Lava Blaze Dragon 5G with UFS 3.1, Android 15: Should You Buy?

Lava has rolled out its latest entry-level 5G smartphone, the Blaze Dragon, in the Indian market. The device is priced at Rs 8,999 as part of its launch offer and enters the competition with hardware aimed at practical users, a bloatware-free experience, and after-sales perks.

At the heart of the Lava Blaze Dragon 5G is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor. This chipset is designed to handle daily operations smoothly and supports moderate gaming, though users running demanding applications may encounter performance ceilings.

The handset features a 6.74-inch HD+ display and a 120Hz refresh rate. While the screen size and fluidity appeal to those streaming content or scrolling through apps, the panel’s resolution remains in the budget segment territory.

The device is equipped with 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage — a notable inclusion for its price range. This is paired with virtual RAM support, which enhances basic multitasking performance. Expandability and speed both receive a boost through this storage setup.

Running on a clean version of Android 15, the Blaze Dragon omits promotional apps and system ads. The company has committed to one Android OS upgrade and two years of security updates, a move rarely seen in this segment.

A 5000mAh battery powers the smartphone, supported by 18W charging. While not the fastest in its class, this setup is aimed at providing all-day usage without the need for frequent recharges.

On the rear, the phone features a 50MP primary camera. The front-facing 8MP shooter handles selfies and video calls. Image quality is expected to align with typical output from devices in this category, especially in low-light conditions.

The Blaze Dragon 5G has reinforced Panda Glass on both front and back panels. Available in two color options, the overall design offers durability while keeping visual appeal in mind, though the design approach doesn’t stray far from familiar patterns.

Security features include both a fingerprint sensor on the side and face unlock capabilities. These methods are standard in most smartphones in this bracket and function reliably in initial tests.

Lava’s service-at-home support model is available across India for this device. This post-sale service offering, while not yet fully evaluated for its real-world consistency, stands out as a convenience factor for budget-conscious customers.

The starting price of Rs 8,999 includes bank discounts and exchange benefits. After the promotional window, pricing may vary. Early buyers may find better value in purchasing during this phase.