Lava Expands Budget Lineup with Feature-Packed Blaze Dragon Smartphone
In a bold move to strengthen its presence in India’s budget smartphone segment, Lava has launched the Lava Blaze Dragon, a 5G-enabled device that brings premium features typically reserved for higher price brackets—all under ₹10,000. The phone stands out for its Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, UFS 3.1 storage, Android 15 support, and a clean, near-stock Android experience.
Key Highlights – Lava Blaze Dragon
- Price: ₹9,000 (launch day offer)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (5G)
- Display: 6.74-inch HD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
- RAM & Storage: 4GB LPDDR4X RAM with 128GB UFS 3.1 storage
- Camera: 50MP dual rear camera, 8MP front
- Battery: 5000mAh with 18W fast charging
- Operating System: Android 15 out-of-the-box with 1 year of major updates and 2 years of security patches
Performance and Hardware
The standout feature of the Lava Blaze Dragon is Lava’s use of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, marking a shift from the usual MediaTek chipsets the brand employs in this range. This SoC, paired with UFS 3.1 storage, results in snappy read/write speeds and an overall smoother user experience. Benchmark scores hover around 450,000 on AnTuTu, ensuring solid day-to-day performance and light gaming.
Design and Build
The Lava Blaze Dragon features a subtle, flat-edged design with a 2.5D curved display and a glass-like back panel. The device weighs approximately 210.7 grams, giving it a sturdy in-hand feel. Available in multiple finishes, including a lighter tone and a darker “Midnight Mist” variant, the device manages to maintain a balanced aesthetic without overdoing flashy elements.
Display and Multimedia
The device sports a 6.74-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While it features a waterdrop notch and noticeable chin, the viewing experience is decent for the price segment. The display is bright enough for indoor usage, and the mono speaker offers loud, satisfactory audio. A 3.5mm headphone jack is included—an increasingly rare feature in this range.
Camera Capabilities
The rear camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor paired with a 2MP depth sensor, while the front-facing camera is an 8MP shooter housed in the notch. In daylight, the camera performs well, offering natural skin tones and decent detail. Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps on both front and rear cameras. Notably, the device supports 15+ camera modes, including Pro Mode, Night Mode, Slow Motion, Panorama, and AR Stickers—enhancing creative flexibility.
Battery and Charging
The 5000mAh battery delivers all-day usage, and the 18W charger included in the box ensures decent charging speeds for a budget device. The hybrid SIM slot supports microSD expansion up to 512GB.
Software and User Experience
Running on Android 15 out-of-the-box, the Blaze Dragon offers a bloat-free, near-stock Android experience, with only essential Google and Lava system apps pre-installed. Lava has committed to 1 year of Android updates and 2 years of security patches, a commendable move in this price bracket. The phone also includes AI call recording, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and face unlock.
Connectivity and Sensors
The device supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, and all major Indian 5G bands, ensuring seamless connectivity. All essential sensors are present, including a software-based gyroscope, accelerometer, and proximity sensor. FM radio functionality is also included, enabled through the 3.5mm jack.
Additional Features
- Free home service is offered post-purchase, adding to the device’s value proposition.
- No NFC, IR blaster, or notification LED—not unexpected at this price point.
- The fingerprint scanner also functions as a shutter button for selfies, enhancing usability.
Final Verdict
The Lava Blaze Dragon delivers exceptional value at ₹9,000, especially for users looking for 5G connectivity, fast storage, and a clean Android experience. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor and UFS 3.1 storage give it a clear edge in performance over most rivals in the sub-₹10K segment.
With Android 15, a 120Hz display, 50MP camera, and a design that feels premium without being overdone, the Blaze Dragon is arguably one of the most competitive budget smartphones of 2025.