The Lava Storm 5G, making its debut in India on December 21, 2023, brings 5G capability to the budget-friendly smartphone market. Boasting a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 SoC, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of internal storage, this device aims to carve its niche in the competitive smartphone arena.
Lava Storm 5G Overview
Design and Display:
The first thing that struck me about the Lava Storm 5G was its unassuming yet sleek design, reminiscent of recent Samsung models. The glass sandwich design adds a touch of heft, while the unique camera arrangement provides a premium touch, prioritizing substance over style in contrast to its sibling, the Blaze 2. The 6.78-inch Full HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate stands out, offering an immersive experience for binge-watching and gaming. While the bezels are slightly uneven, considering the affordable price, this didn’t bother me much.
Camera Capabilities:
The camera setup on the Lava Storm 5G keeps things simple with a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 16MP selfie shooter. The inclusion of a Google Lens shortcut adds a practical touch. Daylight photos showcase good quality, although zoomed images lack some detail. Selfies are satisfactory, though the portrait mode can be hit or miss.
Performance:
Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 SoC, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, empowers the Storm 5G to handle daily tasks and gaming surprisingly well. Notably, I experienced no heating issues even during extended gaming sessions, such as playing Candy Crush for an hour.
Battery Life and Software:
The device is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, supported by 33W fast charging. The battery life pleasantly surprised me, easily lasting a full day with approximately 7 hours of screen-on-time involving light gaming and social media usage. Running on stock Android 13, the device falls short of the latest Android version. However, the promise of an Android 14 upgrade and two years of security updates adds a layer of reassurance for potential buyers.
Final Verdict:
The Lava Storm 5G may lack stereo speakers and ship with an older Android version, but it presents itself as a solid option for those venturing into the 5G realm on a budget. Priced at Rs.12,499, it manages to deliver a premium feel without causing a dent in your wallet. If you’re in the market for a straightforward, reliable smartphone experience without unnecessary frills, the Lava Storm 5G deserves consideration as a worthy contender in its price range.