Is the Lava Agni 3’s Rear-Facing Screen a Game-Changer?

In a world where smartphone designs often feel like carbon copies, Lava Mobiles is shaking things up with its latest midrange offering, the Agni 3. 

This Indian manufacturer has taken a bold step by reviving a concept we haven't seen in a while: a secondary display on the back of the phone. But is this feature just a gimmick, or does it offer real value? Let's find out.

A Peek at the Back

The Agni 3's standout feature is undoubtedly its 1.74-inch AMOLED touchscreen nestled on the rear panel. 

This isn't just a basic notification light; it's a fully functional display that shares space with the camera array. Think of it as a miniature version of those nifty cover screens you'd find on clamshell foldables.

But what can you actually do with this extra screen? Quite a bit, it turns out:

• Check notifications at a glance

• Answer calls without flipping the phone

• Control your music playback

• Use it as a camera viewfinder (perfect for those tricky selfies)

• Access custom-built apps for weather updates, timers, and step-tracking

• Even house a virtual pet for some on-the-go companionship

The Action Key: More Than Meets the Eye

While the rear display is stealing the spotlight, don't overlook the Agni 3's Action Key. This customizable button brings a world of shortcuts to your fingertips:

• Open any app with a single press

• Toggle the flashlight on or off

• Switch between sound profiles

• Snap quick photos

The ability to map different functions to single, double, and long presses means you can tailor the phone to your specific needs.

Midrange Muscles

Under the hood, the Lava Agni 3 packs respectable specs for its price point:

• MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor

• 8GB of RAM

• Choice of 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 storage

• Android 14 out of the box

• 5,000 mAh battery with 66W fast charging

• 6.78-inch curved AMOLED main display (1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate)

• Quad-camera setup: 50MP main (Sony sensor with OIS), 8MP 3x telephoto, 8MP ultrawide, 16MP selfie

Lava is also promising 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches, which is commendable for a midrange device.

The Bottom Line

Priced at just INR 20,999 (roughly $250) in India, the Lava Agni 3 is positioning itself as an affordable way to stand out from the crowd. While the rear display might not revolutionize how we use smartphones, it does offer some genuine utility and a dash of fun.

The real question is: will this feature catch on with other manufacturers? Only time will tell if we're looking at the next big trend or a passing fad in smartphone design.

For now, the Agni 3 is exclusive to the Indian market, available in Pristine Glass and Heather Glass colorways. If you're in the region and looking for a midrange phone with a twist, it might be worth giving Lava's latest creation a second look – front and back.

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