Lava has officially entered the budget gaming smartphone arena with the launch of the Lava Play Ultra, a device that aims to redefine expectations in the sub-₹17,000 category. With a focus on performance, display quality, and clean software, the Play Ultra is designed for gamers, content creators, and multitaskers who want flagship-like features without the flagship price tag.
Let’s explore what makes the Lava Play Ultra one of the most exciting budget smartphones of 2025.
Design and Build: Sleek, Durable, and Gamer-Friendly
The Lava Play Ultra sports a minimalist yet premium design with a flat glass back and subtle branding. Available in Arctic Frost and Arctic Slate, the phone feels sturdy in hand and looks refined enough for both casual and professional settings. The IP64 rating ensures protection against dust and splashes, making it suitable for everyday use and travel.
The button placement and SIM tray configuration are optimized for gaming ergonomics, allowing users to hold the device comfortably during long sessions. The in-display fingerprint sensor adds a modern touch and keeps the front panel clean and immersive.
Display: AMOLED Brilliance with Gaming Precision
At the heart of the Play Ultra’s appeal is its 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, which supports a 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits peak brightness. The panel offers 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, and content creation.
The display also supports 10-finger multi-touch, a feature that mobile gamers will appreciate for precise control in fast-paced titles. With an oleophobic coating to resist smudges and a flat design for better grip, the screen is built for both performance and comfort.
Whether you’re playing multiplayer shooters or watching HDR content, the Play Ultra’s display delivers vivid visuals and smooth transitions.
Performance: Dimensity 7300 Delivers the Goods
Powering the Lava Play Ultra is the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, built on a 4nm process. With an octa-core CPU featuring two Cortex-A78 cores at 2.5GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2GHz, the phone offers a strong balance of performance and efficiency.
The Mali-G615 MC2 GPU ensures fluid graphics rendering, and the chipset is optimized with HyperEngine gaming technology, which boosts frame rates, reduces latency, and improves thermal control during extended play.
The device comes in two configurations: 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 128GB, both using LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. Storage is expandable up to 1TB, giving users plenty of room for games, media, and apps.
With an AnTuTu score exceeding 700,000, the Play Ultra is one of the most powerful phones in its price range, capable of handling demanding games and multitasking with ease.
Camera System: AI-Enhanced Imaging for Creators
The Lava Play Ultra features a dual rear camera setup, led by a 64MP Sony IMX682 sensor with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). Accompanying it is a 5MP macro lens for close-up shots. On the front, a 13MP selfie camera handles video calls and social media content.
Photography modes include Night Mode, HDR, Portrait, Beauty, Panorama, Slow Motion, Time Lapse, Pro Mode, AR Stickers, and Dual View Video, among others. The camera app is intuitive and responsive, with AI enhancements that improve image clarity and dynamic range.
For content creators and casual photographers, the Play Ultra offers a versatile and capable imaging experience that rivals more expensive devices.
Battery and Charging: Built for Marathon Sessions
The Play Ultra packs a 5000mAh battery, which delivers up to 45 hours of talk time and 510 hours of standby. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working remotely, the battery is built to last through the day and beyond.
Charging is handled via 33W fast wired charging, and Lava includes the charger in the box. The device can be fully charged in approximately 83 minutes, making it easy to top up between sessions.
This combination of endurance and speed ensures that users won’t be left scrambling for a charger during critical moments.
Audio and Multimedia: Stereo Sound That Immerses
The Lava Play Ultra features dual stereo speakers that deliver loud and clear audio, enhancing the gaming and media experience. The soundstage is wide enough for immersive gameplay, and the microphones are tuned for clear voice pickup during calls and recordings.
Whether you’re listening to music, watching videos, or playing competitive games, the audio setup complements the visual performance of the device.
Software Experience: Clean, Fast, and Bloat-Free
Running on Android 15, the Play Ultra offers a clean software experience with no bloatware, no ads, and no unwanted notifications. Lava promises two years of major OS updates and three years of security patches, ensuring long-term reliability and relevance.
The UI is snappy and intuitive, with thoughtful touches like Gameboost mode, which optimizes performance during gameplay. Users can also take advantage of Google Gemini AI features, including Circle to Search and contextual suggestions.
This focus on clean software makes the Play Ultra a pleasure to use, especially for users who value speed and simplicity.
Connectivity and Extras: Future-Ready and Well Equipped
The Lava Play Ultra supports dual-SIM 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and USB Type-C. It also includes OTG support, carrier aggregation, and VoNR/ViNR capabilities for enhanced network performance.
Sensors include a gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and proximity sensor, rounding out a well-equipped package. The hybrid SIM slot allows users to choose between dual SIMs or one SIM and a microSD card.
These features make the Play Ultra a future-ready device that can adapt to evolving connectivity standards.
Pricing and Availability: Value That’s Hard to Beat
The Lava Play Ultra is priced at ₹14,999 for the 6GB + 128GB variant and ₹16,499 for the 8GB + 128GB model. Launch offers include a ₹1,000 discount for select bank cards, bringing the effective price down to ₹13,999 and ₹15,499 respectively.
The phone will be available exclusively on Amazon starting August 25, with additional support through Lava’s Free Service@Home program across India.
Given its feature set and performance, the Play Ultra offers exceptional value for budget-conscious buyers.
Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer in Budget Smartphones
The Lava Play Ultra is more than just a budget phone—it’s a statement. With its AMOLED display, powerful Dimensity 7300 chipset, AI-enhanced camera, and clean Android experience, it delivers a flagship-like feel at a fraction of the cost.
For gamers, creators, and everyday users who want performance without compromise, the Play Ultra is a compelling choice. Lava has not only raised the bar for budget smartphones but also challenged the notion that high-end features must come with a high-end price.
In a crowded market, the Lava Play Ultra stands out as a bold and confident contender.
