LAVA B8 – a LAVA B5 clone with a 3.2MP camera and pedometer Review

VERDICT:

LAVA B8 is a dual SIM, QWERTY business phone with an interesting feature set including pedometer, G-sensor and webcam functionality. However, the B8’s main USP – QWERTY keypad and the camera – is its own undoing. Hence, we do not recommend the B8, even at its price of Rs. 5,299, as we have a better QWERTY phone in the Nokia C3.

Look and feel

The LAVA B8 is the successor to LAVA B5, having identical feature set and body design, with the sole addition of camera features. The B8’s display is slightly bigger in size, while the screen resolution is the same as the B5. The call function buttons and the white colour coded keys take identical locations on both B5 and B8. The B5 is available in two variations: one with QWERTY keypad and the other with alphanumeric keypad (known as the LAVA B5 Alpha), while the B8 is available only in the QWERTY version.

The B8 is built well with a glossy finish on the metallic battery cover and contours of the front panel. However, the keypad build quality is mediocre and results in poor tactile feedback. Thereby, it even fails to take advantage of the bevelled keypad design. Also, the closely arranged keys coupled with jerky sideways tilt spoil typing accuracy and speed. The B8 is quite bulky and feels uncomfortable holding in small-sized palms.

Features

[RELATED_ARTICLE]The two most fascinating features on the B8 that deserve a mention are the pedometer and the G-sensor. The pedometer accurately measures the steps taken by a person by detecting the motion of the person’s hips while walking and thus estimates the distance walked by the person in kilometres with the corresponding energy spent in kilocalories.

For our testing purpose, we took a 90-step walk around the office and back, which gave the readings: 0.0720 KM and the energy spent 4.48 Kcal. The pedometer is quite an efficient tool, to accurately measure the energy burnt during workouts and training sessions, especially if you are trying to stay or get fit. Meanwhile, the G-sensor or the gravity sensor can be activated by shaking the cellphone sideways to switch wallpapers, toggle songs, toggle full-screen mode and flip silent mode.

The LAVA B8 also offers USB to webcam functionality, doubling up as your desktop’s webcam via USB.

 

Read on to know the performance, our take, specifications, ratings and test results on the next page…

Performance

[RELATED_ARTICLE]The LAVA B8 delivered satisfactory results in the call quality test. The signal reception was consistent across all the test locations, while the voice clarity wavered a bit in a few locations, particularly with the loudspeaker. The handsfree delivered excellent voice clarity by filtering out the ambient disturbances and minimising distortion even at the maximum volume level.

The earpiece voice clarity was impressive throughout the test and showed some distortion only at volume levels above 90%. The captured photo test yielded average colour accuracy and crispness under bright sunshine. However, the objects at the edges of the frame were out of focus and lacked detail, while also showing slightly washed out greens. Overall, the camera test yielded ordinary results. The music test yielded good sound reproduction sans distortion even at volumes up to 75%, which is satisfactory for a non-music phone. The B8 delivered decent video-playback quality.

Our Take

LAVA B8 is a dual SIM, QWERTY business phone with an interesting feature set including a pedometer, G-sensor and web-camera functionality. It provides satisfactory performance on call quality and multimedia tests. However, the 3.2MP camera falls short when taking close range snapshots, while lacking in both colour accuracy and crispness. Also, the QWERTY keypad lacks usability and ergonomics. Considering that the B8’s main USP is its killjoy, we seriously do not recommend it even at the price of Rs. 5,299. Instead, one could opt for the Nokia C3 which has a better QWERTY keypad and better ergonomics at the same price.

Specifications: SIM (GSM GSM); Display: 2.3-inch LCD, Resolution: 320 x 240, Maximum screen colours: 262K; Memory: microSD slot expandable up to 16GB, 2GB included; Battery: 1400mAh, Talk-time: up to 3 hours, Standby-time: up to 720 hours;

Ratings
Features: 7
Performance: 6
Build-Quality: 6.5
Value for money: 7
Overall: 6.5

Contact: LAVA International Ltd.
Phone: 01204637333
E-mail: info@lavainternational.in
Website: www.lavamobiles.com
Warranty: 1 year
Price: 5,299