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| the Lava Yuva Star 3 |
In a market segment often defined by compromise, finding a smartphone that balances essential features with a genuinely smooth user experience can be a challenge. Aiming to address this very gap, domestic smartphone manufacturer Lava has officially unveiled its latest entry-level contender, the Lava Yuva Star 3. Targeting first-time smartphone buyers and value-conscious users, the device brings a handful of premium-like features to the affordable price point, including a silky-smooth display and official dust and splash resistance.
Priced competitively at ₹7,499, the Yuva Star 3 is slated to hit retail stores across India in March 2026. For context, that translates to approximately $82.79 USD based on current exchange rates, undercutting many rivals in the sub-$100 category. It will be available in two classic color options: Indus Black and Siachen White.
A Display That Punches Above Its Weight
The headline feature of the Lava Yuva Star 3 is undoubtedly its 6.75-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) LCD display. While the resolution is standard for the class, the inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate is a notable differentiator. This means scrolling through apps, browsing social media, and navigating the user interface will feel noticeably smoother and more responsive than on the typical 60Hz panel found on most phones in this price bracket.
However, to deliver this experience at such a low cost, Lava has had to make a trade-off under the hood. Powering the device is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset. This octa-core processor, built on an older 28nm process, is a familiar sight in the entry-level segment, designed for basic tasks rather than heavy gaming. It's paired with 4GB of physical RAM, which Lava supplements with an additional 4GB of virtual RAM via software expansion. Storage sits at 64GB, which can be expanded via a microSD card—officially up to 256GB, though some third-party listings suggest 512GB may be supported.
Building in Durability: The IP64 Advantage
One of the most significant upgrades on the Yuva Star 3 is its build quality. The phone comes with an IP64 rating, a feature still rare in the sub-₹8,000 category. This certification guarantees the device is dust-tight and protected against water splashes from any direction, offering users peace of mind against unexpected rain or accidental spills.
The rest of the hardware is rounded out by dependable, if basic, components. The camera system features a 13 MP rear sensor and a 5 MP front-facing camera, nestled within a classic waterdrop notch. Powering the device through the day is a robust 5,000 mAh battery, though charging is capped at a modest 10W via the included USB-C charger. Security is handled by a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and connectivity options include dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2.
Why Android 15 Go Edition Matters
Perhaps the most critical aspect of the Yuva Star 3’s long-term performance is its software. It runs Android 15 Go Edition out of the box. This is not the standard Android experience found on premium phones. As detailed on the Android Developers Portal, Android (Go edition) is specifically engineered for devices with modest RAM—typically those with 2GB or less.
By using this optimized operating system, Google and Lava are making strategic trade-offs to ensure the phone remains fast and fluid on its Unisoc hardware. The OS is designed to manage memory more efficiently, and Google’s own apps (like YouTube Go and Files Go) are lighter versions that consume less storage and data. Features like split-screen multitasking and dynamic wallpapers are often disabled to free up resources, ensuring the core experience—making calls, sending messages, and using essential apps—is as smooth as possible.
While Lava’s official product page for the Yuva Star 3 is currently light on pricing details, third-party reporting from sources like Fonearena confirms the specifications and availability.
In a statement, Sumit Singh, Head – Product at Lava International, emphasized the phone's user-centric design: "The Yuva series is designed for first-time users... For Star 3, we have ensured we cater to the segment with affordable pricing and all necessary features... which aligns with the real-life needs of our users."
With its combination of a high-refresh-rate screen, surprising durability, and purpose-built software, the Lava Yuva Star 3 makes a compelling case for itself as a balanced and reliable daily driver for the Indian mass market.