Unveiling the Lava Iris 356 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Lava Iris 356

The Lava Iris 356 is a smartphone that was released in April 2014. It was designed to cater to the budget-conscious segment of the smartphone market. Despite being discontinued, it remains a significant model for understanding the evolution of budget smartphones over the years.

Design and Build

The Lava Iris 356 features a compact design with dimensions of 116.9 x 62.5 x 12.6 mm (4.60 x 2.46 x 0.50 in), making it easy to handle and operate with one hand. Weighing 112 grams (3.95 oz), it is lightweight and portable. The phone supports dual SIM functionality, offering flexibility in managing personal and professional contacts.

Display

Equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT display, the Lava Iris 356 offers a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of approximately 165 ppi. This screen size and resolution are typical of entry-level smartphones from that era, providing basic visual clarity suitable for everyday tasks such as texting and browsing the web.

Performance

Under the hood, the Lava Iris 356 is powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor. This ensures basic performance capable of handling fundamental tasks, although it may struggle with more intensive applications. It runs on Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), an operating system known for its user-friendly interface and straightforward functionality.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 512MB of internal storage and 256MB of RAM. Storage can be expanded via a microSDHC card, which is a helpful feature for users who need additional space for apps, photos, and media. The limited RAM, however, restricts the device's multitasking capabilities.

Camera

For photography, the Lava Iris 356 is equipped with a 1.3 MP rear camera and a VGA front camera. While the camera specifications are very basic, they suffice for capturing simple moments and images under good lighting conditions. The device can also record video, adding to its multimedia functionality.

Connectivity and Communications

The smartphone supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, providing standard wireless internet connectivity. Bluetooth 2.0 is available for connecting with other devices, although it is limited by modern standards. The device also includes GPS for location tracking and navigation, and an FM radio with recording capabilities adds to the entertainment options. Connectivity is further extended with a microUSB port for charging and data transfer.

Audio and Multimedia

The Lava Iris 356 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to the basic audio needs of users. Although the audio output is not exceptional, it is satisfactory for calls and casual music listening.

Sensors and Additional Features

The smartphone is equipped with an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These sensors enhance the overall user experience by allowing for screen orientation adjustments and conserving battery life during calls.

Battery Life

Powering the Lava Iris 356 is a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. It offers up to 200 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time, which is adequate for basic daily usage but will require regular charging for more demanding usage patterns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lava Iris 356 was a practical choice for users seeking an affordable and straightforward smartphone experience without high-end specifications. Although it may not compete with more advanced smartphones available today, it remains a testament to the needs and technological capabilities of its time. The Lava Iris 356 serves as a reminder of how far smartphone technology has progressed and how budget devices have evolved to offer more robust features in recent years.