Lava has just released the Bold N2 in India – a new, inexpensive 4G smartphone – and it costs Rs 7,499; the only choice is a model with 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage. The phone will be for sale starting February 27th, only through one online store, and it’s available in Indus Black and Siachen White. Also, Lava will provide free repair service at the customer’s home.
What it is and what it can do
The Lava Bold N2 is for people buying their first smartphone, or those wanting a really cheap one. It’s based on a well-known idea: a big screen, a fairly simple eight-core processor, a 13MP main camera, and a battery which lasts a long time. The phone’s operating system is Android 15 Go, so it’s quick and easy to use. Inside is the Unisoc SC9863A processor, which only connects to 4G. The Bold N2 comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. It can also use some of the storage as extra RAM to give a quick, temporary increase in memory.
How it looks and the screen
Lava has updated the design from the previous model, and added IP64 protection against splashes and dust. The IP64 rating means the phone can resist small amounts of water, and so is a little more reliable for normal use. The Bold N2 has a 6.75-inch HD+ LCD screen with a waterdrop notch and a 90Hz refresh rate. The bigger screen and smoother refresh rate make using simple apps and scrolling feel better, but the screen is still made for cheap use, not for accurate colours.
How well it works and the software
The phone is made for basic jobs: making calls, sending messages, social media, using the internet, and playing media at a low level. The Unisoc SC9863A is a simple eight-core processor, and won’t be good with doing a lot of things at once or hard games. People should expect it to be reliable when doing one thing at a time, but not to react quickly. The software is Android 15 (Go), which Lava says doesn’t have any unwanted pre-installed programs or adverts. This can make the phone seem faster and use storage better, on a phone with limited memory. The phone has two SIM card slots and a very basic Android system, which a lot of people wanting a cheap phone prefer.
Cameras, battery and safety
On the back, the camera is based on a 13MP main sensor, in a new, square camera area. There is a second camera at the back, but it hasn’t been specified, and the front camera is 5MP. It should be good enough for photos in daylight and video calls, but will not be good in low light. The battery is a good feature: a 5,000mAh battery powers the phone, and it supports 10W wired charging. With the simple processor and Go edition software, people can expect the phone to stay on for several days without needing to be charged, and be able to be used comfortably for a whole day with normal use. A fingerprint scanner on the side is used for security.
Cost, where to get it and who should buy it
At Rs 7,499, the Lava Bold N2 is definitely a cheap 4G phone. It will be on sale from February 27th through the online store mentioned. Lava includes home repair service to make buying it a better experience for first-time buyers. The Bold N2 is good for people changing from a basic ‘feature’ phone, and those who want a simple Android system, with a long-lasting battery and basic performance. If you need 5G or better performance, there are other phones at the same price which offer more modern connectivity. For people just starting with smartphones, who want good value and a reliable phone, the Lava Bold N2 is a sensible and cheap choice.
