Key Highlights
- 3D curved FHD+ AMOLED display
- 6.67-inch 120Hz display with Widevine L1 support
- No bloatware, no Ads
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- Free service @ home
When Lava made its comeback in the Indian market, many doubted its success against the dominance of Chinese smartphones. However, today’s landscape has shifted, with Chinese brands competing in higher price brackets. In this scenario, Lava introduces the Blaze Curve 5G, taking a more modest approach compared to its rivals.
Priced below Rs. 18,000, this new addition to the Blaze series not only impresses with its design but also offers stock Android without any unnecessary pre-installed apps, a rarity in its price segment. After more than a week of testing, it’s evident that the Blaze Curve 5G is a strong contender, particularly as it represents a homegrown brand. However, every phone has its flaws. Now, the question arises: Could Lava’s new-entry wear the crown for budget smartphone champion of 2024? To find out, let’s delve into the review of the Lava Blaze Curve 5G. Also Read | OPPO F25 Pro Long Term Review: A Performance-Oriented Mid-Ranger
| Pros | Cons |
| Curved display, sleek design | Limited outdoor visibility in sunlight |
| Stock Android experience | Slightly dated software |
| Long-lasting battery |
What’s Inside The Box?
- Lava Blaze Curve 5G handset (Iron Glass)
- Charger
- Data cable
- SIM ejector pin
- Service leaflet
- Back cover
- C to 3.5mm jack
Design: A Touch Of Elegance
From the moment I unboxed it, the design of the Lava Blaze Curve 5G has consistently impressed me. It displays a premium feel that surpasses even pricier phones. This is largely thanks to two standout features: the curved AMOLED display, which is a rarity in this price range according to Lava, and the matte-finish back glass. Not only does this panel look sleek, but it also keeps away fingerprints and smudges, albeit making it a tad slippery to grip. Moreover, the device is available in two sophisticated colors: Iron Glass and Viridian Glass. I got the former variant for the review.
The weight distribution is well-balanced, avoiding any top-heaviness. I commend Lava for opting for a subtle and minimalist design approach with the finish and color choices, a refreshing departure from the flashy finishes commonly found in this segment.
The placement of the power button and volume rockers along the right side of the phone ensures easy access without requiring finger frowns. In terms of connectivity, the handset features a USB Type-C port at the bottom for charging and data transfer, alongside the speaker grille. Up top, the speaker’s like a mini concert maker, giving you stereo sound for fun times. And for keeping your phone safe, there’s a fingerprint scanner hiding in the display.
Turning to the camera module, the device boasts three different camera cutouts accompanied by a flash module. The circular design within the camera modules, coupled with the curved back merging effortlessly into the frame, lends the Curve 5G an aura of luxury and sophistication. While aesthetics are subjective, it’s safe to say that the Curve 5G stands out as one of the most visually appealing phones in the sub-20K segment.
Display: Vibrant Visuals
As the name suggests, the smartphone comes with a 6.67-inch FHD+ 120Hz Curved HDR10+ AMOLED display, shining bright with a peak brightness of 800 nits. Users even get a 120Hz option to lock the refresh rate. In our daily use, the display proved vibrant and colorful, perfect for enjoying content. While it may not be the most color-accurate, it nails what most users love: bold and lively visuals. Yet, the curved design has a tiny downside – sometimes it registers accidental touches on the edges.
Plus, the device supports Widevine L1, letting users binge-watch their favorite shows in top quality. But alas, outdoor visibility takes a hit. With limited brightness, it struggles in sunlight, urging us to seek shade for phone use.
Performance: A Smooth Sail Through Daily Tasks
The Lava Blaze Curve 5G impresses with its MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC, 8GB RAM, and either 128GB or 256GB storage. But watch out, as there’s no microSD card slot, so plan your storage needs wisely.
Using this smartphone daily is a breeze. It smoothly handles browsing, scrolling, and multitasking without a hitch. Even light gaming is a pleasure, with titles like Call of Duty and BGMI running smoothly at moderate graphics settings. While it does warm up a bit during gaming sessions, it’s nothing alarming for a non-performance-focused phone.
But what truly shines is its software. Running a clean, bloatware-free version of Android 13, it’s a breath of fresh air. It feels far from a budget device, especially with the silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The only downside? The software update schedule could be better, with an expected Android 14 update in June and two years of total updates, stopping at Android 15. It would’ve been nice to see it launch with Android 14 pre-installed.
Also, a standout feature is that Lava offer free home service during the warranty, so any problems with the phone can be fixed quickly.
Also Read | Moto G04 Review: Is Motorola’s Latest Budget Phone Worth Your Bucks?
Camera: Capturing Moments, With Some Drawbacks
Before we dive deeper, let’s talk about the camera setup on the Lava Blaze Curve 5G. It packs a 64MP main camera, an 8MP UltraWide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. However, the overall camera performance is just okay. While it takes decent photos during the day, it falls short in some areas.
In daylight, the main camera captures photos with good detail, vibrant colors, and a decent dynamic range. But sometimes, it tends to overexpose objects. This isn’t uncommon for phones in this price range. The ultrawide lens provides a wide view but lacks sharpness and suffers from color distortion. The macro camera doesn’t impress much either.
In low light, the camera struggles, making it not the best choice for photography. On the bright side, the front camera, with its 32MP sensor, takes good selfies with accurate skin tones and decent detail. It also does well with portraits, providing a nice depth effect.
But there’s a noticeable shutter lag when taking photos, which can be frustrating. Videos from the main camera are sharp and stable in daylight but lack detail at night. Software updates could potentially improve the camera performance.
In short, while the Lava Blaze Curve 5G has potential, there’s room for improvement in its camera performance through software updates.
Battery: Endurance Tested
The Lava Blaze Curve 5G packs a heavy 5,000mAh battery. When fully recharged, it easily lasts a full day for most users. Plus, it supports 33W fast charging, which is a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry. It can juice up the battery in just 80 minutes. And kudos for including a USB-C to USB-C cable, keeping up with the trend away from the older USB-A port type. During my usage, I found it can offer over five to six hours of screen-on-time, though it does get a bit warm while charging.
Giznext’s Final Verdict: A Budget Gem Or A Missed Opportunity?
After exploring every aspect of the Lava Blaze Curve 5G, it’s clear that Lava has launched a great contender in the budget smartphone arena. Priced at Rs. 17,999, it offers a sleek design, stock Android experience, and decent performance. While the camera setup and outdoor visibility could see improvements, the device excels in everyday use and battery life, lasting a full day with ease. With its premium feel and solid features, the Blaze Curve 5G emerges as a strong competitor in its price segment, potentially competing for the title of budget smartphone champion of 2024.
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