The Lava Agni 3 5G launched in India in October 2024 at Rs 20,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, in a version sold without a charger; a bundle with the 66W charger cost more. Lava gave it a feature no rival offered at the price: a 1.74-inch secondary AMOLED on the back, next to the cameras, for notifications, music controls and rear-camera selfies.
The main 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with a 1.5K resolution. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300X provides efficient, consistent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Lava also added a customisable Action Key, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro's, and kept the software clean on Android 14 with a promise of OS updates and no bloatware.
The triple camera includes a 50 MP main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and an 8 MP 3x telephoto, giving it real zoom capability at this price. The 5000 mAh battery comfortably lasts a day, with 66W wired charging. Against the Nothing Phone (2a) and CMF Phone 1, it offers more hardware novelty, while Nothing counters with a more polished overall software experience.
Key specifications
| Launch price (India) | Rs 20,999 (base variant) |
|---|---|
| India launch | October 2024 |
| Segment | Mid-range |
| Display | 6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 1.74-inch rear AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2652 |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300X |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | No |
| Rear cameras | 50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3x telephoto |
| Front camera | 16 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 66W wired |
| Software at launch | Android 14 |
| 5G | Yes |
| Water/dust rating | IP64 |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Colours | Heather Glass, Pristine Glass |
What we like
- Useful rear secondary display
- 3x telephoto at this price
- Customisable Action Key
- Clean, ad-free software
What could be better
- Base model ships without a charger
- 8 MP telephoto is soft in low light
- Brand's service network smaller than rivals
Who should buy it
Buyers who want something genuinely different, with a rear screen and telephoto, from an Indian brand.
Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.