Lava Agni 4 review: A stylish all rounder that mostly gets everything right

Lava continues to make strides in the Indian smartphone market, focusing on delivering competitive features along with a clean software experience devoid of bloatware. Following the success of the Lava Agni 2 and a respectable performance from the Agni 3, the brand has unveiled the Agni 4, its latest flagship in the mid-range segment. Priced strategically for the competitive sub-₹25,000 market, the Agni 4 boasts a powerful processor, swift memory, and a sleek design that aims to rival established international brands. **Display & Design: A Premium Touch** The Lava Agni 4 sets itself apart with a design that feels surprisingly premium. Featuring an aluminum alloy frame and a matte AG glass back, it exudes a sophistication typically seen in more expensive devices. The materials not only contribute to the phone's structural integrity but also help resist fingerprints, enhancing its appeal. Additionally, the Agni 4 holds an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance. A customizable 'Action Key' on the side offers quick access to shortcuts, an addition that feels both functional and somewhat trend-driven. The visual experience is anchored by a 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display, boasting a resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels. With a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness reaching up to 2,400 nits, the display excels in vibrant visuals and outdoor use, ensuring clarity even under direct sunlight. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 adds an extra layer of durability to this stunning screen. **Performance: A Powerful Engine** The Agni 4's performance is one of its standout features. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 5G chipset, it comes equipped with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. This powerful hardware combination results in a smooth, responsive user experience, whether browsing apps or multitasking. During tests with demanding games like COD Mobile at high settings, the Agni 4 maintained stable frame rates, demonstrating its capability for high-performance gaming. The device also features a large 4300mm² VC liquid cooling system, which keeps the phone comfortable even during extended gaming sessions. **Battery: All-Day Power with Quick Charging** The device houses a reliable 5,000mAh battery, a standard feature for modern mid-range smartphones. Coupled with the efficient Dimensity 8350 processor and optimized software, the phone easily supports a full day of heavy usage, from social media to streaming. When it’s time to recharge, the Agni 4 supports 66W fast charging, allowing the battery to reach 50% in just 20 minutes and a full charge in under an hour, alleviating any concerns about battery life. **Cameras: Good Quality with Potential for Improvement** On the camera front, the Agni 4 boasts a dual rear setup with a 50MP primary sensor featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and an 8MP ultra-wide lens, alongside a 50MP selfie camera. Both the front and rear cameras can record video in up to 4K at 60fps, a rarity in this price range. In practical use, the primary camera performs well in daylight, capturing detailed images, though it tends to over-sharpen slightly, affecting naturalness. Despite some minor challenges in high-contrast scenes, the portrait mode excels with reliable edge detection and pleasing bokeh effects. **User Interface: Clean and Intuitive** Operating on a near-stock version of Android 15, the Lava Agni 4 provides a refreshing user experience free of bloatware. Lava promises three years of Android OS updates and four years of security patches, showcasing their commitment to software longevity. The introduction of Vayu AI, an AI companion, adds a modern touch, although its integration could benefit from refinement. **Price and Availability** The Lava Agni 4 is available in a single configuration of 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, priced at Rs 24,999. Consumers can choose between Phantom Black and Lunar Mist colors, with availability through Amazon, Lava's official website, and offline retailers. **Conclusion: A Strong Mid-Range Offering** Overall, the Lava Agni 4 emerges as a solid mid-range smartphone, reflecting the brand's ambition to provide premium quality and performance at accessible prices. With its impressive build quality, powerful performance, and vibrant display, it sets a new benchmark in its price segment. While there are minor drawbacks, particularly regarding audio quality and the AI features, the Agni 4 still offers an excellent value proposition for anyone seeking a capable and stylish smartphone in the sub-₹25,000 market.