Lava has been steadily climbing the Indian smartphone ladder, proving that “Made in India” can truly compete with the big brands. The new Lava Play Ultra 5G continues this trend, offering a feature-packed experience at a budget-friendly price. Positioned as a compact-yet-powerful device, it balances sleek design, strong performance, and a rich feature set — making it one of the best options under ₹15,000.
So, does it really live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.
Pricing and Variants
6GB RAM + 128GB Storage – ₹14,999 (as low as ₹13,999 with bank offers)
8GB RAM + 128GB Storage – ₹16,500 (effective ₹15,500 with offers)
Both variants make the Lava Play Ultra 5G a very attractive deal, competing directly with Redmi, Realme, and iQOO in the same segment.
Design and Build
Flat polycarbonate frame with a sleek matte finish
Unique square-and-circle camera module
Lightweight at 181.6g – perfect for one-handed use
Two colors: Arctic Frost (matte white) & Arctic Slate (black)
IP64 certification for dust and splash resistance
Box includes a good-quality case
The Play Ultra keeps things simple but stylish, feeling far more premium than its price tag suggests.
Display: Punches Above Its Weight
One of the biggest highlights of the Lava Play Ultra 5G is its 6.67-inch AMOLED display with:
FHD+ resolution
120Hz refresh rate
1000 nits peak brightness (900 nits HBM)
Punch-hole design with slim bezels
Widevine L1 support for HD streaming
At this price, the vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth refresh rate are exceptional. It easily outperforms many competitors in its category.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the phone packs:
MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor
LPDDR4X RAM + UFS 3.1 storage (faster than typical UFS 2.2 in this segment)
AnTuTu Score: ~6.6–7 lakhs
For gaming, it handles BGMI at 60FPS smoothly with good thermals. The Game Booster Mode and Hyper Engine optimizations further enhance gameplay.
Simply put, the Lava Play Ultra 5G delivers reliable day-to-day performance and casual gaming power without breaking a sweat.
Camera System: Sony-Powered
Rear Cameras:
64MP Sony IMX682 primary sensor
5MP macro camera (better than the usual 2MP filler)
4K 30FPS video recording
Front Camera:
13MP selfie shooter, supports 4K video
Camera Features:
Pro Mode, Night Mode, Portrait, Slow Motion, AR Stickers, Dual View, Macro Mode, QR Scanner
Daylight shots are sharp and vibrant, while low-light photos are serviceable but not class-leading. The lack of an ultrawide lens is noticeable, but the primary and macro shooters make up for it.
Software and Updates
Android 15, near-stock UI
Minimal bloatware, smooth experience
Lava’s custom dialer supports auto call recording
2 years of Android updates + 3 years of security patches
This is a major plus in the budget segment, where many brands only provide 1 year of updates.
Battery and Charging
5000mAh battery
33W fast charging (0-100% in ~83 minutes)
Type-C to Type-C cable included
While not the fastest charging in its class, the battery comfortably lasts a full day of use, even with gaming and video streaming.
Connectivity and Extra Features
9 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Hybrid SIM slot
Stereo speakers (loud, but distort slightly at high volumes)
3.5mm headphone jack
In-display fingerprint sensor & face unlock
FM Radio
Free doorstep service
Notably missing: NFC and IR blaster.
Verdict: Should You Buy the Lava Play Ultra 5G?
The Lava Play Ultra 5G is a powerful statement from Lava — a phone that proves Indian brands can truly compete in the mid-range segment. With its vibrant AMOLED display, strong processor, reliable cameras, clean software, and long update promise, it’s one of the best compact phones you can buy under ₹15,000.
Buy it if you want:
✅ A premium AMOLED display under ₹15k
✅ Smooth gaming performance
✅ Long software support
✅ Clean Android with minimal bloatware
Skip it if you need:
❌ Ultrawide camera
❌ Very fast charging
FAQs About Lava Play Ultra 5G
1. Is Lava Play Ultra 5G good for gaming?
Yes, it runs BGMI at 60FPS smoothly with good thermals
2. Does Lava Play Ultra 5G support 5G in India?
Yes, it supports 9 5G bands
3. How many Android updates will Lava Play Ultra get?
Lava promises 2 years of major updates and 3 years of security patches
4. What is the price of Lava Play Ultra 5G in India?
Starts at ₹14,999 (effective ₹13,999 with offers)
5. Does Lava Play Ultra have wireless charging?
No, but it supports 33W wired charging.
