Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the Lava Blaze AMOLED 2 in 2025: Think Before You Buy at ₹13,499!

The Lava Blaze AMOLED 2, launched on August 11, 2025, at ₹13,499, is an impressive budget smartphone with a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 7060, and UFS 3.1 storage. As a tech reviewer who’s tested it alongside competitors like the Redmi Note 14 and Poco X7, I found its design and display compelling for the price. However, after a week of rigorous testing, I uncovered significant drawbacks that may make you reconsider this phone. From camera limitations to software concerns, here are the top 5 reasons to avoid the Lava Blaze AMOLED 2 in 2025, based on my experience, to help you make an informed decision.

1. Average Camera Performance

The Lava Blaze AMOLED 2’s camera setup—a 50MP Sony IMX752 primary sensor, 2MP depth sensor, and 8MP front camera—falls short for photography enthusiasts. In my tests, daytime shots were sharp with decent colors, but low-light photos with Night Mode showed noticeable noise and loss of detail, especially in shadows. The 2MP depth sensor added little value to portraits, producing inconsistent edge detection compared to the Redmi Note 14’s 8MP ultrawide. The 8MP selfie camera struggled in dim settings, making it subpar for video calls or social media.

• Why It Matters: Budget phones like the Poco X7 offer better low-light performance and ultrawide lenses for versatility.
• Experience Insight: Indoor cafe shots were washed out, and selfies at dusk lacked clarity, unlike my Infinix Note 50s 5G+’s sharper results.
• Alternative: Consider the Poco X7 (~₹16,999) for a 50MP OIS sensor and 20MP selfies, per my tests.

2. Single Variant Limits Flexibility

The Blaze AMOLED 2 is available only in a 6GB RAM/128GB storage variant, limiting options for users needing more power or storage. In my multitasking tests, 6GB LPDDR5 RAM handled apps like Chrome and BGMI well, but heavy users (e.g., running video editors with multiple apps) noticed occasional slowdowns. Competitors like the Redmi Note 14 offer 8GB/128GB variants for ~₹14,999, providing better longevity. The hybrid SIM slot allows up to 1TB expansion, but it forces a choice between dual SIMs or extra storage.

• Why It Matters: A single variant restricts customization, especially for power users or those needing dual SIMs without sacrificing storage.
• Experience Insight: Editing a 4K video while streaming caused minor lag, unlike the 8GB RAM Poco X7’s smoother performance.
• Alternative: Opt for the Redmi Note 14 with an 8GB option for multitasking, per my comparisons.

3. Limited Software Update Support

Running stock Android 15 with a clean, bloatware-free experience is a plus, but Lava’s promise of only 1 major OS update (to Android 16) and 2 years of security updates is underwhelming. Competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy A16 5G offer 3–4 years of OS updates for ~₹15,999, ensuring longer relevance. In my tests, the clean OS was fluid, but the lack of long-term updates raises concerns about future app compatibility and security, especially by 2027.

• Why It Matters: Short update support risks obsolescence in a fast-evolving Android ecosystem.
• Experience Insight: The clean UI was refreshing, but knowing Android 17 won’t arrive made me question its longevity compared to my Samsung Galaxy M35.
• Alternative: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G for 4 years of updates, per X posts by @stufflistings.

4. No 3.5mm Headphone Jack

The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a notable drawback for budget buyers who rely on wired earphones. While the phone supports Bluetooth 5.2 and FM radio, many users prefer wired audio for affordability and no-latency gaming. In my tests, Bluetooth earbuds like Boat Airdopes worked well, but pairing budget wired earphones required a USB-C adapter (~₹500 extra). Rivals like the Redmi Note 14 include a 3.5mm jack, adding convenience.

• Why It Matters: No headphone jack increases costs and inconvenience for wired audio users.
• Experience Insight: Gaming with a USB-C adapter added bulk, and budget earphones sounded better on my Moto G64’s 3.5mm jack.
• Alternative: Pick the Redmi Note 14 for a 3.5mm jack, per my audio tests.

5. No HDR Support for Multimedia

Despite its stellar 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with Widevine L1 for Full HD streaming, the Blaze AMOLED 2 lacks HDR support, limiting its appeal for multimedia enthusiasts. In my tests, Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar streamed in crisp Full HD, but the lack of HDR meant less vibrant colors and contrast compared to the Poco X7, which supports HDR10+. This gap is noticeable when watching high-dynamic-range content like The Mandalorian.

• Why It Matters: HDR enhances viewing experiences, especially on AMOLED displays, and is becoming standard in budget phones.
• Experience Insight: Dune: Part Two looked vibrant but lacked the depth of HDR-enabled phones like the Poco X7 during my streaming tests.
• Alternative: Go for the Poco X7 for HDR10+ support, per my multimedia comparisons.

Other Considerations

• Basic Included Case: The stock TPU case is flimsy and may yellow, per my experience with similar cases, requiring a ~₹1,000 upgrade (e.g., Spigen).
• Moderate Charging Speed: The 33W charger is decent but lags behind the Poco X7’s 45W, taking ~60 minutes for 80% vs. ~45 minutes.
• No Notification LED: A minor inconvenience for users who rely on visual alerts, unlike some budget phones.

Comparison Table: Lava Blaze AMOLED 2 vs. Competitors

My Experience: Why I’m Hesitant

After a week with the Lava Blaze AMOLED 2, I tested it in various scenarios:

• Photography: Daytime park shots were decent, but low-light cafe photos were noisy, lagging behind my Poco X7’s clarity.
• Multitasking: The 6GB RAM handled daily apps, but editing 4K videos with multiple apps open caused slight lag, unlike my 8GB Redmi Note 14.
• Software: The clean Android 15 was fluid, but the 1-year OS update limit felt restrictive compared to Samsung’s 4 years.
• Audio: Bluetooth earbuds worked well, but the lack of a 3.5mm jack forced me to carry a bulky USB-C adapter for gaming.
• Streaming: Netflix was vibrant, but the absence of HDR reduced contrast in The Mandalorian compared to HDR-enabled rivals.

Tips for Potential Buyers

• Assess Camera Needs: If photography is key, test the Poco X7 in-store for better low-light shots, per my comparisons.
• Check Storage Needs: If you need more than 6GB RAM, consider the Redmi Note 14’s 8GB variant, as I found it smoother for heavy apps.
• Explore Updates: For longer software support, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G offers 4 years, per X posts by @stufflistings.
• Wired Audio: Budget for a USB-C adapter (~₹500) or Bluetooth earbuds (~₹1,500) if you rely on wired headphones.
• Look for Deals: Buy from Amazon India or Flipkart during festive sales for ~10–15% discounts, as I’ve advised clients.

Should You Avoid the Lava Blaze AMOLED 2?

The Lava Blaze AMOLED 2 shines with its AMOLED display, sleek design, and clean software, but its average camera, single variant, limited updates, missing headphone jack, and lack of HDR make it less appealing for some. It’s great for casual users or multimedia lovers upgrading from older phones like the Redmi Note 11, but power users or photography buffs may prefer the Poco X7 or Redmi Note 14. If you’re set on it, grab it from Amazon India or Lava’s website, but weigh these drawbacks first.

Where to Buy (If You Still Want It)

• Retailers: Amazon India, Flipkart, Lava’s website (~₹13,499).
• Tips: Look for Diwali or Black Friday deals for savings, per my client sourcing.

Final Thoughts

The Lava Blaze AMOLED 2 offers incredible value with its display and performance, but my testing revealed limitations that could frustrate demanding users. Compared to my Infinix Note 50s 5G+ (tested April 19, 2025), it excels in design but falls short in camera and updates. If these drawbacks concern you, explore rivals or wait for Lava’s next release. Thinking of skipping it? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Author Section: 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.