Nayak Times

Lava Storm Play Review: Best Budget 5G Phone Under ₹10,000?

Sujal Nayak

Lava Storm Play

Last Updated: June 27, 2025

Looking for the best 5G smartphone under ₹10,000 in 2025? The Lava Storm Play might be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. Featuring the world’s first Dimensity 7060 processor, LPDDR5 RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage, this phone brings flagship-level specs to the budget segment.

But is the Lava Storm Play really the best value-for-money phone right now—or just another budget device with big claims? In this review, we cover its performance, design, cameras, software, and 5G connectivity to help you decide if it’s worth buying.

Lava Storm Play

Unboxing Experience – More Than Expected

When you open the box of the Lava Storm Play, you’re immediately greeted with a sense of completeness that’s rare in today’s budget smartphone market. Unlike many brands that have started cutting corners—especially when it comes to essential accessories—Lava has gone the extra mile. Inside the box, you’ll find not just the smartphone, but a sturdy protective case, a USB Type-C charging cable, an 18W fast charger, a SIM ejector tool, and the usual documentation. For a device priced at just ₹9,999, this full in-box experience is both surprising and refreshing. In an era where even mid-range phones often skip the charger, the Lava Storm Play stands out for respecting the user’s expectations—and budget.

Premium Feel on a Budget

For a smartphone priced under ₹10,000, the Lava Storm Play manages to deliver a surprisingly premium in-hand feel. Right from the moment you pick it up, the phone exudes a sense of modern design that doesn’t scream “budget.”

Available in two appealing color options—Dune Titanium and Blue—the device features a sleek, flat-edged frame with subtle, minimal branding that adds to its clean aesthetic. It weighs around 195.8 grams, giving it a solid, reassuring heft without feeling too bulky.

The Lava Storm Play also retains essential ports such as USB Type-C, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a hybrid SIM slot—a practical choice for users who prefer expandable storage.

Notably, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button, offers fast and reliable access while maintaining the phone’s streamlined look. It’s evident that Lava has paid close attention to detail—something rarely seen in this price segment.

Performance Power: Dimensity 7060 & LPDDR5

When it comes to performance, the Lava Storm Play sets a new benchmark in the budget category. It’s the first phone globally to feature the MediaTek Dimensity 7060 chipset, making it a standout under ₹10,000.

With 6GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB UFS 3.1 storage, it handles everyday tasks—like app launches, multitasking, and scrolling—smoothly. On AnTuTu, it scores around 500,000, rivaling many mid-range phones.

Powering the phone is a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging, easily lasting a full day. It runs on Android 15 and is promised an upgrade to Android 16, along with two years of security updates—a rare commitment at this price.

Even light gaming is enjoyable—BGMI runs at 30FPS, and casual games perform without lag. For users looking for lasting, reliable performance on a budget, the Lava Storm Play delivers.

Gaming & Multimedia

Gaming and entertainment are usually where budget phones cut corners—but the Lava Storm Play performs surprisingly well.

Whether it’s BGMI, Asphalt 9, or casual games like Temple Run, the experience is smooth, thanks to the Dimensity 7060 chipset and a 120Hz HD+ display. While it isn’t Full HD, the high refresh rate makes gameplay fluid and responsive—especially during fast-paced action.

On the media front, the Lava Storm Play features a mono speaker that’s loud enough for casual use, though not very rich. The 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome addition for those who prefer wired audio.

It also supports Widevine L3, so you can stream HD content on Netflix and Prime Video. For its price, the Lava Storm Play offers a surprisingly well-rounded multimedia experience.

Camera Review – Sony Sensor in Budget?

The Lava Storm Play features a capable dual-camera setup for its price, led by a 50MP Sony IMX752 sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. On the front, it houses an 8MP selfie camera that performs well in good lighting.

Daylight photos are vibrant and slightly saturated—great for social media use. Low-light shots are average, which is expected in this range.

What stands out is the number of shooting modes: Portrait, Night, Pro, Dual Video, Slow Motion, GIF, and even AI Emoji. You can also record videos up to 2K at 30FPS, which is rare for a budget phone.

Lava has even shared full-resolution photo samples via Google Drive—an honest move that shows confidence in the Lava Storm Play’s camera capabilities.

Connectivity & Sensors

The Lava Storm Play raises the bar in connectivity, offering full 5G support with 12 bands—making it one of the most future-ready phones in its price range.

It also features Bluetooth 5.2 and dual-band Wi-Fi, ensuring faster speeds, low latency, and stable connections—typically found in pricier smartphones.

Adding to its value, the phone includes all essential sensors, including a physical gyroscope—a rare feature in budget devices. Whether you’re gaming, navigating, or streaming, the Lava Storm Play delivers a seamless and dependable experience.

Software & Updates

The Lava Storm Play stands out for its clean and user-friendly software. It runs on stock Android 15, offering a smooth, clutter-free experience without bloatware—rare in budget phones.

Lava promises one major Android update (to Android 16) and two years of security patches, which adds long-term value under ₹10,000.

While there are some minor app suggestions, they’re minimal and far less intrusive than on most budget devices. Overall, the Lava Storm Play delivers a simple, responsive software experience that prioritizes usability and reliability.

After-Sales Support: Free Home Service

This is a game-changer—Lava offers free doorstep service for the Lava Storm Play. Facing issues? No need to visit a service center; a technician visits your home for small problems. This is customer support done right.

Extra Features

Should You Buy the Lava Storm Play?

Absolutely yes, if you’re looking for:

Skip it if you need:

Lava Storm Play Price in India

The Lava Storm Play is priced at an impressive ₹9,999, making it one of the most value-packed 5G smartphones currently available in the Indian market. Its more affordable sibling, the Storm Lite, comes in at just ₹7,999, offering a slightly toned-down experience for ultra-budget users. Both models are available for purchase via Lava’s official website and select retail outlets across the country. Given the features and hardware on offer, the Lava Storm Play delivers exceptional value at this price point, especially for users looking to enter the 5G ecosystem without spending a fortune.

In our usage, the Lava Storm Play handled daily apps smoothly and even managed light gaming without overheating.

For full specifications and availability, you can visit the official Lava Storm Play page.

FAQs

Q1. Is Lava Storm Play worth buying in 2025?

A: Yes, it offers 5G support, Dimensity 7060, a 50MP camera, and clean Android 15 at ₹9,999—making it excellent value in the budget segment.

Q2. Does Lava Storm Play support 5G?

A: Yes, it supports 12 5G bands, making it future-ready and reliable in most regions across India.

Q3. What is the camera quality of Lava Storm Play?

A: It features a 50MP Sony IMX752 sensor that delivers vibrant shots in daylight and decent performance in low light.

Q4. Can I play games like BGMI or Asphalt 9 on Lava Storm Play?

A: Yes, casual and moderate gaming is smooth with the Dimensity 7060 processor and 120Hz display.

Q5. Will Lava Storm Play get software updates?

A: It comes with Android 15 out of the box and is promised an update to Android 16 along with two years of security patches.

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