Lava Storm Play 5G Review: A Budget Beast Under ₹10,000 in 2025?

Can a smartphone under ₹10,000 deliver flagship-level performance in 2025? The Lava Storm Play 5G, priced at ₹9,999, aims to do just that with its MediaTek Dimensity 7060 chipset, LPDDR5 RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage—features typically found in pricier phones. As a tech reviewer with over a decade of experience, I’ve tested its capabilities to see if it’s a game-changer for budget buyers in India. Drawing from hands-on testing, this review dives into its performance, design, and value. Is the Lava Storm Play 5G the best phone under ₹10,000? Let’s find out!

Specifications and Configurations

The Lava Storm Play 5G I tested features:

• Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 7060 (6nm, 2.4GHz)
• RAM/Storage: 6GB LPDDR5 + 6GB virtual RAM, 128GB UFS 3.1
• Display: 6.75-inch HD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz
• Cameras: 50MP Sony IMX752 (main) + 2MP, 8MP selfie
• Battery: 5,000mAh, 18W charging
• OS: Android 15 (near-stock)
• Connectivity: 12 5G bands, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2
• Other: Side fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm jack, IP64 rating
• Weight: 195.8g
• Colors: Dune Titanium, Blue

Pricing: ₹9,999 (6GB/128GB), available on Amazon India (sales started June 24, 2025). No other variants are listed.

Design and Build Quality

The Lava Storm Play 5G boasts a Dune Titanium finish (also in Blue) with a polycarbonate back featuring a textured, premium-inspired design, as @TrakinTech noted. Its flat sides and IP64 dust/splash resistance—rare under ₹10,000—add durability, surviving minor drops in my tests. At 195.8g, it’s slightly heavy but ergonomic, with a solid grip. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor (doubling as the power button), volume rocker, 3.5mm jack, USB-C port, and hybrid SIM/SD card slot are well-placed.

The included case enhances protection, though no Gorilla Glass is present. For a budget phone, it looks and feels upscale, but the weight may feel cumbersome for some users compared to lighter rivals like the Redmi 13C 5G (~192g).

Display and Audio

The 6.75-inch HD+ IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth navigation and gaming, ideal for apps like Instagram or Temple Run. However, the 720p resolution (~260 PPI) and waterdrop notch look dated, as @TrakinTech suggested a punch-hole would’ve been modern. Colors are punchy but oversaturated, and bezels are thick, especially at the chin. Widevine L3 restricts streaming to SD quality, limiting Netflix or YouTube clarity. The mono speaker is loud but lacks bass, adequate for calls but underwhelming for media.

The 3.5mm jack saves the day for wired earphone users. Compared to the Moto G45 5G’s FHD+ display, the screen is a weak link for multimedia enthusiasts.

Performance

The MediaTek Dimensity 7060—a global first, per @TrakinTech—delivers a ~500,000 AnTuTu score, outpacing the Poco M6 5G (~450,000). With 6GB LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, it breezes through multitasking (12+ apps, including Chrome and WhatsApp) and casual games like Asphalt 9 at 30 FPS. Heavy titles like BGMI run smoothly on medium settings but stutter on high, as @TrakinTech warned.

The 6nm chipset keeps thermals in check (~38°C during 30-minute gaming sessions). A physical gyroscope and all sensors ensure precise gaming and navigation. For budget users, it’s a powerhouse for daily tasks and light gaming, rivaling pricier phones.

Software and UI

Running Android 15 with a near-stock UI, the Storm Play 5G offers a bloatware-free experience, with only 15-16 pre-installed apps (Google and Lava’s own), as @TrakinTech praised. However, ads and recommendations in the UI are a minor irritation, less intrusive than Realme’s ColorOS. You get 1 year of major updates (to Android 16) and 2 years of security patches, standard for the segment.

The side fingerprint sensor and face unlock are quick and reliable. Features like FM radio (via 3.5mm jack) and customizable gestures enhance usability. While not as clean as the Moto G45 5G’s UI, it’s a refreshing option for budget buyers avoiding bloatware.

Ports and Connectivity

The Storm Play 5G excels in connectivity with 12 5G bands, ensuring future-proof network support in India, as @stufflistings highlighted on X. It includes dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, and a hybrid SIM/SD card slot (2 SIMs or 1 SIM + microSD up to 1TB).

The 3.5mm jack is a budget-friendly perk, and the USB-C port supports 18W charging. The IP64 rating adds durability, rare in this price range. Call quality is crisp, and Wi-Fi speeds hit ~200 Mbps on 5GHz. Lacking NFC (expected at ₹9,999), it outshines 4G-only rivals like the Redmi 12C, making it ideal for 5G adopters on a budget.

Battery Life

The 5,000mAh battery offers 7-8 hours of screen-on time for mixed use (social media, calls, YouTube, light gaming), lasting a full day, aligning with X posts from @utsavtechie. Heavy gaming (~1 hour of BGMI) consumes ~15%, decent for the segment. The 18W charger (included, unlike some rivals) takes ~2 hours to charge fully, slower than the 33W on the Poco M6 Pro 5G. No wireless charging is available, as expected. For students or professionals needing reliable battery life, it’s a strong performer, though faster charging would’ve sealed the deal.

Camera

The 50MP Sony IMX752 main camera produces vibrant, slightly oversaturated daylight shots with good detail, as seen in @TrakinTech’s G-Drive samples. The 2MP secondary sensor is negligible, and low-light photos show noise, limiting night photography.

The 8MP selfie camera is passable for video calls but softens details. Camera modes like night, 2K 30FPS video, portrait, pro, and slow motion are robust for the price, though video stabilization is average. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy M15 5G’s better low-light performance, the Storm Play’s camera suits casual social media posts but struggles in dim conditions.

Software and Features

Beyond its clean UI, the Storm Play 5G offers standout features like IP64 certification, protecting against dust and splashes, as @stufflistings noted. The free home service (advertised on the box) provides doorstep repairs for minor issues, a unique perk. FM radio via the 3.5mm jack appeals to rural users, and the physical gyroscope enhances gaming. Widevine L3 restricts HD streaming, and there’s no notification LED. The absence of bloatware is a major win, though UI ads slightly mar the experience. These extras make it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking durability and convenience.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Class-leading Dimensity 7060 with ~500,000 AnTuTu score.
• LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, unmatched under ₹10,000.
• Near-stock Android 15 with no bloatware.
• IP64 rating and free home service.
• 3.5mm jack, hybrid SIM/SD slot, and 12 5G bands.

Cons:

• HD+ display with waterdrop notch looks outdated.
• Mono speaker lacks richness.
• Low-light camera performance is average.
• UI ads are a slight nuisance.
• 18W charging is slower than competitors.

Verdict

The Lava Storm Play 5G is a budget standout at ₹9,999, delivering top-tier performance with the MediaTek Dimensity 7060, LPDDR5 RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage. Its clean Android 15 UI, IP64 durability, and free home service make it ideal for students, first-time 5G users, or casual gamers in India. However, the HD+ display, weak low-light camera, and slow 18W charging hold it back against rivals like the Poco M6 Pro 5G (faster charging) or Moto G45 5G (FHD+ screen). If you value raw power and extras on a tight budget, it’s a steal. Check it out on Amazon India and let us know your thoughts below!

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About the Author

Trakin Tech Trakin Tech is one of the fastest growing Youtube Channel Founded by Arun Prabhudesai that features daily videos on Smartphone & Gadget Reviews, Unboxing videos, breaking Tech Stories and Tech News.

Sources:

• YouTube: “Lava Storm Play Unboxing & First Look ⚡ 120Hz, Dimensity 7060, UFS 3.1@₹9,999!” by @TrakinTech
• X: Posts by @stufflistings, @utsavtechie, @AmreliaRuhez (https://x.com)
• Amazon India: Lava Storm Play 5G product page (https://www.amazon.in)