Lava Blaze Curve 5G Evaluation: The sub-Rs 20,000 phase within the Android cellphone world could be a bit, effectively, boring. It’s a land of practicality over pleasure, the place flashy options typically give approach to worth and reliability. Currently although, issues have been altering, with some producers resorting to chop corners—subpar software program riddled with adverts, or unreliable {hardware} that crumbles underneath stress.

Enter Lava, with the Blaze Curve 5G. It manages to be each novel and well-rounded, a uncommon sight on this worth vary. After per week of testing, I can confidently say it’s a powerful contender, particularly contemplating it’s a homegrown model. However no cellphone is ideal, so let’s see if the Blaze Curve’s niggles turn out to be dealbreakers.

Design and Show: Refreshing and Simple on the Eyes

From the unboxing to this very second, the Blaze Curve’s design has impressed me. It appears and feels downright premium, even in comparison with telephones costing a bit extra. This may be attributed to 2 key issues: the attractive curved AMOLED show, a primary on this phase in accordance with Lava, and the matte-finish again glass. Holding it instills a way of high quality that surpasses its Rs 17,999 price ticket. The load distribution can also be glorious, avoiding any top-heaviness. I’m proud of Lava for selecting a refined and minimalist method with the end and colors, a refreshing change from the standard flashy finishes plaguing this phase. It’s simple on the eyes and exudes a mature vibe.

The AMOLED show itself is punchy and vibrant, precisely what most customers crave. Positive, it won’t be probably the most colour-accurate panel on the market, however let’s be trustworthy—what number of patrons on this vary are enhancing skilled photographs or movies? Most likely not many. On this phase, the precedence is a visually interesting panel that caters to the lots, and the Blaze Curve excels in that regard.

Nonetheless, the curved design does have a minor downside—the occasional unintended contact registration on the sides. Hopefully, a software program replace can tackle this. One other space for enchancment is peak brightness underneath direct daylight. Whereas usable, some opponents on this worth vary carry out barely higher.

On the flip aspect, together with a curved display screen at this worth level is a daring transfer. Discovering display screen protectors could be a problem (and it doesn’t include one within the field), but it surely presents budget-conscious patrons a style of expertise beforehand reserved for flagships. It’s a cool addition that doesn’t sacrifice performance.

Efficiency, Connectivity, and the Little Issues

The Lava Blaze Curve packs the tried-and-tested MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and as much as 256GB of storage. This is identical 6nm SoC discovered in lots of different telephones on this vary, together with Lava’s personal flagship, the Agni 2. Throughout on a regular basis use, the cellphone remained clean and responsive, dealing with internet searching, social media, and even some gentle gaming with ease.

Whereas benchmark scores don’t inform the entire story, the Blaze Curve places up respectable numbers with 2598 and 1079 in Geekbench 6’s multi-core and single-core exams, respectively. It persistently scores above 550,000 factors in AnTuTu. Take these numbers with a grain of salt, however you may comfortably play video games like BGMI on medium settings. Nonetheless, anticipate some occasional body drops as a consequence of throttling throughout prolonged gaming classes.

What really units the Blaze Curve aside is its software program expertise. It runs a clear and bloatware-free model of Android 13, sticking with Google’s acquainted interface however including some helpful options. That is maybe probably the most premium side of the cellphone–it doesn’t really feel like a price range system in any respect, and if you couple that with the graceful 120Hz refresh fee, it simply one other cherry on the cake. Nonetheless, there are a couple of minor bugs current, particularly whereas utilizing apps like YouTube and Instagram however hopefully, a future replace will tackle them.

Whereas the software program replace schedule isn’t preferrred (Android 14 replace anticipated in June with two years of complete updates, which means it’s going to solely attain Android 15), Lava may have launched the cellphone with Android 14 pre-installed.

Connectivity is one other robust level. I examined the Blaze Curve with a Jio 5G SIM card and skilled glorious mobile reception with constant 5G connection and respectable speeds. Switching to Vodafone labored seamlessly as effectively.

One minor caveat is the haptic suggestions, which isn’t the strongest. For those who’re anticipating top-tier haptics like OnePlus’ O-Haptics, you could be dissatisfied. Nonetheless, contemplating the value level, it’s a good trade-off.

Lastly, let’s speak about sturdiness. I pushed the Blaze Curve with out a display screen protector, and it emerged unscathed. The Gorilla Glass 3 entrance appears robust, with no scratches regardless of tough use. Nonetheless, the plastic sides could be inclined to break from laborious instances, or use the one provided within the field.

Digicam: Hits and Misses

The Blaze Curve 5G sports activities a triple digicam system: a 64MP most important sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a macro lens. In good lighting, it captures respectable photographs, however inconsistencies maintain it again from being referred to as a dependable shooter. Software program updates may tackle some points, like chromatic aberration inflicting purple fringing, significantly on the ultrawide lens. This won’t be a dealbreaker for informal customers—however zooming in reveals a lack of element.

Whereas low-light efficiency is unsurprisingly common for the value vary, the cellphone does a great job with close-ups and portraits, sustaining correct pores and skin tones with good edge detection. The macro lens is a welcome addition, although integrating it throughout the ultrawide lens, like some opponents, may have been a greater method, I’d say. The entrance dealing with digicam, however, does a superb job at capturing particulars, and sustaining an correct pores and skin tone. Good job right here, I’d say.

Total picture high quality will be improved with software program tweaks. Color consistency throughout sensors wants work, and the color science may gain advantage from a extra pure look. In some instances, skies seem in mismatched shades of blue, and a slight magenta tint may very well be adjusted. There’s room for enchancment, however software program updates may elevate the digicam expertise from B- to A-.

Listed below are some extra digicam samples so that you can choose the picture high quality from each the front and back dealing with cameras:

Battery Life: A Two-Day Telephone For Most Individuals

Merely put, battery anxiousness received’t plague you with the Blaze Curve. Even with combined utilization—digicam testing, gentle gaming, social media searching, and average calling—it persistently ends the day with round 30-35% remaining, making it a real two-day cellphone for many customers.

The included 33W quick charger effectively tops up the 5,000mAh battery in roughly an hour. The cellphone comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, which is a welcome transfer as effectively contemplating how automobiles and different equipment are broadly transferring previous the USB-A port sort.

Verdict: A Refreshing Contender within the Sub-20k Phase

Whereas some would possibly suspect bias in direction of native manufacturers, the Lava Blaze Curve 5G stands out by itself advantage. It punches above its weight class, providing a premium design that rivals even some pricier telephones. The 8GB+128GB mannequin at Rs 17,999 is a compelling selection, however for simply Rs 1,000 extra, the 8GB+256GB variant presents glorious worth contemplating the shortage of expandable storage.

That stated, for those who’re on the lookout for a beautiful-looking cellphone with a premium really feel, clear software program, and lengthy battery life, the Lava Blaze Curve 5G is a superb possibility, particularly for the value. Whereas the digicam has room for enchancment, it’s adequate for on a regular basis use. Finances-conscious customers who prioritise design and software program expertise will discover rather a lot to like right here.