Indian smartphone manufacturer Lava is preparing to launch the Shark 2 5G in India this month, targeting the competitive budget 5G segment. The device will feature a 120Hz display and a 50-megapixel AI triple camera setup, positioning it against offerings from Xiaomi, Realme, and other brands fighting for market share in the affordable 5G space.
The upcoming launch represents Lava’s continued push to establish itself as a serious player in India’s smartphone market, where Chinese brands currently dominate the budget and mid-range segments.
Display and performance specifications
The Lava Shark 2 5G will come equipped with a 120Hz refresh rate display, a feature that was once limited to premium smartphones but has now become common in budget devices. This high refresh rate should provide smoother scrolling and better gaming performance compared to standard 60Hz screens.
Earlier Geekbench listings revealed that a 4G variant of the Shark 2 was also in development, suggesting Lava plans to offer multiple connectivity options to cater to different price points and network coverage areas across India.
Camera capabilities and AI features
The smartphone will include a 50-megapixel AI triple camera system, as confirmed by the company. This camera setup aims to compete with similar offerings in the budget segment, where manufacturers increasingly rely on computational photography and AI processing to improve image quality despite using lower-cost sensors.
The AI features will likely include scene detection, night mode improvements, and portrait photography enhancements that have become standard in this price category.
Market positioning and broader context
Lava’s focus on the Shark 2 series comes as Indian smartphone brands work to reclaim market share from Chinese manufacturers. The government’s production-linked incentive scheme and growing consumer preference for local brands have created opportunities for companies like Lava to expand their presence.
The timing of this launch is significant as 5G networks continue expanding across India, making 5G-capable devices more attractive to consumers looking for future-proof smartphones. Budget 5G phones have become a key battleground for manufacturers, with success often determined by the balance of features, performance, and pricing.