Lava Duo 3 Review: India’s Most Affordable Dual-Display Smartphone

Alright, let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: when a brand says they’re launching the “most affordable dual-display smartphone,” I get skeptical. I’ve seen enough “unique” features turn into gimmicks that slow down the phone, drain the battery, and leave you wondering why you didn’t just buy something normal.

So when I got the Lava Duo 3 in my hands, my guard was up. But after a week of using it as my daily driver—scrolling, snapping pics, flipping it around to use that little rear screen—I’m walking away genuinely surprised. Let’s break it down, the good and the not-so-good, without any fluff.

First Impressions: That “Premium” Unboxing Feel

You know that feeling when you unbox a phone that feels like it shouldn’t be in its price bracket? The Lava Duo 3 nails that. The box itself is sleek, and right on top, there’s a free home service card—a nice, confidence-boosting touch. Inside, Lava doesn’t cut corners: you get the phone, a clear back case, a Type-C to Type-C cable, and a 33W charger in the box. In 2025, that’s almost a luxury.

Design & Build: Shockingly Light, Surprisingly Sleek

Pick it up. Seriously, that’s the first thing you’ll notice. At 182 grams and 7.3 mm thick, this is the lightest Lava phone I’ve held. The back is polycarbonate but has this polished, glass-like finish that doesn’t scream “plastic.” It looks clean, minimalist, and honestly, more expensive than it is.

HIGHLIGHT: It also packs an IP64 rating—so it’s resistant to dust and splashes. In this price range, that’s a big win.

Around the sides, you’ve got a hybrid SIM slot, dual mics for clear calls, an IR blaster (hello, remote-controlling your AC!), and dual speakers. The optical under-display fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate. The build screams thoughtfulness.

The Main Event: That Gorgeous 120 Hz AMOLED Screen

Flip it over, and the front is all screen. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display is flat, vibrant, and smooth with its 120 Hz refresh rate. Bezels are slim, giving you a 93% screen-to-body ratio, and yes, there’s a pre-applied screen guard (another thoughtful touch). Outdoor visibility is solid, and viewing angles are great. For media consumption, it’s a delight.

The Party Trick: The 1.6-Inch Rear AMOLED Display

Here’s why you’re looking at the Lava Duo 3. That small screen on the back isn’t just for show. A double tap wakes it up, and you get:

· Always-On Display: For time, date, and notifications.

· Music Control: Play, pause, and skip tracks without flipping the phone.

· The Big One: A camera viewfinder so you can take 50 MP selfies using the main rear sensor. The quality jump is real.

A small note: I did notice a tiny bit of lag/jitter in the viewfinder on the rear display when moving the phone. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s there.

Quick Highlights (What Really Matters)

• India’s most affordable dual-display smartphone
• Slim & lightweight: Just 7.3 mm thick and 182 g
• 6.67-inch AMOLED 120 Hz main display
• 1.6-inch AMOLED rear display for notifications & selfies
• Stock Android 15, no ads, no bloatware
• MediaTek Dimensity 7060 for smooth daily performance
• 50MP Sony camera with improved HDR
• 5000 mAh battery + 33 W fast charging
• IP64 dust & water resistance
• The ₹16,999 price makes it a “Paisa Vasool” pick.

Performance: Not a Gaming Beast, But a Smooth Operator

Under the hood sits the MediaTek Dimensity 7060. Let’s be clear: this isn’t a hardcore gaming chip. But for everyday life—social media, emails, calls, YouTube, light gaming—it’s perfectly capable. It scored around 5.5 lakh on AnTuTu, which is respectable. Paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, apps launch fast, and multitasking is smooth. It’s built for efficiency, not extremes.

Software: The Secret Weapon—Pure, Clean Android

This might be my favorite part. The Lava Duo 3 runs stock Android 15. No bloatware. No pesky ads. No duplicate, useless apps. It’s clean, fast, and a breath of fresh air.

HIGHLIGHT: Lava includes a custom dialer with built-in call recording that doesn’t play an announcement. For many, that’s a hugely practical feature.

The update promise is modest: 1 major OS update (to Android 16) and 2 years of security patches. I wish it were longer, but for the price, and with this clean a software start, it’s manageable. 

Battery & Charging: All-Day Power, Quick Top-Up

The 5000 mAh battery easily gets you through a day and a half of moderate use. And when you need a boost, the 33W fast charger in the box zaps it from 0 to 100% in about an hour.

Cameras: Good, But With Clear Compromises

The camera system is straightforward:

· Rear: A 50MP Sony IMX 752 main sensor. It takes good photos, especially with HDR on, which brings out nice detail. Some non-HDR shots can look a bit oversaturated. d. d.

· Front: An 8MP selfie shooter.

· The Catch: There’s no ultra-wide lens, and video recording maxes out at 1080p at 30 fps on both cameras.

The star here is using the 50MP rear sensor for selfies via the rear display. That’s where your best selfies will come from.

Connectivity & The Missing Piece

You get solid 5G band support, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.2. The one notable omission? There’s no NFC. So if you’re big on contactless payments, you’ll need to carry your card or use a wearable.

Lava Duo 3 Verdict: So, Who Should Actually Buy This?

Priced at ₹16,999 (for 6GB/128GB), the Lava Duo 3 carves out a very specific niche.

If you want a phone that looks and feels premium, offers the fun and utility of a second screen for notifications and killer selfies, and delivers a clean, bloatware-free Android experience—this is a phenomenal paisa vasool option.

If you’re a mobile gamer chasing max settings, a photography enthusiast needing versatile lenses, or someone who needs years of OS updates, you might want to look elsewhere.

For everyone else? The Lava Duo 3 proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a unique, well-built, and delightfully clean Android experience. It’s a confident, focused phone that knows exactly who it’s for.