Lava Z50 Specs Pricing & Performance Review

Network and Connectivity

The Lava Z50 is equipped with impressive network capabilities for its category, supporting GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies. It operates on 2G bands (GSM 900 / 1800 for both SIM slots) and 3G bands (HSDPA 900 / 2100), ensuring connectivity in both rural and urban settings. For higher-speed internet access, the device supports 4G LTE bands 1, 3, 5, 40, and 41, providing up to 150 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload speeds, which are commendable for a budget-friendly device. Dual stand-by micro-SIM support adds to its connectivity convenience.

Launch and Availability

Lava announced the launch of the Z50 in March 2018, and it became available in the market the same month. Since its release, it has attracted attention for its economical pricing and decent feature set, making it an appealing choice for first-time smartphone users and those on a tight budget.

Physical Design

The Lava Z50 embodies a compact and practical design, with dimensions of 135 x 66.6 x 9.7 mm and a weight of 140 grams. This makes it easy to handle and operate with one hand, suiting users who prefer smaller phones. The device features a robust build, though being an entry-level handset, it comes with a standard design. It is available in classic color choices of Gold and Black, adding a touch of elegance to its simple aesthetics.

Display Specifications

The 4.5-inch TN TFT display is a significant feature of the Lava Z50. Although the resolution is modest at 480 x 854 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio and approximately 218 ppi density, it performs adequately for basic smartphone tasks with clear visuals. The screen-to-body ratio of around 62.1% is decent for an entry-level smartphone. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 1 offers additional protection against accidental scratches and impacts.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Lava Z50 is powered by the MediaTek MT6737M chipset built on a 28 nm process, featuring a quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. While not designed for intensive gaming or multitasking, this configuration is sufficient for everyday tasks like calling, messaging, and browsing. The Mali-T720MP2 GPU offers basic graphic support for casual gaming and video playback.

The device runs on Android Oreo (Go edition), a streamlined version of Android designed for low-spec devices. This ensures a relatively smooth performance despite the limited 1GB of RAM, by optimizing applications and system resources accordingly.

Camera Features

The Lava Z50 features a straightforward camera setup with a single 5 MP autofocus rear camera, complemented by an LED flash and HDR capabilities, allowing for acceptable quality photos in well-lit conditions. The rear camera can capture video at 720p at 30fps. For selfies, a 5 MP front camera equipped with LED flash ensures reasonable image quality for video calls and selfies, even in dim lighting.

Memory and Storage

Storage-wise, the device includes 8GB of internal storage. Although this may seem inadequate by modern standards, it caters to basic storage needs. For users requiring additional space, the Z50 supports microSDXC cards, allowing for storage expansion as per individual preference and needs.

Audio and Multimedia

In terms of multimedia, the Lava Z50 is fitted with a loudspeaker and maintains a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users with existing audio accessories. This ensures straightforward access to music, podcasts, and other audio content.

Communication Capabilities

The device is well-equipped for basic communication, featuring Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for internet browsing and hotspot creation. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP allows for efficient wireless peripheral connectivity. For geo-positioning, the handset includes GPS capabilities. Although it lacks NFC, it compensates with FM radio support and a microUSB 2.0 port for wired connectivity.

Sensors and Usability

The Lava Z50 is equipped with sensors like an accelerometer and proximity sensor, contributing to its functioning and ease of use in various applications and settings.

Battery Life

Powering all this is a 2000 mAh removable Li-Po battery, which provides adequate power for a full day of moderate use, given the hardware's power efficiency and Android Go's optimized performance.

Conclusion

The Lava Z50 is tailored for individuals entering the smartphone world, offering essential features without breaking the bank. Its straightforward design, reliable connectivity, and ease of use make it a viable option for cost-conscious consumers or as a secondary handset. Despite its limitations in memory and processing power, it serves well for basic daily functions thanks to the optimized Android Go experience.