lava agni 3 review

In the ever-competitive smartphone market, innovation and unique features are key to standing out. Lava, an Indian smartphone manufacturer, has made a bold move with its latest release, the Lava Agni 3. Priced affordably at around ₹24,000 (approximately $220), this phone aims to offer flagship-level features without breaking the bank. One standout feature of the Agni 3 is its dual-screen setup—a rare offering at this price point. Let’s delve deeper into what makes this device a fascinating choice for budget-conscious tech enthusiasts.

 

From the moment you unbox the Lava Agni 3, it feels premium. The device comes in two color options: pristine white and a darker shade, both sporting a matte finish that helps prevent fingerprint smudges. The build quality, at this price range, is impressive. The device feels sturdy in hand, boasting an IP64 rating, which provides splash resistance. The side buttons include an “action key” placed just above the power button, allowing users to quickly access features like the camera or silent mode.

 

The primary display of the Lava Agni 3 is a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel. The screen delivers vivid colors and deep blacks, making it an excellent choice for media consumption. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. Additionally, the display is equipped with Dolby Atmos, providing an immersive audio-visual experience.

 

However, what truly sets the Agni 3 apart is its secondary screen—a 1.74-inch AMOLED display positioned on the rear within the camera bump. This mini display offers basic functionality like notifications, media controls, and activity tracking. It also serves as a viewfinder for the rear camera, allowing users to take selfies with the main sensor. The unique addition of this screen provides a distinctive edge over other budget phones, reminiscent of flagship devices like the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra.

 

The Lava Agni 3 is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 X chipset, combined with 8GB of RAM. This hardware setup is capable of handling most tasks effortlessly, from basic web browsing to intensive gaming sessions. In benchmark tests, the Agni 3 performs on par with devices like Motorola’s Razer 50, which costs significantly more.

 

The phone also features a vapor chamber cooling system, helping to manage heat during prolonged gaming sessions. This is a thoughtful addition, particularly given the phone’s name (“Agni” means “fire” in Hindi). The cooling system ensures that the device does not overheat, allowing for a smoother gaming experience without discomfort.

 

Running on Android 14, the Lava Agni 3 offers a near-stock Android experience, which is refreshing given the amount of bloatware found on many budget devices. Users are promised three major OS updates and four years of security patches, which enhances the phone’s long-term value. The clean software experience allows for smooth navigation and a user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a simpler, clutter-free UI.

 

The camera setup on the Lava Agni 3 is versatile. It features a 50-megapixel Sony sensor as the primary shooter, delivering good results in well-lit conditions. The colors are natural, and the level of detail is impressive for a phone in this price range. However, in low-light scenarios, the performance does drop slightly, with noticeable grain in the images.

 

In addition to the main sensor, there is an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a surprising inclusion of an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The telephoto lens is a rarity in this segment, offering users an option to capture detailed shots from a distance without compromising image quality.

 

The front camera is a 16-megapixel shooter, perfect for video calls and selfies. However, users have the option to use the rear camera setup for selfies, thanks to the secondary display acting as a viewfinder. This feature provides higher quality selfies, making it a versatile tool for photography enthusiasts.

 

Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the Lava Agni 3 provides all-day usage on a single charge. Whether streaming videos, browsing the web, or gaming, the phone manages to keep up without needing a recharge halfway through the day. The device supports 66W wired fast charging, allowing users to get from 0 to 100% in just over an hour. Although there is no wireless charging support, the fast wired charging compensates well for this omission, making it a strong contender against many mid-range smartphones.

 

One of the most exciting features of the Lava Agni 3 is its rear secondary display. While it is not as versatile as the primary screen, it offers some practical uses. Users can check notifications, control music playback, and even use it as a selfie screen. The small display has a selection of widgets, including a stopwatch, timer, and a cute animated dog named Fiery, which adds a playful touch to the user experience.

 

The secondary display may not support full apps, but its inclusion at this price point is an innovative move by Lava. It enhances the user experience by providing quick access to essential functions without turning on the main screen, thus saving battery life.

 

In its price range, the Lava Agni 3 competes directly with other budget offerings like the Xiaomi Redmi Note series and Samsung’s Galaxy A series. However, the inclusion of a dual-screen setup and a telephoto lens gives it an edge over most competitors.

 

For instance, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro offers excellent performance and camera quality, it lacks the unique secondary display. Similarly, Samsung’s Galaxy A54 provides a solid software experience but falls short in terms of innovative features. The Lava Agni 3, with its combination of a powerful chipset, dual screens, and a triple-camera setup, makes a compelling case for itself in the budget smartphone segment.

 

The Lava Agni 3 is a testament to how budget smartphones are evolving. It offers a premium feel, a solid camera setup, reliable performance, and a unique dual-screen feature that sets it apart from its peers. Its clean software experience and commitment to long-term updates also add to its appeal.

 

For users seeking an affordable yet feature-packed smartphone, the Lava Agni 3 stands out as a strong contender. The only downside is its limited availability outside India, but for those who can get their hands on it, the Agni 3 is a well-rounded device that punches above its weight in almost every category.

 

In conclusion, the Lava Agni 3 is a shining example of how innovation can be brought to the budget segment without compromising on quality. Its dual-screen feature, combined with a solid performance package and a versatile camera setup, makes it a unique offering in its class. As Lava continues to grow its presence in the market, devices like the Agni 3 showcase the potential for budget-friendly phones to include flagship-level features. If you are looking for an affordable smartphone that does not skimp on features, the Lava Agni 3 is definitely worth considering.