I traveled 8,000 miles to get an Android phone unlike any I've used before.
Recently, I had a business trip that took me over 8,000 miles to India, where I had the opportunity to try the Lava Agni 3, a phone that stands out from all the ones I have used this year.
The smartphone market in the United States is quite well-known in 2024. Apple leads the high-end phone segment with its iPhone, while Samsung's Galaxy S devices remain a solid choice year after year, and Google's Pixel phones continue to improve. In the budget phone space, there are decent options from Google, Motorola, and OnePlus, but alternatives are limited. This range of smartphones is reliable, albeit somewhat monotonous, especially when compared to what is happening in other parts of the world.
Recently, during a trip to India with MediaTek, I had the opportunity to check out the Lava Agni 3, a new release from this Indian manufacturer. This model features impressive specifications, an unusual design, and an incredibly competitive price. For these reasons, it ergonomically stands out as a device unlike any other I have tried this year.
One of the most intriguing features of the Agni 3 is its 1.74-inch AMOLED rear screen, which functions similarly to a smartwatch. It allows users to manage notifications, adjust brightness, and access certain apps such as the camera, media player, pedometer, recorder, stopwatch, alarm, and timer. Although some functions are useful, like the camera viewfinder for selfies, there are certain limitations that could confuse users, such as the inability to set new alarms from the rear screen.
This model also boasts an attractive design, featuring a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED front panel with a resolution of 1200 x 2652 and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The colors are vibrant, the response is quick, and the brightness reaches up to 1200 nits. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chipset is powerful and delivers smooth performance. Additionally, it includes 8GB of RAM, storage options of 128GB or 256GB, and a 5,000mAh battery with 66W fast charging.
In terms of hardware, the Agni 3 has a robust build, weighing 212 grams, which gives a solid feel. It features a customizable Action button, allowing users to assign different functions to single, double, or long presses, overcoming the limitations of this button on the iPhone.
The price of the Lava Agni 3 is surprisingly affordable, costing ₹25,999 (approximately $308) and currently on sale for ₹22,499 (around $266). This price contrasts sharply with what one might expect to pay in the United States for phones with comparable features.
The closest competitors are the Moto G Power 5G (2024), which, while appealing and offering good battery life, lacks the specifications and performance of the Agni 3. Furthermore, the Galaxy A35 performs well but has a much higher starting price and slower charging capabilities.
This article is not an exhaustive review of the Lava Agni 3, as I haven't had enough time to test its battery or cameras. However, what I really wanted to highlight is the disparity in smartphone markets between the United States and India. In the U.S., it is common to purchase phones through carrier plans, making retail prices less relevant. In contrast, the Indian market is highly price-sensitive, with fierce competition and a wide variety of models launched annually.
The existence of the Lava Agni 3 may not change the options for budget smartphones available in the United States, but it serves as a reminder of the diversity and innovation being developed in other parts of the world.
