The Lava Storm Play 5G is one of the most talked-about budget smartphones right now. It promises great features at a low price, but not every phone is for everyone. While it does offer good value, there are also some reasons why this phone might not be the right choice for you. It’s important to look at both sides before making a purchase, especially if you plan to use it for the long term.
Display Quality Is Not Full HD
One of the biggest drawbacks is the display. Although it has a large 6.75-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, the resolution is only HD+. This means the sharpness and clarity are lower compared to other phones that offer Full HD displays in the same price range.
If you watch a lot of videos or care about screen quality, this may feel like a compromise. Text and images may not look as crisp, especially when compared side by side with higher-resolution phones.

No Ultra-Wide or Macro Camera
The Lava Storm Play 5G has a 50MP main sensor, but the secondary camera is a basic 2MP depth sensor. There is no ultra-wide or macro lens, which limits your camera experience. Many budget phones now offer triple camera setups with more shooting options. If photography is important to you and you want variety in your shots, this phone might feel limited. Night mode also struggles in low light and delivers soft results.
Not for Heavy Gamers
While the Dimensity 7060 is decent for casual gaming, it is not built for heavy or competitive gamers. Games like Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact may run, but not always at high settings.
Occasional frame drops or lag can be noticeable during long sessions. Also, the HD+ display does not bring out the full visuals of high-end games. If you’re a gamer who wants top performance and full graphical quality, this is not the best fit.
Software Updates May Be Limited
Lava is known for providing a clean Android experience, but the brand has a limited history when it comes to long-term software support. Unlike major brands that offer two or three years of Android and security updates, Lava may not commit to regular updates. If staying up-to-date with the latest Android features and security patches is important for you, this could be a concern.
Limited Availability of Service Centers
One major problem with lesser-known brands is after-sales support. Lava does not have the same widespread service network as bigger smartphone companies. If your device needs repair, you may have trouble finding an authorized service center nearby. This could lead to delays, higher costs, or even needing to ship the device somewhere for basic repairs.
Build Quality and Futureproofing
While the design feels good for a budget phone, the plastic build may not be very durable in the long run. Also, the absence of Gorilla Glass protection or IP rating means the phone is more vulnerable to scratches and water damage. As software and apps become more demanding over time, this phone may also struggle to keep up after one or two years.
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Final Thoughts on Why You Might Skip It
The Lava Storm Play 5G is a good deal on paper, especially for under $150, but it’s not perfect. If you want a Full HD screen, stronger cameras, better gaming performance, long-term software updates, or reliable customer support, you may want to explore other options.
It is best suited for light users or those looking for a secondary phone. But if you’re a heavy user or want more futureproof features, you should think twice before buying it.