Lava has announced the integration of the PhonePe digital payments application across its feature phone portfolio. Powered by the National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) UPI 123PAY technology, the service allows users to perform Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions without requiring an active internet or mobile data connection.
Through this integration, users can link their bank accounts, set up a UPI PIN, transfer funds, check account balances, and execute merchant transactions directly from their basic handsets.
The underlying UPI 123PAY infrastructure relies on SMS-based connectivity and telecommunication channels rather than data networks, extending digital payment access to users without smartphones or consistent data coverage.
Initial Rollout and Model Availability
The PhonePe application will debut on two entry-level devices priced under ₹2,000:
- Lava A7 Torch (2026)
- Lava A2 Smart
Following the initial launch, the functionality is scheduled for deployment across Lava’s broader feature phone catalog. The company’s current lineup includes models across several series:
| Model Series | Target Category |
| A-Series | A1 Josh, A1 Tejas, A2 Smart, A3 King, A3 Torch, A7 Torch |
| Hero Series | Hero Shakti |
| Specialty & 4G Lineup | Gem, Action 4G |
Expanding Financial Inclusion
A significant portion of India’s mobile user base continues to rely on feature phones due to affordability, battery longevity, and straightforward usability. However, traditional digital banking and mobile wallet platforms have largely required smartphone operating systems and reliable internet access.
By utilizing NPCI’s 123PAY protocol via the PhonePe interface, the deployment targets financial inclusion in semi-urban and rural demographics. The feature enables basic device owners to participate in the UPI ecosystem with minimal technical friction, lowering the barrier to entry for non-cash transactions.
Commenting on the integration, Sumit Singh, Lava International Limited, said:
India has over 250 million feature phone users, which makes it a very big market. Catering to this audience with technological innovations that enhance their living standards, bridges the digital divide by massifying benefits of technology and empowering users with a new age modern experiences has been an integral part of our feature phone roadmap. We have been consistently investing in AI and concepts that democratize technological innovations and enable a wider section of society to experience its benefits. This is the feature phone of the new India and I am certain this feature will be well accepted, and we shall continue with our vision to empower Lava users across product portfolio.