Lava Iris X1 Grand review – the bigger Iris X1

After the success of Iris X1, Lava Mobiles had launched the Lava Iris X1 Grand, a bigger and better version. It is powered by 1.3GHz MediaTek quad core processor running Android KitKat over a 5 inch screen with 854 x 480 pixels resolution. The X1 Grand will get Android Lollipop update and it is priced at Rs. 7,326 available in retail stores.

Inside the box
X1 Grand handset, screen guard, data cable, travel charger, user guide, earphone, 2200 mAh battery and intelligent flip cover.

Design, Display and OS
Grand looks the same like its predecessor the Iris X1, white and silver grey colour combination. Body is made of plastic, build quality and finishing is good. Rear is white color, glossy finish with textures.

X1 Grand is comfortable to hold but not that slim (154 grams with battery) and dimensions are 72.15 x 143.97 x 9.46 (mm). Power button is on the right, volume rocker on the left, mic at bottom and 3.5mm audio jack plus micro USB port is placed on the top.

This is dual SIM handset with (3G + 3G) support. SIM 1 is normal SIM slot and SIM 2 is a micro SIM slot. There is micro SD card slot too (32GB max).

The IPS LCD screen is 5 inches supporting 854 x 480 (FWVGA) pixels resolution. Colour reproduction is good but viewing angles are not that great. Touch is smooth and responsive. Navigation buttons do light up and there 3 sensors – accelerometer, light and proximity.

The X1 Grand is running Android 4.4.2 out of the box and it will get guaranteed Android 5 Lollipop update – mentioned on the box.

Memory and Storage
This handset is packed with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage. Around 631MB free RAM is available on the first boot and 5.7GB is the space for apps / personal storage. OTG is not supported. You can install / move apps to external storage.

Performance
The Iris X1 Grand unlike the Iris X1 comes powered with a different chipset. Grand is using MediaTek MT6582 1.3GHz quad core processor with Mali 400 MP GPU. Performance is smooth and lag free.

Benchmark

Gaming
Asphalt 8 got installed on the external storage. Game play was smooth, no issues as such, however the 2 point multi touch screen is not that great when it comes to gaming.

Camera and Entertainment
X1 Grand comes packed with 8MP rear camera with BSI II sensors and with dual LED flash. There is a front camera of 2MP resolution with native video calling support. Camera quality is above average. Check the sample images and videos at the end.

Rear camera can shoot 1080p videos at 30fps and the handset can easily play FHD (1080p) videos.

Others
No issues found with 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth. The flip cover is the key attraction. It comes with a circular window (without glass). It’s an intelligent flip cover. Open it and you will get the home screen without the need to unlock. Close it and you will get a clock in the circular window.

Slide the screen within the circular window for options. You can dial, control music check messages, use camera and even customize the clock a little bit (check video review).

Battery
The Iris X1 Grand gets power from a 2200 mAh Li-po battery. You can expect about 3 to 5 hours of continuous usage (moderate to heavy). The handset does not heat up much.

Verdict
The Lava Iris X1 Grand is using the MediaTek 1.3GHz quad core chipset that is used on many other handsets. X1 Grand is priced at Rs. 7,326. Flip cover definitely is an added attraction. However there are better options available like the Lenovo A6000 and the Yu Yureka.

But then Lava Iris X1 Grand (also available online ) is not targeting the online consumers. The handset will be available only in local stores. There are many consumers who buy handsets offline they will never get to see those flash sales type devices there.

Lava Iris X1 Grand is available for Rs. 7,100 on flipkart.

Image Gallery

Rear Camera Sample Images

Front Camera Sample