Display omitted •The research paper entitled “Probing into multifunctional deep orange-red emitting Sm3+-activated zincate based nanomaterials for wLED applications” highlights significant scopes in the field of luminescent nanomaterials. The main highlights are:•Novel Sm3+-activated BaLa2ZnO5 nanopowders have been fabricated via an energy saving urea combustion route.•In-depth down-conversion photoluminescence has been thoroughly scrutinized.•Rate of non-radiative energy-relocation as well as quantum-efficiency have also been evaluated.•Detailed bandgap as well as Urbach’s energy analysis has been conducted via a new empirical relation.•Potential candidate for warm-WLEDs, digital-signs, horticulture, bio-imaging, solar-cells and lasers. Empirical-investigations on deep-orange-red emitting BaLa2ZnO5:Sm3+ phosphor-powders generated via low-temperature and environmentally-sound urea-combustion route, are presented. In-depth crystallographic-analysis, conducted via XRPD-facilitated-Rietveld-refinement, reveals their tetragonal-crystallinity. Emission-spectra under 413 nm-energization, yields an intense-band at 708 nm, thus imparting deep orange-red color to powders. The best luminous-performance has been marked at ×  = 0.02 Sm3+content. Also, various radiative-possessions including decay-time, intrinsic life-time, quantum-efficiency and relaxation-rate, which reflect their better luminance-potentiality, have been evaluated. Color-coordinates have realized their deep-orange radiance, which are proximate to those of AMBER LED-NSPAR 70-BS. All-in-all, present work successfully marked their utilization in high-performance warm-wLEDs, signage, bio-imaging, solar-cells and lasing applications.