The US smartphone market is dominated by familiar players: Apple’s iPhones, Samsung’s Galaxy S series, and Google’s Pixel phones. While budget options exist from Google, Motorola, and OnePlus, the selection remains limited compared to other global markets. A recent trip to India with MediaTek provided a glimpse into this vibrant landscape, specifically with the Lava Agni 3, a new smartphone from India-based Lava. This device offers compelling specs, a distinctive design, and an incredibly attractive price point, making it unlike any other phone encountered this year.
A Secondary Screen on the Back
The Agni 3’s most striking feature is its rear-mounted 1.74-inch AMOLED display, reminiscent of a smartwatch. Swiping up reveals notifications, swiping down adjusts brightness, and swiping left/right navigates through apps. These include a camera viewfinder (perfect for selfies with the 50MP primary camera), media player, pedometer, recorder, stopwatch, alarm, and timer. While some features, like the timer and camera viewfinder, are practical, others, such as the inability to set new alarms directly from the rear screen, feel slightly underdeveloped.
Further customization is available within the main settings. Users can toggle “Cute Pets” (an animated dog on the rear display) and enable an always-on display showing time, date, and battery life. While the rear display may seem gimmicky, it adds a unique and playful element to the Agni 3’s charm.
Impressive Specs and Hardware
Beyond its unique rear display, the Lava Agni 3 boasts impressive specifications. The front features a vibrant 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a crisp 1200 x 2652 resolution, reaching a peak brightness of 1200 nits. Performance is smooth thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chipset, also found in the CMF Phone 1. This is complemented by 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage. A substantial 5,000mAh battery with 66W wired charging (charger included) rounds out the package.
The Agni 3’s build quality surpasses expectations for its price point. At 212 grams, it feels sturdy and dense, enhanced by a matte glass back, smooth curves, and tactile buttons. A standout feature is the “Action key,” inspired by the iPhone’s Action button but with enhanced functionality. Unlike Apple’s single-action implementation, Lava’s Action key allows for three customizable commands: single click, double click, and long press, enabling users to launch apps or execute specific tasks.
An Exceptional Value Proposition
With its distinctive secondary screen, impressive specs, quality hardware, and versatile Action key, the Lava Agni 3 offers remarkable value. Retailing for ₹25,999 (approximately $308) and currently discounted on Amazon to ₹22,499 (around $266), the Agni 3 undercuts comparable US options like the Moto G Power 5G (2024) and Samsung Galaxy A35, which offer fewer features and less powerful hardware.
A Different Perspective on the Smartphone Market
The Lava Agni 3 exemplifies the stark contrast between the US and Indian smartphone markets. The US market, heavily reliant on carrier deals and contracts, has fostered less price sensitivity and reduced competition compared to the intensely price-conscious Indian market. With over 200 new smartphone models launched annually in India, manufacturers like Lava are driven to innovate and prioritize value, resulting in devices like the Agni 3.
While the Lava Agni 3 may not be readily available outside of India, it serves as a compelling example of alternative approaches to smartphone design and pricing. In a market dominated by iterative flagships like the iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra, the Agni 3 offers a refreshing glimpse into the diversity and innovation found in other parts of the world.
