Nokia has just launched the first smartphone in the next series of X phones with the moniker Nokia X2 and it has been equipped decently well to help Nokia fight some of the other budget droids. Seeing the fact that India is one of the most important markets for Nokia, the X2 will soon reach our shores at a price tag around the Rs 7,500-8,000 mark. At that price point, it will have to go up against the Lava Iris X1 which is Lava’s flagship warrior in the sub Rs 8,000 segment. Let us take a comparitive look at the two of them.
Display and Processor
The Nokia X2 comes with a 4.3 inch screen which has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and added scratch resistance on top of it. On the other hand, the Iris X1 comes with a 4.5 inch screen which has a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels. It has been laminated by Lava for a some slight amount of protection but we suggest you do go in for an aftermarket job. Both of them are similarly matched and will have a similar quality too.
At the heart of the Nokia X2 is a 1.2 GHz dual core Snapdragon 200 processor which joins hands with a 1GB RAM. On the other hand, the Iris X1 comes with a 1.2 GHz quad core Broadcomm BCM23550 processor which eventhough isn’t one of the best ones around, but will still help you keep pace with the performance of the Nokia X2.
Camera and Internal Storage
The Nokia X2 comes with a 5MP unit at the rear coupled with a LED flash and a VGA front camera. It loses out to the Iris X1 in this regard as the Iris X1 comes with an 8MP camera with dual LED flash and a 2MP front camera. So the Iris X1 is a better performer in the camera department.
The internal storage capacity of both the devices is similar so this parameter can’t really sway your buying decision. They come with a 4GB internal storage which can be expanded further by another 32GB with the help of a microSD card.
Battery and Features
At the heart of the Nokia X2 and the Iris X1, an 1,800 mAh battery does the duty. Seeing the fact that the Nokia offering has slightly lower specs than the Iris X1, it will last a bit more than it counterpart on a single charge. Both of them are expected to last for a little under a day with the Nokia X2 lasting for a longer duration.
The Nokia X2 runs on X operating system version 2.0 based on AOSP Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. The Iris X1 on the other hand runs on Android 4.4 KitKat. If you are looking for a pure Android experience, the Iris X1 is the closest you can get out of the two. But the Nokia X2 will suit you well if you are looking towards trying something new.
Key Specs
| Model | Nokia X2 | Lava Iris X1 |
| Display | 4.3 inch, 480×800 | 4.5 inch, 480×854 |
| Processor | 1.2 GHz Dual Core | 1.2 GHz Quad Core |
| RAM | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Internal Storage | 4 GB, Expandable up to 32 GB | 4 GB, Expandable up to 32 GB |
| OS | Android 4.3 Jelly Bean AOSP | Android 4.4 KitKat |
| Camera | 5 MP/ VGA | 8 MP/ 2 MP |
| Battery | 1,800 mAh | 1,800 mAh |
| Price | 99 Euros (expected to launch at around 8,500 INR in India) | Rs 7,999 |
Conclusion
The pricing of the Nokia X2 backed by a strong application store will determine its success. It has Nokia’s brand image associated with it and a fresh operating system too. But the Iris X1 has all its bases covered too and puts forth a compelling case in its favour. Out of the two, the Iris X1 is a better one but if Nokia prices it in the sub Rs 7,000 range, we could surely have a winner on our hands.
