Lava Iris Win1 Comprehensive Review of Specs Price and Features

Introduction to Lava Iris Win1

The Lava Iris Win1 was introduced in December 2014 and marked Lava's entry into the Windows Phone market. It was designed as a budget-friendly smartphone that aimed to provide essential smartphone features without breaking the bank. Despite being discontinued, the Lava Iris Win1 remains an interesting device worth exploring because of its unique features and performance capabilities for its time.

Network and Connectivity

The device supported GSM and HSPA technologies, which were standard at the time of its release. It could operate on 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for both SIM slots) and 3G bands (HSDPA 900/2100). The phone provided acceptable speed for its category, offering HSPA connectivity with download speeds up to 21.1 Mbps and upload speeds up to 5.76 Mbps. It packed a dual SIM feature, allowing users to manage two separate numbers simultaneously, a very practical feature for users with work and personal lines.

Design and Build Quality

The Lava Iris Win1 sported dimensions of 125 x 64.3 x 11 mm, making it compact and easy to hold. The plastic build was typical for budget phones at the time, but still felt sturdy enough for daily use. It had a dual SIM slot for Mini-SIM cards, a handy addition for users looking to separate business from personal calls without carrying two devices.

Display

The phone came with a 4.0-inch TFT display, offering a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. With an approximate pixel density of 233 ppi, the display was satisfactory for basic media consumption and day-to-day tasks like messaging and web browsing. While it may not compare to the high-resolution displays prevalent in today's market, it was adequate for the price range it targeted.

Performance

Under the hood, the Lava Iris Win1 was powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 chipset, built on a 28nm process. It boasted a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, which was modest but sufficient for basic smartphone operations at the time. Graphic tasks were handled by an Adreno 302 GPU. While the performance wouldn't support heavy multitasking or demanding games, it was enough for standard applications like browsing, calling, and social media.

Memory and Storage

The device featured 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, which could be expandable via a microSDHC card. This amount of memory and storage was typical in entry-level smartphones in 2014, but for users needing more space, the expandable storage provided a solution to increase the capacity for additional applications and media files.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera was a 5 MP single-lens setup, equipped with autofocus and an LED flash. These features were adequate for capturing acceptable photos in well-lit conditions and basic video recording. The camera app included options like panorama mode for more creative shots. On the front, the phone had a VGA camera for selfies, which were largely impractical except for very basic tasks like video calls, given its low resolution.

Audio and Multimedia

In terms of sound, the device included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which ensured compatibility with a wide range of audio peripherals. While the audio quality was not extraordinary, it was functional for listening to music and making calls. The presence of an FM radio also gave users the ability to tune into local stations.

Connectivity Features

Connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with support for Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot functionality, allowing users to share their internet connection. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP made it possible to connect to accessories like wireless headphones. It also featured A-GPS for location services, enhancing the usability of mapping applications.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone included basic sensors such as an accelerometer and a proximity sensor. These were primarily used for automatically managing screen rotation and turning off the display during calls when the device was held to the ear.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1950 mAh battery, the Lava Iris Win1 provided sufficient power for typical daily use, including calls, messaging, and light web browsing. Being removable, it gave users the flexibility to replace or swap batteries if needed, extending the overall lifespan of the device.

Operating System

The Lava Iris Win1 ran on Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, which was a distinct choice considering the dominance of Android in budget devices during that period. Windows Phone offered a unique live tile interface and was known for its smooth and fast performance even on lower-end hardware. The operating system provided access to basic applications and Microsoft services, which was appealing to users already entrenched in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Market Position and Discontinuation

Priced at around 70 EUR, the Lava Iris Win1 targeted budget-conscious consumers seeking an alternative to the plethora of entry-level Android devices available. While it offered competitive features like dual SIM support and an expandable memory slot, the eventual discontinuation could be attributed to several factors, including the limited app ecosystem of Windows Phone and intense competition in the budget phone segment.

Conclusion

While the Lava Iris Win1 is no longer available, it remains a noteworthy model in the history of smartphones for its attempt to diversify the budget market with a Windows Phone option. It served the needs of budget-conscious consumers with its practical features and compact design. Despite its limitations and eventual discontinuation, the Lava Iris Win1 represents an interesting chapter in the evolution of mobile operating systems and affordable smartphone technology.