hours of standby time and around 5 hours of talk time, providing a decent balance between usage and recharging needs. This was adequate for users engaging in moderate phone activity throughout the day.

Network Capability

The Lava Iris 349+ supported GSM technology and was compatible with 2G bands, specifically GSM 900 and 1800 for both SIM cards. This was sufficient for basic telecommunication and edge-level mobile data needs at a period when 3G and 4G were not yet extensive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lava Iris 349+ represents the entry-level smartphone market in the early 2010s, offering basic functionality that served beginners and those with straightforward mobile requirements. Though lacking in advanced features, it provided essential services that met basic communication and multimedia needs at an affordable price of around 40 EUR. The device now serves as a nostalgic reminder of how mobile technology has evolved and the pathways leading to today's sophisticated smartphones.