Lava C31

Overview

What makes The Lava C31 So Special?

Design and Build Quality of Lava C31

The Lava C31 is a sleek, stylish, all touch screen device that comes in a white front and sky blue back cover. The first noticeable thing about the Lava C31 mobile phone is its elegant shape and wide screen display. The 2.6 inches QVGA screen offers you the opportunity to view your content with ease. The 1.3MP camera allows you to create memories with high quality pictures that can either be stored in the phone’s internal memory or in a Max 8GB microSDHC.

Applications such as Angry Birds, Facebook and Talking Cat will keep you entertained all day long – and it gets better. The Lava C31 also comes with MP4 playback capability that lets you enjoy your favourite videos from anywhere. The Bluetooth feature allows you to share file transfers with other compatible devices. GPRS and WAP features in the device allows you to keep in touch with friends and family via social network sites and also keep yourself updated on the latest happenings in the world by getting news right in your hands.

User Interface and Comfort to Use

This device is a non-smartphone and utilizes Lava's home-grown user interface. It actually tries to imitate Android, but it a poor version of the genuine operating system. There is even a version of Angry Birds and Talking Tom built into the device. The QVGA TFT touchscreen is not very responsive.

Telephony and Phonebook of Lava C31

You have the ability to store up to 500 entries in your phonebook. There is also a phonebook backup feature that can back up all your contacts in case you are no longer able to access it on your device.

Messaging and Emails

There is no native email application on the Lava C31. As for messaging, you are able to use a T9 dictionary to predict your words. A virtual QWERTY keyboard is not available on the device. Coupled with the small, inaccurate touchscreen, it will not be a great experience for texters.

Gallery, Photo Viewer, and Video Player of Lava C31

You are able to expand the memory via microSD up to 8 GB so you can store a large amount of pictures and videos. The gallery itself is poor due to low resolution. The video player supports MP4, 3GP, and AVI formats. Sound quality on the C31 comes from dual speakers and sound is clear.

Lava C31 Music Player and FM Radio

A low quality music player is what you will find on the C31. It does support MP3, AMR, MIDI and WAV. The FM radio has the ability to record and use start playing as an alarm to wake you up.

Lava C31 Still Camera and Image Quality

The camera has a 1.3 MP lens that does not have flash. This makes images turn up fuzzy and pixelated.

Connectivity Options

Bluetooth is about the only option you have as far as connectivity to C31. The device runs on GSM 900 and 1800 bands with dual SIM and dual standby capability.

Organizer and Other Utility Tools

As far as organizer tools, you have a calendar, organizer, and voice memo.

Web browser and Applications

There is a limited WAP browser that enables you to access the internet. You will not find yourself spending much time using it. There is no Java support either to download other applications. Facebook is one of the few applications you have access to on the C31.

Google Maps and GPS

While there is no native GPS, you do have a GPRS equipped. This enables you to use your carrier's network to triangulate your location for directions.

Value for Money

At a low price of Rs. 2100 (approx., may vary), the C31 is meant to cater to basic users who want a touchscreen. You don't get a whole lot for your money due to its limited features.

Call Quality and Battery

Battery life on the C31 is very poor as is the call quality.

Verdict

No java support, low quality camera, music player, and the unresponsive touchscreen is still a lot to deal with for the budget price. You are better off spending more money to get a quality device.