Lava Play Ultra 5G: Lava is set to shake up India’s budget gaming smartphone market with the Play Ultra 5G, launching August 20. Priced under ₹20,000, this device packs a 120Hz AMOLED display, Dimensity 7300 chipset, and 64MP camera—posing stiff competition to iQOO and Realme.
Lava Play Ultra 5G: Key Highlights
- Launch Date: August 20, 2025 (via Amazon)
- Expected Price: Under ₹20,000
- Display: 6.67″ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300
- Camera: 64MP Sony IMX682 primary sensor
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging
Design & Display
- The Play Ultra 5G sports a premium glass back with a bold square camera module labeled “64MP AI Matrix Camera.” Key design elements:
- Dual-tone colors: Dark Blue and White options
- Punch-hole display (minimal bezels)
- 3.5mm headphone jack (rare in this segment)
The 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate promises smooth visuals for gaming and media.
Performance & Gaming Features
- Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, the phone aims to deliver flagship-level gaming at a budget price:
- UFS 3.1 storage for faster app loads
- Gameboost Mode for optimized performance
- Dual stereo speakers + noise-canceling mics
- AnTuTu score: ~700,000 (leaked)
How It Compares to Rivals?
| Feature | Lava Play Ultra 5G | Realme Narzo 80 Pro | iQOO Z9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Dimensity 7300 | Dimensity 7050 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz AMOLED | 120Hz AMOLED | 144Hz LCD |
| Price | <₹20,000 | ₹19,999 | ₹21,999 |
Verdict: Better chipset than Realme, but iQOO Z9 offers 144Hz LCD.
Cameras & Battery
- 64MP Sony IMX682 primary sensor (better low-light shots)
- 2MP depth sensor (for portrait mode)
- 5,000mAh battery + 33W fast charging (0–50% in ~30 mins)
Missing?
- No ultra-wide lens (common in this range)
- No OIS (optical stabilization)
Software & Extras
- Near-stock Android (clean UI, fewer bloatware apps)
- Expected updates: 2 years of OS updates
- Dedicated gaming triggers (rumored)
Price & Availability
- Launch: August 20, 2025 (12 PM IST)
- Sale: Amazon-exclusive (early-bird discounts likely)
- Expected Price: ₹18,999–19,999
Competitors:
- Realme Narzo 80 Pro (₹19,999)
- iQOO Z9 (₹21,999)
- Poco X6 Neo (₹17,999)
Should You Buy It?
Buy if:
- You want a 120Hz AMOLED display under ₹20K
- Prefer clean software (no bloatware)
- Need a 3.5mm jack for gaming headsets
Skip if:
- You prioritize ultra-wide cameras
- Want faster charging (67W+)
- Need long-term update support (brand track record unproven)
Specifications at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.67″ AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Dimensity 7300 |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB+128GB (expected) |
| Rear Camera | 64MP + 2MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 33W charging |
| OS | Android 14 (near-stock) |
Final Verdict
The Lava Play Ultra 5G is shaping up to be a strong contender in India’s sub-₹20,000 gaming smartphone segment. With a 120Hz AMOLED display, Dimensity 7300 chipset, and 64MP primary camera, it punches above its weight against rivals like the Realme Narzo 80 Pro and iQOO Z9.