If you’re looking for a great value phone without compromise, the Lava Play Ultra 5G is here to impress. Launched in India in August 2025, this affordable 5G smartphone packs powerful performance, a beautiful display, long battery life, and clean software—without breaking the bank. Let’s break it all down in easy-to-understand terms.
Design and Build: Sleek and Practical
- Colours & Grip – The Play Ultra 5G comes in two cool colors: Arctic Frost (a light, frosty tone) and Arctic Slate (a darker slate shade). Its slim, polished body looks sharp and feels nice to hold, with a finish that helps prevent slipping. The Times of IndiaMoneycontrol
- Durability – It carries an IP64 rating, which means it can resist dust and splashes. Not meant to be submerged, but fine for everyday spills or light rain. MoneycontrolHindustan Times
Display: Bright, Smooth, and Vivid
- Screen Quality – The Play Ultra 5G features a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with Full HD+ resolution, delivering crisp images and vibrant colors. Hindustan TimesGadgets 360
- Smoothness and Brightness – A buttery 120 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel slick. The display gets incredibly bright—up to 1,000 nits—so it’s easy to see even in direct sunlight. Gizbotmint
- Color Accuracy – The screen covers the full DCI-P3 color range, offering accurate and lively visuals. GizbotGadgets 360
Performance and Gaming: Smooth and Reliable
- Powerful Hardware – At its core is the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip, built using efficient 4 nm tech. It handles daily tasks, multitasking, and gaming smoothly. Hindustan TimesGadgets 360
- Enhanced Gaming – Tech like MediaTek HyperEngine boosts frame rates by up to 20%, giving you smoother gameplay and better battery management. Hindustan TimesBusiness Standard
- Memory & Storage – You can choose between 6 GB or 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, paired with speedy 128 GB UFS 3.1 storage. There’s room for more via a microSD card—up to 1 TB—and you can even use virtual RAM if you need it. Hindustan Times91mobiles
Cameras: High-Resolution Shots and Smart Photography
- Rear Cameras – A 64 MP Sony IMX682 sensor handles most shots, while a 5 MP macro lens lets you snap close-up details. Hindustan TimesGadgets 360
- Selfie Camera – A 13 MP front shooter takes clear selfies and supports video calls. GizbotGadgets 360
- Modes & Features – You get various camera modes: Night Mode, HDR, Portrait, Beauty, Panorama, Slow-Mo, Time-Lapse, Filters, Pro Mode, AR Stickers, Macro, and more—making creativity easy. GizbotMoneycontrol
Battery and Charging: Long Life and Fast Top-Ups
- Battery Capacity – It holds a 5,000 mAh battery, which typically lasts a full day or more depending on your usage. GizbotGadgets 360
- Fast Charging – With 33 W fast charging, the battery can go from zero to full in about 83 minutes. Gizbot91mobiles
- Longevity Stats – Lava claims up to 45 hours of talk time or 510 hours on standby, giving you peace of mind on the go. GizbotGadgets 360
Software: Clean, Simple, and Up-to-Date
- Android 15 – The Lava Play Ultra 5G runs on Android 15 out of the box, with a near–stock user interface—no ads or bloatware. The Times of IndiaGadgets 360
- Promises Made – You’ll get two years of Android version updates and three years of security patches, so the phone stays current and secure. Hindustan TimesGadgets 360
Audio, Connectivity & Extras
- Speakers & Ports – Dual stereo speakers make audio clearer and louder. Charging and audio happen through USB-C. Hindustan TimesGadgets 360
- Fingerprint Sensor – Unlock the phone quickly using an optical in-display fingerprint scanner. Hindustan Times91mobiles
- Connectivity – Supports 5G (both standalone and non-standalone), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, OTG, and multiple GPS systems. Hindustan TimesBusiness Standard
Price and Availability: Affordable and Accessible
- Launch Price – The 6 GB/128 GB version starts at ₹14,999 (
$180 USD), and the 8 GB/128 GB version is ₹16,499 ($200 USD). Hindustan Timesmint - Offer Alert – First-day buyers using select bank cards (like SBI, ICICI, HDFC) can get an instant ₹1,000 discount—making it ₹13,999 and ₹15,499 respectively. Hindustan TimesGizbot
- Where to Buy – Available exclusively on Amazon starting August 25, 2025. The Mobile Indianmint
Summary: Why Lava Play Ultra 5G Stands Out
Here’s a quick recap of what makes this phone special—especially given its budget-friendly price:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Dimensity 7300 | Snappy performance & efficient gaming for the price |
| 120 Hz AMOLED | Smooth UI and vivid visuals, even outdoors |
| 64 MP Sony Camera | High-quality photos and creative modes |
| 5,000 mAh + 33 W | Long battery life with fast charging |
| Android 15, no bloat | Clean experience with future updates promised |
| 5G & Wi-Fi 6E | Future-ready connectivity |
| Affordable | Great specs under ₹15,000, with banking discounts |
In short, the Lava Play Ultra 5G packs serious value—premium screen, strong performance, long battery life, clean software, and modern features—all at a price that’s hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
The Lava Play Ultra 5G is proof that a budget phone doesn’t have to feel cheap. For around ₹15,000 (or less with a bank discount), you get a modern, fast, and polished 5G experience with great display quality, sizeable battery, clean software, and gaming-focused performance.
If you’re after a reliable everyday smartphone that also handles photography and gaming well, this one deserves a close look.
