Just a few weeks after the release of the Virat V1 and Virat V1 5G, the homegrown brand Lava has once again catered to the sub-Rs 10,000 segment with the launch of the Smart 4. Aimed at users looking for a handy, sizeable smartphone on a budget, the Smart 4’s headline feature is its 6.59-inch display. While the rest of the specifications are fairly modest, considering the price, it could stand as a viable option for first-time smartphone users or people looking for a secondary phone to perform basic tasks, such as messaging and taking calls.
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Lava Smart 4 price and availability
The Lava Smart 4 retails for Rs 8,499 for the sole 3GB RAM and 32GB storage configuration. Available in two colourways, Konark Gold and Ajanta Grey, the handset is currently available at offline retailers and service providers. Buyers can also purchase the Smart 4 through easy financing schemes.
Lava Smart 4 specifications overview
Featuring a 6.59-inch LCD panel, the display comes with a “qHD” resolution, as noted in the press release, which likely refers to approximately 500p resolution. Meaning, the display’s clarity on the Lava Smart 4 is likely to be even lower than that of 720p panels. On the other hand, there’s 90Hz refresh rate support.
The Smart 4 runs on the UNISOC SC9863A, a 28mm processor that was also present on the Lava Virat V1 4G. While we’re yet to test the capabilities of this chipset, it should suffice for the most basic operations, such as calling, messaging, watching videos, and browsing the web. The 3GB RAM can be extended by an additional 3GB, which should help things feel less burdened, hopefully.
The device sports an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. One shouldn’t expect extraordinary results from this setup, though. For software, it comes with Android 16 Go, a lighter take on Android specifically optimised for phones with low-end hardware. Powering the device is a 5000mAh battery with 10W charging support over USB Type-C.
Additionally, the phone’s build achieves military-grade certification (MIL-STD-810H) for absorbing shocks when dropped on a hard surface, while the dual SIM card slot allows you to use two 4G SIMs at the same time.
Is the Lava Smart 4 worth considering?
Even for a budget-centric smartphone under Rs 9,000, the ‘qHD’ display resolution feels off. With most content shot and shared in high resolution on social media, YouTube, and OTT platforms, the ~500p resolution won’t offer clarity, even compared to 720p screens. However, first-time smartphone users upgrading from a feature phone, or no phone at all, may find the resolution sufficient for their needs, even though higher-resolution options are available for just a bit more.
The Lava Virat V1 4G at Rs 9,999, the itel Zeno 100 Pro at Rs 8599 and the Ai+ Pulse 2 at Rs 9,199, all available online, flaunt a minimum of 720p resolution, suitable for offering an adequate level of detail when viewing content.
If you’re looking to get the Lava Smart 4, it’s worth looking up real-world reviews that detail the device’s display and performance. This way you’ll know what you’re getting into before making the purchase.
