New Delhi: Lava International has launched its latest budget smartphone, the Lava Shark 2 5G, in India. The new device brings notable upgrades over its predecessor and focuses on offering a large battery, smoother display performance and essential 5G connectivity at an affordable price point.
The smartphone is part of Lava’s expanding Shark series and succeeds the earlier Lava Shark 5G, which was introduced last year.
Display and design upgrades
The Lava Shark 2 5G features a 6.7-inch HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is a significant improvement in this price segment. The higher refresh rate is expected to deliver smoother scrolling, better animations and an improved overall user experience, especially while gaming or browsing.
In terms of durability, the device comes with an IP64 rating, offering resistance against dust and splashes. This adds a layer of reliability for everyday usage conditions.
The smartphone is available in two colour options — Sonar Gold and Arya Blue — catering to users looking for stylish yet affordable devices.
Performance and software
Under the hood, the device is powered by the Unisoc T8200 6nm processor paired with a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. This setup is designed to handle day-to-day tasks such as multitasking, streaming and light gaming efficiently.
The smartphone supports up to 8GB RAM, ensuring smoother performance across applications. Lava claims the device delivers a competitive AnTuTu v11 benchmark score for its segment, although exact figures were not disclosed.
On the software front, the Lava Shark 2 5G runs on Android 16 out of the box. The company has also committed to one major Android update and two years of security updates, which adds value for long-term users.
Camera capabilities
For photography, the smartphone comes equipped with a dual rear camera setup, headlined by a 13-megapixel primary sensor. While it does not aim to compete with higher-end camera phones, it is expected to deliver decent performance for everyday photography needs.
On the front, the device features a 5-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls. The camera setup is designed for basic usage, aligning with the phone’s budget positioning.
Battery and additional features
One of the key highlights of the Lava Shark 2 5G is its large 6,000 mAh battery, which is expected to provide extended usage on a single charge. This makes it suitable for users who prioritise battery life, including heavy media consumers and travellers.
The device supports 18W fast charging, ensuring relatively quicker top-ups compared to standard charging speeds in this segment.
Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security and easy access, along with standard connectivity options expected in a 5G-enabled smartphone.
Price and availability
The Lava Shark 2 5G is priced starting at Rs 11,999, making it an attractive option in the budget smartphone category. The device will be available through offline retail channels across India.
Sales are set to begin from June 10, 2026, with various financial schemes expected to be offered through retail partners to make the purchase more accessible.
Comparison with predecessor
Compared to the Lava Shark 5G, the new model brings several upgrades. The display refresh rate has been improved from 90Hz to 120Hz, and the battery capacity has been increased from 5,000 mAh to 6,000 mAh.
Additionally, the newer chipset and updated software provide a more future-ready experience. While the camera specifications remain largely similar, the overall improvements make the Shark 2 5G a more competitive offering in its segment.
Conclusion
With the launch of the Lava Shark 2 5G, Lava continues to strengthen its presence in India’s budget smartphone market. By combining a high refresh rate display, a large battery and 5G support at an affordable price, the company aims to attract value-conscious consumers.
As competition intensifies in the entry-level 5G segment, devices like the Shark 2 5G highlight the growing focus on delivering premium-like features at budget-friendly prices.