Lava's Bold N1 4G and Iris X1 Atom S represent two ends of the entry-level smartphone spectrum. The N1 aims for a slightly more capable experience with a modern chipset, while the X1 Atom S focuses on absolute affordability. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Lava Bold N1 4G is the clear winner. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset delivers significantly better performance than the Iris X1 Atom S's unspecified 1.0 GHz CPU, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and capable of handling light multitasking. While both are budget devices, the N1 offers a more future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 04 | 2015, June. Released 2015, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 04 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.1 x 8.8 mm (6.50 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 125.5 x 63.4 x 9.7 mm (4.94 x 2.50 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 112 g (3.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~57.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | 1.0 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | IMG8322 | - |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 8GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | VGA |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 2.1, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 110 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 14 h 20 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 1400 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Radiant Black, Sparkling Ivory | Black, White |
| Price | ₹ 5,999 | - |
Lava Bold N1 4G
- Significantly more powerful processor (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Octa-core CPU enables smoother multitasking
- 10W charging support for faster replenishment
- Display specifications are unknown
- Camera details are limited
Lava Iris X1 Atom S
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface (likely)
- Suitable for basic communication needs
- Very slow processor (1.0 GHz)
- Limited performance for modern apps
- Poor multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Information regarding the displays of both devices is unavailable. However, given the price points, it's safe to assume both utilize LCD panels with resolutions around 720p. The lack of detailed display specs suggests neither phone will excel in this area, focusing instead on core functionality. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models, typical of this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the focus should be on expectations – both phones will likely feature basic cameras suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The absence of any mention of advanced features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) or high-resolution sensors suggests image quality will be limited. Any 2MP macro cameras included would likely offer minimal benefit due to the small sensor size.
Performance
The Lava Bold N1 4G's Unisoc SC9863A chipset is the defining factor in this comparison. This octa-core processor, built on a 28nm process, features a heterogeneous architecture with four cores clocked at 1.6 GHz (Cortex-A55) and four at 1.2 GHz (Cortex-A55). This provides a balance of performance and efficiency. In contrast, the Lava Iris X1 Atom S only lists a 1.0 GHz CPU, lacking any details about core count or architecture. This suggests a significantly less powerful processor, likely a quad-core unit, resulting in slower app loading times, laggy multitasking, and a generally less fluid user experience. The N1's chipset will handle basic gaming and video playback far more comfortably.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Lava Bold N1 4G supports 10W wired charging. While not fast, this is a reasonable charging speed for a budget device. The Iris X1 Atom S's charging capabilities are unknown. Given the likely smaller battery capacity in the X1 Atom S, combined with the less efficient processor, the N1 is likely to offer longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. The 10W charging on the N1 will also allow for a quicker recharge when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Bold N1 4G if you need a smartphone capable of handling more than just basic calling and texting – think WhatsApp, light browsing, and occasional social media. It's ideal for users who want a smoother, more responsive experience. Buy the Lava Iris X1 Atom S if your primary need is a very affordable device for essential communication and you prioritize minimal cost above all else. It's best suited for first-time smartphone users or as a backup phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Bold N1 4G be able to run popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the Lava Bold N1 4G is capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. The octa-core processor and sufficient RAM (though unspecified) will provide a reasonably smooth experience for these common applications.
❓ Is the Lava Iris X1 Atom S suitable for someone who has never used a smartphone before?
The Lava Iris X1 Atom S is a viable option for a first-time smartphone user, particularly if budget is the primary concern. Its simplicity and focus on core communication features make it easy to learn. However, be aware that its performance will be limited, and it may struggle with more demanding apps.
❓ Can I play games on the Lava Bold N1 4G?
While the Lava Bold N1 4G isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can handle light gaming. Less demanding titles will be playable at lower settings. However, graphically intensive games will likely experience significant lag and may not be enjoyable.
