Homegrown brand Lava International has entered the phone-cum-tablet segment with Iris 501, priced at R9,999. This device sports a large 5-inch display but sadly runs Android 4.0 (Ice cream Sandwich) instead of the latest Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean).
Users of Lava Iris 501 will have access to a plethora of preloaded apps, such as Saavn, Fusion, and Hike along with high-end games, naming Asphalt and Shark Dash. Consumers can download various other business and utility applications from Lava?s own App store in addition to Google?s Play store. Lava has collaborated with Hungamato offer its users free music and video content and access to an exclusive customised WAP portal for additional content.
Yet, the Iris is perhaps best defined by its stunning 5-inch screen with a display resolution of 800 x 480. Its large display is ideal for watching videos, browsing the internet and accessing social networking websites such as Facebook or Twitter. The phone has a smooth TFT LCD capacitive multi touch display. Even with its slim 10.5 mm design, the phone comes with a 2,300 mAh battery, which will give users an extended battery life. While the battery is good, it took me almost four hours to fully charge the device.
I have used the phone for a week and did n experience any kind of lag. The device did not hang even once or give any kinotd of problem while surfing the internet, or making calls. Heavy games are also smoother in Lava Iris 501. Only the front camera is a little poor. Overall, it is a decent buy.
Estimated street price:Rs 9,999
SPECS
Dimensions: 148.5 x 79 x 10.5 mm
Display: WVGA (480 x 800)
Processor: 1 GHz dual core processor
Operating system: Android v4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Camera: 5 MP (rear) and 0.3 MP (front)
Connectivity: 3G/EDGE/GPRS/ BT v3.0/Wi-Fi
Expandable memory: 32 GB
Radio: FM radio