The Indian smartphone market has just received a major boost in the entry level segment with the official launch of the Lava Yuva Star 3. Known for delivering high value at accessible price points, Lava International has once again targeted first time smartphone buyers and students with this latest release. Debuting on February 12, 2026, the Yuva Star 3 is positioned as a reliable companion for those who need a blend of modern features, durability, and a clean software experience. As a successor to the popular Yuva Star 2, this new device brings several notable upgrades that make it a serious contender in the sub 8000 rupees category.
Sleek Design and Immersive Display
One of the first things users will notice about the Lava Yuva Star 3 is its refreshed design language. Moving away from the older pill shaped camera modules, the Star 3 features a modern squircle camera island on a glossy back panel. The phone is available in two elegant color options: Indus Black and Siachen White. Despite being a budget friendly device, it maintains a slim profile of 8.5mm and weighs approximately 194 grams, making it comfortable for extended one handed use.
The front of the device is dominated by a large 6.75 inch HD plus LCD screen. With a resolution of 720 by 1600 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, it provides ample space for watching videos or attending online classes. A significant highlight for this price range is the 90Hz refresh rate, which ensures smoother scrolling and a more responsive touch experience compared to standard 60Hz panels.
Reliable Performance and Android 15 Go Edition
Under the hood, the Lava Yuva Star 3 is powered by the octa core Unisoc SC9863A processor. While this chipset is designed for essential tasks, it is well optimized for daily activities like social media browsing, light gaming, and messaging. The device comes with 4GB of physical RAM, but users can take advantage of the virtual RAM expansion feature to effectively reach up to 8GB of RAM. This extra headroom helps in maintaining system stability when multiple apps are open in the background.
Software is another area where Lava shines. The Yuva Star 3 runs on Android 15 Go Edition, the latest lightweight operating system from Google. This ensures that the hardware is not bogged down by heavy software skins. In line with the brand’s promise, the phone offers a near stock Android experience with zero bloatware, providing users with more usable storage out of the 64GB onboard memory.
Camera Capabilities and Long Battery Life
For photography enthusiasts on a budget, the Lava Yuva Star 3 offers a 13MP AI dual rear camera setup. The primary sensor is capable of capturing clear daylight photos with decent detail, supported by an LED flash for low light situations. On the front, a 5MP camera is housed within a waterdrop notch, perfect for quick selfies and video calls.
Battery longevity is a critical factor for entry level users, and Lava has equipped this model with a massive 5000mAh battery. The company claims the device can provide up to 30 hours of talk time or 340 hours of standby on a single charge. Charging is handled via a modern USB Type C port, which is a welcome addition over the older micro USB ports often found in this segment.
Durability and Unique Service Features
Lava has prioritized durability by giving the Yuva Star 3 an IP64 rating. This means the phone is protected against dust and accidental water splashes, a feature rarely seen in smartphones under 7500 rupees. For added security, the device includes a side mounted fingerprint sensor that is both fast and convenient.
To further sweeten the deal, Lava is offering a one year warranty along with its unique “Free Service at Home” program. This allows customers in India to get their phones repaired without having to visit a service center, adding a layer of trust and convenience for users in smaller towns and cities.
