Lava Play Ultra 5G : The Indian smartphone maker Lava is all set to expand its presence in the budget gaming smartphone segment with the launch of the Lava Play Ultra 5G. Scheduled for an official launch in India on August 20, 2025, this smartphone aims to offer solid gaming performance and great value under ₹20,000. With rising demand for affordable 5G gaming phones, the Lava Play Ultra 5G looks poised to compete with brands like iQOO, Realme, and Tecno.
Price and Launch Date : Lava Play Ultra 5G
Lava has confirmed the launch date as August 20, 2025, with the phone likely to be available exclusively on Amazon India. The expected price range is around ₹18,999, positioning it squarely in the budget segment but with a special focus on gaming and multimedia performance. This price makes it an attractive option for gamers and budget-conscious users seeking a balanced device with 5G connectivity.
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Color Options and Design : Lava Play Ultra 5G
From leaked images and teasers, the phone will debut in two color variants: Dark Blue and White, featuring a sleek glass back with Lava 5G branding. The design appears premium for its segment—flat AMOLED display with thin bezels, a centrally placed punch-hole front camera, and a squared camera module at the rear highlighted with “64MP AI Matrix Camera” branding. The buttons and SIM tray placement follow conventional standards for ease of use.
Complete Specifications
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The AMOLED screen enhances gaming and video experiences with vivid colors and better contrast.
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, a proven chipset for budget 5G gaming phones, capable of delivering a solid performance with an anticipated AnTuTu score crossing 700,000.
- Storage: Equipped with UFS 3.1 storage which offers faster read/write speeds, coupled with ample RAM (exact RAM variants still to be confirmed but expected to be competitive).
- Camera: Dual rear cameras with a primary 64MP Sony IMX682 sensor paired with a secondary 2MP depth sensor. It promises good AI-enhanced photography suitable for casual and social media photography.
- Front Camera: Punch-hole selfie camera (resolutions yet to be officially confirmed).
- Audio: Dual stereo speakers for an immersive experience complemented by dual microphones with noise cancellation. Notably, it retains the increasingly rare 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio.
- Battery: A large 5000mAh battery powering the phone ensures long usage times, with 33W fast charging support to quickly top up the device.
- Software: Runs on Android 15 out of the box with a clean UI and timely software updates expected.
- Additional Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Gameboost Mode optimized for smoother gaming, and standard connectivity options like 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, and USB Type-C.
Pros and Cons : Lava Play Ultra 5G
Pros:
- Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor for smooth gaming and multitasking.
- 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colors and fluid visuals.
- 64MP AI Matrix rear camera delivers good quality photos.
- Large 5000mAh battery ensures long usage with 33W fast charging support.
- Dual stereo speakers and dual microphones provide immersive audio.
- Retains 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio support.
- Budget-friendly price under ₹20,000 offers great value.
Cons:
- Secondary camera is only a 2MP depth sensor, limiting portrait photography.
- RAM and storage variants not fully detailed yet, affecting buying clarity.
- Initial availability may be limited to Amazon platform.
- Faces tough competition in the crowded sub-20K budget segment.
- No confirmed NFC support, which may be a drawback for some users.
My Take and Review : Lava Play Ultra 5G
The Lava Play Ultra 5G impresses as a budget gaming phone that ticks many checkboxes necessary for an enjoyable mobile gaming and multimedia experience. The 120Hz AMOLED display alone is a highlight in this price segment, making gameplay smooth and content vibrant. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 is a solid chipset for gaming on a budget, supported by faster UFS 3.1 storage that improves app responsiveness.
Camera performance with the 64MP Sony sensor should be decent for everyday photography, although the secondary camera is basic, which may affect portrait or depth-effect shots. The inclusion of dual stereo speakers, dual mics, and the headphone jack is thoughtful for gamers who prioritize sound quality and communication.
Battery life is expected to be strong with its 5000mAh pack, and 33W charging is a nice bonus for quick recharging during gaming sessions. The Android 15 OS with a clean UI could provide a smooth software experience without unnecessary bloat.
However, its success will depend on how well it performs against established challengers like Realme Narzo and iQOO devices which also cater to the gaming niche in a similar price bracket. The Lava brand has been growing but faces stiff competition especially in terms of aggressive pricing and marketing from rivals.
In conclusion, the Lava Play Ultra 5G is a promising choice for budget gamers who want a vibrant display, smooth performance, and solid battery life without burning a hole in their pocket. It is a welcome addition to the Indian budget smartphone market, emphasizing gaming capabilities with a focus on value for money. If you want a phone under ₹20,000 that can handle mobile gaming, multimedia consumption, and daily tasks with ease, the Lava Play Ultra 5G is well worth a look when it launches on August 20.