Lava Launches Two New Budget Phones Under ₹13,000: Virat V1 5G Brings Android 16 and 6,000mAh Battery…

India’s budget smartphone market has welcomed two new contenders, and this time Lava is betting on a combination that many value-conscious buyers understand well — a big battery, a large display and an affordable price tag.

The Indian smartphone maker has launched the Lava Virat V1 5G and the Lava Virat V1 in the country, giving consumers two options at different price points. While the Virat V1 5G brings faster 5G connectivity and newer software, the standard Virat V1 is aimed at buyers who simply want an affordable 4G smartphone for everyday use.

The more affordable model starts at ₹9,999, while the 5G variant is priced at ₹12,999. However, both phones will be available at special introductory prices on the first day of the sale.

Lava Virat V1 5G price in India

The Lava Virat V1 5G has been launched at a retail price of ₹12,999. However, buyers can grab the smartphone for an introductory ₹11,999 on the first day of sales.

The standard Lava Virat V1, meanwhile, carries a price tag of ₹9,999, with an introductory sale price of ₹8,999.

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Both models come with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Lava has also included support for up to an additional 4GB of virtual RAM, which could help improve multitasking in everyday usage.

Sale date and availability

The Lava Virat V1 5G and Virat V1 will officially go on sale in India on July 31 at 12pm IST.

Customers will be able to purchase the phones through Flipkart and Lava’s official online store.

However, buyers looking to take advantage of the launch-day discounts will need to act quickly, as the special prices of ₹11,999 and ₹8,999 are applicable only on the first day of the sale.

The Virat V1 5G will be available in Arya Blue and Sonar Gold colour options. The 4G model, on the other hand, comes in Nilgiri Blue and Himalayan Silver.

Adding another customer-focused touch, Lava says it will provide doorstep after-sales support for both smartphones.

Lava Virat V1 5G: 120Hz display and Android 16

Among the two new smartphones, the Lava Virat V1 5G is clearly the more feature-rich option.

The phone sports a large 6.75-inch HD+ display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The higher refresh rate should make scrolling through supported apps and navigating the user interface feel smoother compared with conventional 60Hz panels.

Powering the smartphone is the Unisoc T8200 processor, while the device runs on Android 16 out of the box.

The phone comes with 64GB of internal storage, but users who need more space can expand it by up to 1TB using a microSD card. This could be particularly useful for buyers who store large numbers of photos, videos and downloaded media.

Battery life is another major talking point.

The Virat V1 5G packs a large 6,000mAh battery, which should appeal to users who spend considerable time watching videos, browsing social media or using their phones throughout the day.

13MP camera and AI features

For photography, the Virat V1 5G features an AI-backed dual rear camera setup, led by a 13-megapixel primary sensor.

A 5-megapixel front camera handles selfies and video calls.

While the camera hardware is positioned firmly in the budget segment, the AI-backed software features could help users get more out of the camera system in everyday conditions.

Lava Virat V1: The affordable 4G option

For buyers who do not necessarily need 5G connectivity, the Lava Virat V1 offers a cheaper alternative.

The standard model features the same 6.75-inch HD+ display, but its refresh rate is capped at 90Hz.

Under the hood, the smartphone uses the Unisoc SC9863A processor and runs Android 15 Go Edition, a software version designed for entry-level smartphones.

The phone is powered by a 5,000mAh battery, which is smaller than the 6,000mAh unit found on the 5G model but still sizeable for a budget device.

The photography setup includes a 13-megapixel primary rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

IP64 rating on both smartphones

Lava has given both new Virat V1 models an IP64 rating, offering protection against dust and water splashes.

While this does not make the phones waterproof, the rating provides some additional protection against everyday exposure to dust and accidental splashes.

With both smartphones priced below ₹15,000, Lava is clearly targeting consumers who want essential smartphone features without spending heavily.

Virat V1 5G vs Virat V1: Which one makes more sense?

The choice between the two phones ultimately comes down to what the buyer needs.

The Virat V1 5G is the more interesting option for those who want 5G connectivity, Android 16, a 120Hz display and a larger 6,000mAh battery. At ₹12,999, it sits at the higher end of the pair but brings a more modern overall package.

The Virat V1, meanwhile, is designed for buyers who want to keep the cost down. Its ₹9,999 regular price — and ₹8,999 launch-day offer — makes it an option for users looking for a basic smartphone for calling, messaging, social media and entertainment.

Both phones share a similar 6.75-inch display size, 13MP primary camera and IP64 rating, but the difference in connectivity, processor, software and battery capacity separates the two.

Lava takes aim at India’s budget smartphone buyers

With the Virat V1 5G and Virat V1, Lava is once again competing in one of India’s most fiercely contested smartphone categories.

The two new phones do not try to compete with premium devices. Instead, they focus on the essentials — large screens, sizeable batteries, expandable storage and affordable pricing.

The Virat V1 5G, in particular, could attract buyers who want to step into the 5G era without spending a fortune.

Whether Lava’s latest smartphones can stand out in a crowded market will depend heavily on real-world performance, camera quality and long-term software experience. But with launch prices starting at just ₹8,999, the company has certainly given budget-conscious Indian smartphone buyers another option to consider.