Add MobiGyaan as a preferred source on GoogleLAVA 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 make Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions without requiring an active internet or mobile data connection.
Through the integration, users can link their bank accounts, set up a UPI PIN, transfer funds, check account balances, and make merchant payments directly from their feature phones.
The underlying UPI 123PAY infrastructure uses SMS-based connectivity and telecommunications channels instead of data networks. This allows users without smartphones or consistent mobile data coverage to access digital payments.
Initial Rollout & Model Availability
PhonePe will initially be available on two entry-level LAVA feature phones priced under ₹2,000:
- LAVA A7 Torch (2026)
- LAVA A2 Smart
Following the initial rollout, LAVA plans to bring the functionality to its broader feature phone portfolio, which currently includes the following models and series:
| Model Series | Models |
|---|---|
| A-Series | A1 Josh, A1 Tejas, A2 Smart, A3 King, A3 Torch, A7 Torch |
| Hero Series | Hero Shakti |
| Specialty & 4G Lineup | Gem, Action 4G |
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.”
Feature phones continue to be used by a significant section of India’s mobile users because of their affordability, long battery life, and straightforward operation. However, conventional digital banking and mobile wallet services have generally depended on smartphones and reliable internet connectivity.
By bringing PhonePe’s interface to LAVA feature phones through NPCI’s UPI 123PAY infrastructure, the company aims to expand access to digital payments among users in semi-urban and rural areas. The integration allows basic handset users to participate in the UPI ecosystem without needing a smartphone or mobile data connection.
