Lava Shark 5G review: 11 things we noticed about the entry-level 5G smartphone | Camera samples included

Clean Android 15 out of the box
The first thing that I noticed about the Spark 5G is its clean Android experience. The phone runs Android 15 in stock avatar. This means there is very little bloatware in it, and the overall experience is smooth and fluid.

Unisoc T765 is decent
An Unisoc T765 octa-core processor powers the phone, the phone delivers decent performance for calls, messaging, social media, and light gaming. There’s a little bit of lag or delay when pushed heavily, but one can’t complain considering the asking price.

RAM and storage are sufficient
While the base RAM is 4GB, the phone uses 4GB of virtual RAM from storage, giving it an 8GB feel during multitasking. Navigating and moving around within the phone is relatively smooth.

Display is good and sharp
The 6.75-inch HD+ display provides a comfortable viewing experience for YouTube, Instagram, and reading. It’s not Full HD, but adequate for the price. The quality overall is also acceptable. Viewing angles could have been better, though.

13MP dual rear camera handles basic shots
The 13MP AI camera system works well in daylight, offering decent detail and colours. Low-light photos are passable but show noise and turn a little softer in terms of details.

Selfie camera is serviceable
The front camera handles video calls and basic selfies reasonably well for everyday use.

Battery life easily lasts a full day
With a 5000mAh battery, the Shark 5G can comfortably last a full day with regular usage. Standby drain is minimal, and there’s no fast charging, but the endurance is solid.

IP54 rating adds peace of mind
Lava includes IP54 dust and water resistance, offering basic protection against splashes and dust — useful for users who need a rugged entry-level phone. It is a good thing considering not many phones in this price range offer water and dust protection.

Side fingerprint sensor is fast and convenient
The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is responsive and doubles up as a power button. Face unlock is also available as a secondary option.

5G connectivity makes it future-ready
The phone supports 5G networks, making it one of the most affordable ways to access high-speed data in India without compromising on basic usability.

What we think
At Rs 7,999, the Lava Shark 5G covers the basics well and adds value with clean software, 5G, a large display, and a big battery. It's built for those who need reliability over frills under a tight budget.

Lava Shark 5G Camera Sample

Lava Sample 2

Lava Sample 3