Lava Play Ultra 5G review: Gaming ambition in a budget package
Lava is positioning its Play Ultra 5G as a gaming-first smartphone for young users who want power and reliability without stretching their budget. Priced between ₹13,999 and ₹15,499 (after offers), it enters a crowded mid-range segment. Here’s how it fares across the board.
Design and Build The Play Ultra has a clean, premium look in Arctic Frost and Arctic Slate finishes. Its slim form factor and IP64 dust/splash resistance give it practical durability, though the design language isn’t particularly unique.
Display Quality You get a 6.67-inch flat AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 1000 nits peak brightness. Colours are vibrant, and outdoor visibility is solid. For the price, this is one of its standout strengths.
erformance Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) with MediaTek HyperEngine, the device scores over 700,000 on AnTuTu. Everyday performance and gaming (BGMI, CODM) should be smooth, though heavy gamers may still notice thermal limits over longer sessions.
RAM and Storage Available in 6GB+6GB and 8GB+8GB RAM configurations with 128GB UFS 3.1 storage (expandable to 1TB). Apps load quickly, and multitasking feels fluid. This hardware mix is well-optimised for its bracket.
Audio Experience Dual stereo speakers deliver good loudness and clarity for gaming and streaming. It’s not audiophile-grade, but certainly better than the single-speaker setups common in this segment.
6/9
Cameras The 64MP Sony IMX682 main camera with EIS captures detailed shots in daylight, while low-light images are decent but not exceptional. The 5MP macro feels more like a filler. The 13MP selfie camera is serviceable. Both front and rear support 4K video — a pleasant surprise in this price range.
Battery Life A 5000mAh cell provides all-day endurance, with ~45 hours talk time or over 10 hours of video playback. 33W charging is reliable, though competitors at similar prices are pushing faster charging speeds.
Software Experience Stock Android 15 with no bloatware or ads is a big win. Lava promises two years of OS upgrades and three years of security patches — rare in this segment.
9/9
What we think Starting at ₹13,999, the Play Ultra strikes a balance of performance, clean software, and extras like IP rating and doorstep service. Its cameras and charging speeds aren’t chart-toppers, but as a gaming-focused mid-ranger, it makes a strong case.
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