Lava X10 #ExpressReview: Device is fine but not the price

Lava X10 is a smartphone that tries to look like the OnePlus X at an even cheaper price. It is attractive for sure, but has a smaller dimension which some would like. Our review unit came in black and felt right out of the suit of Men In Black. But does it really deliver on overall aspects? We put it to test

Watch the first look of Lava X10

Specs: 5-inch HD IPS Display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | 64-bit quad-core processor | 3GB RAM | 16GB storage (expandable up to 32GB via microSD) | 13 MP rear camera (software enhanced) + 5MP front camera (software enhanced) | 2900 mAh battery| Android 5.1 Lollipop

Price: Rs 10,750

What is good?

The Lava X10 is a smartphone that I would definitely like to flaunt for its looks. We got the black colour variant for the review and the phone sure looks stylish. It is slim, has a plastic back cover and comes with a non- removable battery. At 133g, it feels fairly light and is not slippery to hold. The device has silver metal frame on the sides that just adds to the style quotient of the X10. The front and the back of the smartphone, however, attract a lot of fingerprints and the more you try to clean these, the smudges become more prominent.

The Lava X10 is a smartphone that I would definitely like to flaunt for its looks. We got the black colour variant for the review and the phone sure looks stylish.

The smartphone offers a good processor which makes multi-tasking easier. I played games, surfed the internet and watched videos, and X10 did not give me a reason to complain here. The transition between tabs is smooth. The device, however, heats up within few minutes of playing games like Asphalt-8. It offers 3GB RAM, which is great at this price bracket. Also, the company has promised a Marshmallow update for the device, which again is something to look forward to.

The battery of Lava X10 is also something to boast about. The device has got great battery that lasts for a whole day on moderate usage. In fact, if your needs are no more than calling and surfing then you can forget the charger for more than a day.

What is not good?

Lava has failed to get the most important aspect of any smartphone right. Lava X10 comes with a HD IPS display. But, honestly, I was not happy with the vibrancy and sharpness of the display at all. Even in bright sunlight and phone brightness turned up to the maximum level, I couldn’t see a thing on the screen. I faced issues while clicking pictures outdoors.

The photos that I clicked in bright sunlight or indoors with fair light look dull. The images are not sharp and the colour reproduction is poor.

The camera is not great either. I am considering devices like Lenovo K3 Note, Moto G3 which offer a much better camera in this price range. Well, the major issue with the back camera was its inability to focus very quickly. Also the photos that I clicked in bright sunlight or indoors with fair light look dull. The images are not sharp and the colour reproduction is poor.

Well, the major issue with the back camera was its inability to focus very quickly.

The 5 megapixel front camera of Lava X10 is a disappointment too. The images are somewhat hazy and carry an unwanted glow to them. Zoom into pictures and you can clearly figure out things you wouldn’t want in a selfie but I did like the PIP mode.

Should you buy?

Though Lava X10 offers good mid-budget specs in this price segment; it’s competing in a tough space. There’s Moto G3 which is available for Rs 10,999; the Lenovo K3 Note at Rs 9,999 and Lenovo K4 Note at a slightly higher Rs 12,499. Also, smartphones like Coolpad Note 3 Lite provide a fingerprint scanner for under Rs 10,000.

Where Lava X10 stands out in my opinion are the stylish looks, decent performance and a battery that lasts for a day. If you’re looking for an alternative to the more-well known devices, the X10 can be on your list.