Lava has launched the all-new Shark 2 smartphone in India with a noble goal. For context, the government’s Digital India initiative has helped expand internet connectivity in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, as well as in villages and remote areas, bringing 954.40 million people online. Taking this into account, it appears Lava has rolled up its sleeves in developing this smartphone, which caters to these fresh digital citizens without letting affordability get in the way of quality.
To put things in perspective, at Rs 6,999, the Shark 2 boasts a 6.75-inch HD+ notch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The large screen here makes things more immersive, while its 120Hz refresh rate also ensures smooth day-to-day interactions. Although some may feel wary of HD+ resolution, it is worth noting that higher-resolution displays typically drive up the price of a smartphone. By opting for an HD+ resolution screen, Lava keeps the price in check while still delivering a visually pleasing experience.
Under the hood, the Shark 2 is powered by the Unisoc T7250 SoC, a mouthful of a name, but it is said to offer seamless multitasking, an engaging gaming experience, and many more features. We have yet to test this claim, so stay tuned to MySmartPrice for an in-depth analysis of this aspect. Back on the performance front, the chipset is paired with 4GB of RAM and comes with 64GB of internal storage.
This new Lava smartphone features a 50-megapixel camera on the rear, allowing aspirational youths to capture their lives with great clarity. However, the triple-lens camera module seems out of place on the back, given that the Shark 2 only houses a single camera. I understand the idea that, as people turn to the iPhone to elevate their status, not many can achieve their wish.
That’s why it is commendable to see Lava take this perspective and seek to help improve the situation by offering a design that mirrors the appeal. Yet it still feels like the brand is capitalising on this sentiment to make its phone more premium than it is. Speaking of the front camera, the notch includes an 8-megapixel selfie camera.
The Shark 2 packs a 5,000mAh battery, which supports 10W of fast charging. To make this phone last longer, Lava has made it IP54 resistant to dust and water. As a result, it can withstand drizzle-like weather conditions without worrying its users.
The Lava Shark 2 appears to be a compelling overall package. As I researched a bit about its internal specifications before writing this article, I discovered that its processor, the Unisoc T7250, is not a new chipset. Instead, it is a rebrand of Unisoc T615, which was launched last year. While it handles daily tasks well enough, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, found in phones like the POCO M7, offers around 6% to 7% better overall performance, giving it an edge in efficiency and sustained workloads. For those who prioritise performance over other aspects, the POCO M7 is a better choice. Although they might have to pay an additional Rs 1,500, this phone also offers 5G connectivity, making it a future-proof device.
With the Shark 2, Lava proves that affordability and ambition can go hand in hand. It may not carry the latest hardware, but it focuses on what truly matters to its audience: a reliable, practical experience at an accessible price. By offering balanced features and a user-friendly design, Lava is taking a confident step toward bridging the digital divide and welcoming more people into India’s smartphone ecosystem.
