Lava Iris X8

Original Review: nOrdered this phone on Flipkart and received it within 3 days. Using the phone for a week now, installed all the required apps and migrated my data and I find that the phone is absolutely value for money. nMy reasons for going for a Lava phone and Iris X8 in particular: nMy first Android phone was an Indian branded Micromax Canvas 2 A110 - which gave me absolutely trouble-free operation for more than two years, so I wanted to go for Micromax again, but couldn't purchase the YU Yureka even after 5 attempts in the flash sales, and I decided to ditch it. nThe other closest competitors for this phone are the Asus Zenfone 5 (Rs. 9999 on flipkart as of today) Redmi Note 4g (Rs. 9999 as of today on Flipkart) and Lenovo A6000 (Rs. 6999 on Flipkart) - none of them have guaranteed a Lollipop update in the near future. nRedmi Note 4g has capacity of only 1 Sim, 8GB internal memory and larger than required 5.5 inch screen, Chinese Brand - not suitable for my requirements nLenovo A6000 has only 1 GB RAM (major drawback) & 8GB internal memory, no screen protection glass, battery capacity of 2300 mAh nAsus Zenfone 5 - I've used this phone and everything is just perfect about this phone's performance - except the battery backup which is poor. Plus, I personally find the Zen UI interface very kiddish - however you need to check and see for yourself, you might love it. nComing to the performance of the phone, the battery back-up is amazing - with one 2G sim for calls and a 3G sim for data and moderate usage, the phone gives atleast 18 hours of backup comfortably. With continuous usage, this figure will be much low ofcourse. nThe build quality is very premium. People have complained about the back cover being very thin - how does it matter ? Who opens the back cover everyday ? the battery is non-removable - so insert the sim cards, memory card, fit back the back cover, put a silicon back case on the phone and forget about it. nTouch response is very good, there is no lag even after using three social networking widgets on the home screens. nCamera and audio quality - in my opinion are just ok, however these things are subjective, and people have different opinions. Both main camera and front camera are capable of clicking photos and recording videos in Full HD.nCharger comes with detachable USB cable which can be used as a Data cable, earphones are soft & comfortable in-the-ear type. nBonus features - the rainbow app which facilitates one hand operation, smart gestures for opening apps directly from lock screen, air shuffle for Camera, music, Gallery & FM nFinally - who should buy this phone:nIf you are already using an old model android phone which is slow with poor battery backup and low on memory - this one will give you a refreshing change. nIf you have never used a smartphone before (parents, housewives) the large screen, fast performance and simple interface makes it easy to use. nIf you are a carefree & careless user and want to enjoy the latest technology in a low budget without caring about the brand of the phone. nWho should not buy this phone:nIf you want a slim & light-weight phone, you need to avoid this one - zenfone 5 would definitely be a better option for you nIf you are into a client-facing job where the looks of your phone matter, you might want to use a metallic frame phone such as Samsung or Sony which leaves a good impression. nIf you are unlucky with phones and need to visit service centers often... I don't think Lava will provide good support. nHope that helps, you can message me on facebook if you require more information about the phone. nn(PS - about buying an Indian brand product: I am aware, all brands have their hardware manufactured and imported from China and essentially all phones are ultimately Chinese phones, but atleast when we buy an Indian brand, we save country's foreign currency because it's an Indian brand earning profit from your money)