lava shark 5g 2025 review surprisingly capable, but not without flaws

Lava Shark 5G is a budget 5G smartphone with Android 15, a 5000mAh battery, and a 90Hz display. But is it worth Rs. 7,999? Here's the full breakdown.
Lava Shark 5G – Budget Powerhouse or Just Another Hype?
The Lava Shark 5G is Lava's latest attempt to shake up the budget smartphone market, and it arrives with a price tag that’s hard to ignore. Starting at just Rs. 7,999, this phone promises 5G connectivity, a clean Android 15 experience, and some surprising hardware for the price. But can the Lava Shark 5G really deliver a premium feel on a tight budget? Let's dive into the details.
With the Lava Shark 5G, Lava seems determined to make 5G accessible to the masses. Featuring the Unisoc T765 chipset, a massive 5000mAh battery, and a 90Hz HD+ display, the phone aims to offer modern specs without the premium price tag. If you're someone who wants a smartphone that covers all the essentials—decent display, battery life, and clean software—this might just be the catch of the year. But like any budget phone, it comes with its fair share of trade-offs.
Whether you're curious about the camera quality, gaming performance, or overall value, this review covers everything you need to know about the Lava Shark 5G.
๐ฑ Key Specs
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Display | 6.75-inch HD+ (720x1600), 90Hz |
Processor | Unisoc T765 (6nm), Octa-core |
RAM | 4GB + 4GB Virtual |
Storage | 64GB (expandable to 1TB) |
Rear Camera | 13MP Dual with AI |
Front Camera | 5MP |
Battery | 5000mAh, 18W charging |
OS | Android 15 (XOS 15 skin) |
Fingerprint | Side-mounted sensor |
IP Rating | IP54 (Dust and splash resistant) |
Price | Rs. 7,999 |
โญ Pro Highlights Table
โ Pros | โ Cons |
Clean Android 15, no bloatware | Only 10W charger included in the box |
Solid 5000mAh battery | 720p display isn't very sharp |
IP54 dust & splash resistant | Unspecified secondary rear sensor |
Expandable storage up to 1TB | Average camera setup |
5G connectivity under 8K price | Performance is basic for gaming |
๐ Performance
The Lava Shark 5G is powered by the Unisoc T765 chipset, which is built on the efficient 6nm process. It handles daily tasks like browsing, social media, and light multitasking well. With an AnTuTu score of over 400,000, it outperforms several other devices in its price range. However, don't expect high-end gaming performance—the IMG BXM GPU is decent but not meant for intensive games.
Adding to the performance is 4GB of RAM with an additional 4GB of virtual RAM. While it's not a multitasking beast, it's surprisingly responsive in general use. For casual users, this should be more than sufficient.
๐บ Display
The phone features a 6.75-inch HD+ LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. While it's not Full HD, the display still offers good brightness and fluidity for scrolling and animations. The 20:9 aspect ratio ensures a tall display that’s easy to hold, especially for video content and social media.
Bezels are modest for the price point, and the overall screen-to-body ratio is quite impressive. Whether you're watching YouTube or scrolling through Instagram, the display does a fair job given its price class.
๐ท Camera – Rear & Front
The Lava Shark 5G comes with a dual rear camera setup, led by a 13MP AI-enhanced primary sensor. While the secondary sensor is unspecified, the camera app includes useful modes like portrait, panorama, and night mode. Photos are decent in daylight but struggle with dynamic range and low-light details.
The front camera is a 5MP shooter that captures passable selfies in good lighting. There's also a selfie light feature, helpful for indoor shots. Video recording is capped at 1080p, and while electronic stabilization is missing, the footage remains fairly usable.
๐ Battery
One of the strongest points of the Lava Shark 5G is its 5000mAh battery. With moderate usage, you can easily get a full day and a half of battery life. Power users might still get through a full day without needing a top-up.
The phone supports 18W wired charging, although only a 10W charger is included in the box. While this is a bit disappointing, it’s still reasonable given the price. A full charge takes roughly two hours with an 18W adapter.
๐ก Pros and Cons
๐ Pros:
-
โ Affordable 5G support under Rs. 8,000
-
โ Long-lasting 5000mAh battery
-
โ Expandable storage up to 1TB
-
โ Clean Android 15 interface, no bloatware
-
โ IP54 rating for splash resistance
๐ Cons:
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โ Only 720p resolution
-
โ Average camera performance
-
โ Only 10W charger in-box
-
โ Not suitable for heavy gaming
-
โ No ultra-wide or macro camera
๐ Verdict
The Lava Shark 5G is an impressive offering for those on a tight budget. Its combination of 5G connectivity, stock Android 15, and robust battery life make it one of the most compelling options under Rs. 8,000 in 2025. While it doesn't excel in areas like display sharpness or camera prowess, it nails the basics. If you're looking for an affordable 5G phone that just works, the Lava Shark 5G is worth considering.
๐ Review Summary
For anyone seeking a simple, functional, and future-ready smartphone without breaking the bank, the Lava Shark 5G delivers. Sure, it has its shortcomings, but it’s also incredibly capable for its price range.
Rating: 4/5 โญ
๐ฃ Final Thoughts + CTA
Still unsure if the Lava Shark 5G is for you? Drop your questions in the comments below or visit a nearby Lava store for a hands-on experience. And don’t forget to follow TekkHie.com for more deep-dive gadget reviews, comparisons, and tech tips!
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