Lava Iris 550Q Features Pricing and Full Review

Network

The Lava Iris 550Q supports GSM and HSPA network technologies. It features dual SIM capabilities which allow users to operate two separate SIM cards on the same phone. This can be particularly useful for those who want to manage personal and work contacts separately.

Technology

The device operates on GSM for 2G connectivity and HSDPA for 3G, providing decent connectivity standards for its time. With download speeds of up to 21.1 Mbps on HSPA, users could enjoy relatively fast internet speeds for browsing and streaming purposes.

Launch

Initially announced in April 2014, the Lava Iris 550Q was released soon after in the same month. As of now, it has been discontinued, which means it is no longer in production but may still be available through second-hand markets.

Body

The dimensions of the Lava Iris 550Q are 156 x 77.8 x 9.8 mm, making it a considerable size for single-handed use. It weighs 177 grams, slightly on the heavier side for its time, which adds a level of durability in hand. Featuring a sleek design with a plastic body, the device is available in classic Black and White colors.

SIM

Supporting dual SIM, the phone accommodates two Mini-SIM cards, an advantageous feature for users who need to separate their professional and personal life without the need for carrying two devices.

Display

Equipped with a 5.5-inch IPS LCD screen, the Lava Iris 550Q offers a reasonable display size for media consumption and gaming. The resolution is 720 x 1280 pixels, which provides a pixel density of approximately 267 ppi. This ensures sharp enough visuals for everyday use in the context of its release period.

Platform

Running on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the Lava Iris 550Q offers a user-friendly interface that was popular during the time of release. The operating system supports various apps and tasks efficiently, giving users access to a wide library of applications on the Google Play Store.

CPU and GPU

The device is equipped with a Quad-core 1.2 GHz processor which is complemented by a PowerVR SGX544 GPU. This combination allows for smooth multitasking and decent graphics performance, suitable for casual gaming and daily tasks.

Memory

Internally, the device comes with 4 GB of storage paired with 1 GB of RAM. While the internal storage is quite limited, the presence of a microSDHC card slot allows for expandable storage to accommodate more apps, music, and media, though it's essential to consider storage limitations when dealing with larger apps or extensive media files.

Main Camera

The Lava Iris 550Q is fitted with a single 8 MP rear camera featuring autofocus capabilities. It includes additional features such as LED flash, panorama, and HDR for enhanced photo quality, especially in low light. The camera is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps, providing standard-definition video recording quality.

Selfie Camera

For selfie enthusiasts, the front camera is a basic 2 MP shooter, suitable for decent quality video calls and simple selfies, making it aligned with the smartphone range upon launch.

Sound

There is a built-in loudspeaker for media playback and phone calls, alongside a 3.5mm jack to accommodate a variety of headphones and external speakers, maintaining user flexibility for audio consumption.

Comms

The phone comes equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet connectivity along with Bluetooth 4.0 for pairing with various devices like headphones, speakers, and more. GPS functionality ensures accurate navigation and location tracking. The device, however, does not support NFC (Near Field Communication). Additionally, it has an FM radio with recording feature which can be an interesting utility for radio listeners, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

Features

Sensors included in the device are an accelerometer and proximity sensors, allowing the phone to have features like auto-rotate and screen-off during calls to save battery and prevent accidental touch inputs.

Battery

The Lava Iris 550Q is powered by a Li-Po 2600 mAh battery, providing up to 500 hours of stand-by time and approximately 10 hours of talk time on 2G networks, reducing to 5 hours on 3G. The battery life should generally suffice for a day's light to moderate use, although modern standards might find it lacking without frequent recharges.

Miscellaneous

The phone was originally priced at around 150 EUR, asserting it as a mid-range budget smartphone at its time of release. Its combination of decent specs for basic use, dual SIM capability, and sleek design appealed to budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable performance without high costs.