Indian smartphone brand Lava is making a bold statement in the competitive mid-range segment with its latest offering, the Lava Agni 4. Priced at Rs 24,999, this device marks the company's most ambitious and expensive smartphone launch to date. It represents a clear shift in strategy, focusing squarely on delivering high performance to users who seek power without the flagship price tag.
Design and Display: A Shift to Minimalist Premium
Lava has taken a new design direction with the Agni 4, moving away from the gimmicky secondary display of its predecessor. The result is a more conventional, minimalist aesthetic that feels modern and clean. The phone features a distinctive pill-shaped camera module on the rear, reminiscent of Google's Pixel phones, which gives it a unique identity.
The build quality is a highlight, with a premium metal frame contributing to a solid in-hand feel. However, the device is notably large, which might feel bulky for users who prefer compact phones. A new addition is the customizable Action Key near the bottom edge, though its small size and unusual placement make it easy to overlook in daily use.
On the front, the Agni 4 sports a vibrant 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive peak brightness of 2,400 nits. The screen is sharp, colourful, and excellent for streaming, gaming, and browsing, supported by slim bezels and stereo speakers. The phone also comes with an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, available in Lunar Mist and Phantom Black colour options.
Performance and Battery: Power-Packed Daily Driver
At the heart of the Lava Agni 4 is the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset, a capable mid-range processor also seen in phones like the OnePlus Nord CE5. In real-world testing, the phone felt consistently responsive. Apps launched swiftly, multitasking was smooth, and common tasks like browsing and messaging were lag-free.
Gaming performance is reliable, with titles like BGMI running fluidly without significant frame drops or stutters. A key strength is thermal management, thanks to a 4300mm² vapor chamber liquid cooling system that keeps the phone relatively cool during extended gaming sessions.
Powering the device is a 5,000mAh battery supported by 66W fast charging. For standard daily use involving calls, messaging, and moderate streaming, the battery comfortably lasts a full day. However, intensive tasks like prolonged gaming can drain it faster, potentially requiring a mid-day top-up for heavy users. The included 66W adapter does provide a quick charge boost, minimizing downtime.
Camera Capabilities: A Mixed Bag
The camera system on the Lava Agni 4 delivers a mixed experience. It features a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP front camera for selfies. In good daylight, the main camera captures photos with fairly accurate colours, suitable for social media sharing, though fine details can sometimes appear soft.
Portrait mode results were inconsistent, with some shots showing good subject focus while others struggled with edge detection and skin tones. The 50MP selfie camera, however, is a strong point, producing balanced skin tones and natural-looking colours. The ultra-wide lens is serviceable but loses detail compared to the main sensor. In low light, the camera performs reasonably well, but noise is noticeable in darker areas, even with Night mode activated.
Verdict: A Strong Indian Contender with Caveats
The Lava Agni 4 is a significant step forward for the homegrown brand, proving it can build a dependable and premium mid-range smartphone. Its strengths are undeniable: reliable everyday and gaming performance, a premium build quality, a clean software experience, and a brilliant AMOLED display. Features like Vayu AI and the Action Key, while not essential, add to its value proposition.
However, the phone is not without flaws. The rear camera performance, particularly in portrait and low-light scenarios, can be inconsistent. Furthermore, while the 5,000mAh battery is adequate, it falls short of the exceptional endurance offered by some rivals in this price segment.
For users who prioritize smooth performance, clean Android software, a premium design, and excellent selfies, the Lava Agni 4 presents a compelling and distinctly Indian choice. Yet, those for whom all-day battery life or top-tier camera performance are non-negotiable might want to explore other options in the fiercely competitive sub-25k market.
