The Lava Storm Lite 5G is a new contender in the battle of cheap 5G phones. It is priced at ₹7,999, and this phone supports all 5G bands in India (n1/n3/n5/n8/n28/n41/n77/n78), but is it just offering weak features in the name of 5G, or is it really beneficial for users? Let’s understand every aspect of this entry level and budget friendly 5G phone without any strings attached.
1. Bloatware-free Android 15: How much is the actual benefit?
Most budget phones (like Redmi, Realme, Poco) are full of pre-installed apps and ads, which reduce RAM and storage. Lava Storm Lite 5G gets pure Android 15, means there are no pre-installed apps and ads. The UI of this device is absolutely clean and you won’t get irritated.
Regarding some useful apps like Gmail, YouTube… these will be there as these apps are part of Android and offered by Google as bundled in the each and every Android OS. These apps doesn’t consume too much RAM and offer smooth operations.
Long term updates: Lava has promised for 1 Android update (Android 16) and 2 years of security patches in the Storm Lite 5G. These updates are less than Samsung M06 5G (4 OS updates), but better than Redmi 13C 5G (MIUI bloatware).
For whom is it important? If you want to use the phone for a long time and want to avoid ads/slow performance, then this feature is important for you. Apart from that, if you planning to update new phone in upcoming 2 years, this can be great option which you can consider!
2. 4GB RAM + Dimensity 6400: Enough for everyday work?
Multitasking: 4GB RAM will run WhatsApp, YouTube, and up to 3-4 tabs fine, but games like BGMI will run in low settings only for 20-30 minutes. If you open **more apps simultaneously, or you turn on mobile data and use internet on another device, then Lava Storm Play 5G (₹9,999) with 6GB RAM will be better choice as it can handle multiple functionality in much better way without overheating the phone or consuming excessive amount of battery.
Processor: Dimensity 6400 (6nm) Slightly faster than the Dimensity 6100+ in the Redmi 13C 5G, but behind the Poco M7 5G and Redmi 14C that are powered by Snapdragon 4 Gen 2). The MTK Dimensity 6400 is nothing but a rebranded older chip with minimal improvements, hence it only best for those who need a 5G phone for basic day-day activities.
Good for whom? If your usage is limited to calling, social media, basic photography, short video recording, live video streaming, and occasional lite gaming, then 4GB RAM will do the job.
3. 120Hz display, but HD+ resolution: Does it make sense?
The display of this phone is HD+. These days the mobile users demand and habitual for Full HD display, but at his price range (₹8K), you can not expect more from any brand. Even other big mobile brands in India like Samsung, Realme, Vivo, Oppo, Motorola… they don’t offer Full HD display. But still lava has managed to offer 120Hz refresh rate in the HD+ display which makes the scrolling and animations smooth.
Cons: The 1612×720 pixels HD+ display is less sharp than the FHD+ ones on the Redmi 13C 5G or Lava Storm 5G. Pixels can be visible while reading text, which can also affect the video-watching experience on platforms like YouTube and Streaming Apps (Netflix, Prime Video, and JioHotstar).
Good for whom? If you don’t watch a lot of videos or display sharpness is not a priority for you, then this is fine. You can read messages, send messages, pay money online using UPI, run banking apps, check notifications related to transitions then Storm Lite 5G is a value-for-money phone!
4. 50MP camera: Is it different from the 50MP claims of cheaper phones?
50MP is a standard camera lens in entry level smartphones or I would say in all smartphones. But yes, the quality of the lens you get in entry level phones and mid range phones or flagship phones is completely different.
Lava’s Storm Lite 5G offers, a new Sony IMX752 sensor that captures good detail in daylight, but there is more noise in low-light. Also while recording the videos, the video footage will shake but the good thing is that using this lens you can record high-quality video in 2K@30fps.
Comparison: Redmi 13C 5G (50MP+auxiliary lens) is better in portrait mode, while Lava Storm Lite is better in rear camera despite having a single lens. For camera, you can also check out the Samsung M06 5G as the cameras of Samsung phones are generally better than other brands!
For whom? If you want basic photography and don’t care about ultrawide/macro lens, then this camera will do the job. Using this you can click decent quality photos and record videos. If camera is not your priority or you need only to scan QR codes, or during UPI transactions then it is best budget 5G phone!
5. 5G bands and connectivity: How ready is it for India?
Lava Storm Lite 5G supports all Indian 5G bands (including Jio’s n28, Airtel’s n78), meaning there will be no problem in any network in future. It supports SA and NSA 5G, means all 5G bands of Airtel, Jio, BSNL, VI (true 5G or non-true 5G) will work fine and you will get high-speed.
6. Battery and charging: How big a loss is the slow 15W charging?
In most of smartphones, the 5000mAh battery is standard one which lasts all day. Lava’s Storm Lite 5G also comes with 5000mAh battery which is good, but the phone takes around 2 to 2.5 hours to charge from 0-100% as it comes with 15W and also support max charging up to 15W.
Comparison: Lava Storm Play 5G, Redmi 13C 5G, Moto G35, and Moto G45, come with 18W charger. You can charge your phone having 5000mAh battery using 18W charger in around 1.5 hours!
Best for whom? If you are used to charging your phone overnight, this isn’t a problem. A 15W charger will charge your phone in around 2-3 hours and you can use it all day long as the phone is intended for light usage only.
Lava’s Storm Lite 5G and Its Alternatives
If you have been looking for a powerful 5G phone with better display and processor under budget of Rs 10,000 or Rs 12,000, then here’s are some better alternatives of Storm Lite 5G:
- Moto G35 5G (₹9,999): FHD+ display, 5G (SA & NSA), Clean Android, 2 Years security update, 18W charging.
- POCO M6 Pro 5G (₹8,999 to ₹10,999): Full HD+ Display, 18W charging, Bloatware and it is bit old!
- Samsung Galaxy M16 5G (₹11,500): Super Amoled Full HD+ Display, Mediatek Dimensity 6300, Samsung One UI, and 90Hz display.
Note: Mostly in this price range (under ₹10,000), you will get an entry level processor and HD+ display from mobile brand. Hardly you will get Full HD+ display 5G phone under Rs 10K. The only option you have Motorola G35 that comes with Full HD+ display but its processor is from Unisoc which is nowhere near competing with MediaTek and Snapdragon!
Conclusion: Who should buy it?
The Storm Lite 5G phone from Lava is a complete 5G smartphone. It is an affordable phone that full-fill all your need. You can use it for communication (Auido/WhatsApp Call), stream videos on movies streaming apps, enjoy live streaming, watch content on YouTube, run banking or investing app, listen music, use Google map, share live location, share WiFi-hotspot and also use it to book rides on Ola and Uber taxi apps!
In addition to that, the Storm Lite 5G has 50MP camera, which you can use to click decent quality photos. You can record videos and share moments with others on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X. Using the rear camera, you can also pay money to vendors or shopkeepers via UPI (Scan & Pay).
Storm Lite 5G is a value for money product which you can use for next 3 years as it is loaded with Android 15 (Upgradeable to Android 16), and offers 2 years security update. Being a Student, Housewife, Grandparents – this must be in your buying list as it costs only Rs 7,999.
- Buy if: You want clean Android, a 120Hz display, and affordable 5G.
- Don’t buy if: You need more RAM, fast charging, or an FHD+ display.
Lava Storm Lite 5G is best for first-time 5G users or those looking for a bloatware-free experience on a budget, but gamers or heavy users should spend a little more and look for other alternatives!
