The Lava Shark and Realme 11 Pro+ represent distinct approaches to the sub-$300 smartphone market. The Lava Shark aims for affordability with a focus on essential features, while the Realme 11 Pro+ prioritizes rapid charging and a more polished experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing speed and convenience, the Realme 11 Pro+ is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7050 chipset and blazing-fast 100W charging significantly outperform the Lava Shark's Unisoc T765 and 18W charging. However, the Lava Shark offers a compelling value proposition for those on a tighter budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, May 23 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May 23 | Available. Released 2023, May 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, leather or plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 161.6 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm or 8.7 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 183 g or 189 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 109.5 cm2 | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10+, 120Hz, 950 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.1 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T765 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF | - |
| Triple | - | 200 MP, f/1.7, 23mm (wide), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 100W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stellar Gold, Stellar Blue | Astral Black, Sunrise Beige, Oasis Green |
| Models | - | RMX3740, RMX3741 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 399.90 / ₹ 27,990 |
Lava Shark
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer software support (Lava's commitment)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly slower charging speed
- Less powerful processor
- Likely lower display quality
Realme 11 Pro+
- Blazing-fast 100W charging
- More powerful Dimensity 7050 chipset
- Brighter and likely higher-quality display
- Higher price tag
- Potential for software bloat (Realme UI)
- May not offer the same level of long-term software support as Lava
Display Comparison
The Realme 11 Pro+ boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 793 nits. While the Lava Shark’s display specs are unavailable, this brightness difference translates to better outdoor visibility for the Realme. The Realme’s panel likely utilizes AMOLED technology, common in this price bracket, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, whereas the Lava Shark may use an IPS LCD. Without knowing the Lava Shark’s panel type, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy, but the Realme 11 Pro+ is expected to offer a more visually appealing experience.
Camera Comparison
The Realme 11 Pro+’s camera system is likely to be more versatile, though specific details are missing. The focus should be on the main sensor and its aperture. While the Lava Shark’s camera specs are unknown, the Realme 11 Pro+ likely features optical image stabilization (OIS), a crucial feature for sharper photos and smoother videos, especially in low light. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the Realme is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit. Image processing algorithms on the Realme are also likely more refined, resulting in better dynamic range and color accuracy.
Performance
The Realme 11 Pro+’s Mediatek Dimensity 7050, with its 2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Lava Shark’s Unisoc T765. The Cortex-A78 architecture is a generation ahead of the A76 in the Unisoc chip, resulting in faster single-core performance and improved efficiency. Both chips are built on a 6nm process, but the Dimensity 7050’s superior core design and potentially more efficient GPU will deliver smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. The Lava Shark will handle everyday tasks adequately, but the Realme 11 Pro+ is better equipped for demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Realme 11 Pro+’s 100W wired charging is its standout feature. This allows for a full charge in under 30 minutes, a significant advantage over the Lava Shark’s 18W charging. While the Realme 11 Pro+’s battery capacity is not specified, its endurance rating of 112 hours suggests a respectable battery life. The Lava Shark’s slower charging speed will require significantly more time to replenish the battery, making it less convenient for users who frequently need to top up their device. The Realme’s faster charging effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Shark if you need a functional, reliable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are willing to compromise on performance and charging speed. Buy the Realme 11 Pro+ if you prioritize fast charging, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, and are willing to spend a bit more for those benefits. Gamers will also lean towards the Realme 11 Pro+ due to its superior chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T765 in the Lava Shark capable of running demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Unisoc T765 can run these games, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a playable frame rate. The Dimensity 7050 in the Realme 11 Pro+ offers a much smoother gaming experience at higher settings.
❓ How long does it actually take to fully charge the Realme 11 Pro+ with the 100W charger?
Realme claims the 11 Pro+ can charge from 0-100% in around 25 minutes. In real-world testing, expect it to be closer to 28-30 minutes, but still significantly faster than the Lava Shark's 18W charging.
❓ Does the Realme 11 Pro+ suffer from overheating during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7050 is generally efficient, but prolonged gaming can lead to some heat buildup. Realme's cooling system should mitigate this, but expect some throttling after extended play. The Lava Shark, with its less powerful chipset, is less likely to overheat but will also offer lower performance.
❓ What type of storage does the Lava Shark use, and is it expandable?
Unfortunately, the storage type and expandability of the Lava Shark are not specified. This is a crucial detail for users who plan to store a lot of photos, videos, or apps. The Realme 11 Pro+ likely offers UFS 2.2 storage and may or may not have a microSD card slot.