Lava Iris 406Q Specs Prices Pros & Cons Revealed

Overview

The Lava Iris 406Q was launched in April 2014 as a budget-friendly smartphone option. Known for its affordable pricing and decent specifications for the time, the device aimed at providing basic smartphone functionalities without breaking the bank.

Design and Build

The device has a compact size, measuring 124 x 64.5 x 10.3 mm. This makes it quite ergonomic and easy to handle with one hand. The design included a Dual SIM slot, which was a useful feature for users who wanted to separate their personal and professional contacts. Available in two classic colors, black and white, it appealed to a wide range of consumers looking for simplicity and functionality.

Display

The Lava Iris 406Q features a 4.0-inch TFT display, boasting a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. This screen size and resolution combination offered a decent viewing experience for its price point. With approximately 233 pixels per inch (ppi) density, the display rendered okay visual detail, suitable for basic tasks and some media consumption.

Performance

Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8610 Snapdragon 200 chipset, which was based on a 28nm process. It utilizes a Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, paired with the Adreno 302 GPU. This hardware setup was capable of handling day-to-day tasks smoothly, although it struggled with more demanding applications and multitasking, as expected from a budget device.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, which was typical for budget smartphones at the time. However, the presence of a microSDHC slot allows users to expand the storage, accommodating additional data such as photos and apps, which is a considerate addition given the relatively low internal capacity.

Camera

The Lava Iris 406Q is equipped with a 5 MP rear camera, complete with features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR. While not exceptional, the camera can capture decent images under good lighting conditions and record videos in 720p. Additionally, the device includes a VGA front camera, which is sufficient for basic video calls but not much else.

Operating System and Software

Originally shipped with Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), the phone was upgradable to Android 4.4.2 (KitKat). This provided users access to a wide array of apps and services available on the Google Play Store, contributing to a better user experience with more software features and improvements over time.

Connectivity and Network

The network capabilities of the Lava Iris 406Q include GSM and HSPA technology, supporting 2G and 3G bands. The device allows HSPA speeds, which suffice for basic mobile internet use but fall short for today's streaming standards. In terms of connectivity, it has Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and a microUSB 2.0 port. It also features FM radio, which is a nice addition for those who enjoy listening to music and news on the go.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery. While the capacity may seem limited by today's standards, it was adequate for the hardware specifications of its time, providing sufficient battery life for a full day of moderate usage.

Additional Features

The Lava Iris 406Q comes with several built-in sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These contribute to basic functionality like screen rotation and adjusting the screen brightness during calls. Although lacking advanced sensors now common in more modern devices, these were acceptable at the time of release, reflecting its affordable positioning in the market.

Conclusion

In summary, the Lava Iris 406Q positions itself as a solid entry-level smartphone for users needing essential smartphone capabilities. With its modest specs, supportive software updates, and expandability options, it offered considerable value for its price category when it was launched. While it would struggle to keep up with today's smartphone standards, it remains a noteworthy example of budget technology in its era.