AI Smartphone Nova 5G Launch Confirmed: AI+ Debuts in India with Budget Pulse Phone
A few weeks ago, while waiting in line at a local mobile store in South Delhi, I overheard a college student trying to stretch his budget under ₹5,000 for a phone that wouldn’t freeze during Zoom lectures.
The store clerk, unable to offer anything better than an outdated Android Go model, simply shrugged.
This brief interaction stayed with me. It spoke volumes about India’s demand for functional, affordable smartphones that don’t feel like technological relics.
Today, that demand may be met. On July 8, AI+ officially entered the Indian market with two new smartphones: the AI+ Nova 5G and the AI+ Pulse.
Both models aim to fill a significant gap for Indian users looking for performance without paying a premium.
The Pulse, notably priced at just ₹5,000, is positioned as an entry-level phone with a modern design and essential features, while the Nova 5G targets users seeking faster connectivity and daily efficiency.
AI+ is not a legacy brand with global clout—not yet. But their India-first approach is deliberate.
Built for India, Launched in India
AI+ is not a legacy brand with global clout—not yet. But their India-first approach is deliberate.
The phones were developed with feedback from Indian users, according to AI+, with key design decisions influenced by local preferences: clean UI, durable build, and above all, data privacy.
Unlike many new entrants, AI+ claims all user data will be stored on MeitY-certified servers in India through Google Cloud.
Unlike many new entrants, AI+ claims all user data will be stored on MeitY-certified servers in India through Google Cloud.
It’s a small but significant move, especially at a time when digital sovereignty has become a growing concern for Indian consumers.
Both the Nova 5G and Pulse feature curved backs, minimal bezels, and a lightweight build that sits comfortably in hand.
Design and Display
Both the Nova 5G and Pulse feature curved backs, minimal bezels, and a lightweight build that sits comfortably in hand.
One subtle detail stood out during the hands-on session: a red-accented power button, giving the otherwise utilitarian design a sense of identity.
Color options include Pink, Blue, Black, Green, and Purple - choices that skew vibrant, clearly targeting Gen Z and college-age buyers.
Color options include Pink, Blue, Black, Green, and Purple - choices that skew vibrant, clearly targeting Gen Z and college-age buyers.
For budget models, the screens appeared reasonably bright under indoor lighting, though outdoor performance is yet to be tested.
Key Specs at a Glance
Feature. AI+ Nova 5G AI+ PulsePrice (Starting) To be announced ₹5,000
Rear Camera 50 MP Dual Camera 50 MP Dual Camera
Front Camera Notch-style selfie Notch-style selfie
OS NxtQuantum OS (by nxtQ) NxtQuantum OS (by nxtQ)
Connectivity 5G support 4G LTE
Storage Options Expected 64/128 GB Likely 32/64 GB
Design Feature Red-accented button Red-accented button
Availability Flipkart exclusive Flipkart exclusive
Note: Final hardware specs will be confirmed closer to release
NxtQuantum OS: Clean and Clutter-Free
The phones run on NxtQuantum OS, a custom interface developed by nxtQ.
While not yet widely known, the OS claims to be leaner than mainstream Android skins, focusing on bloat-free performance.
During the short test demo, switching between apps was fluid, though I’d reserve judgment until it's subjected to heavier multitasking.
A welcome change: no unnecessary pre-installed third-party apps.
A welcome change: no unnecessary pre-installed third-party apps.
Users will also receive quarterly security updates, something even big brands have often neglected in the budget segment.
There’s no hype around megapixels beyond the 50 MP tag, and that’s refreshing. In low-cost phones, over-promising camera tech has become a tired trope.
Camera: Keeping It Simple, Functional
There’s no hype around megapixels beyond the 50 MP tag, and that’s refreshing. In low-cost phones, over-promising camera tech has become a tired trope.
What AI+ offers is modest: dual sensors, single-tone flash, and a selfie shooter tucked into a display notch.
Real-world image samples aren’t out yet, but if AI+ keeps its image processing conservative rather than aggressive, it might deliver surprisingly decent output.
During the brief hands-on, images taken indoors appeared natural in tone, though details were a bit soft.
During the brief hands-on, images taken indoors appeared natural in tone, though details were a bit soft.
It’s safe to expect basic camera functionality - not a photography powerhouse, but usable.
The Nova 5G supports next-gen 5G connectivity, which is still rolling out in many tier-2 and tier-3 Indian cities.
5G for the Masses?
The Nova 5G supports next-gen 5G connectivity, which is still rolling out in many tier-2 and tier-3 Indian cities.
Its inclusion suggests AI+ is future-proofing for buyers who plan to hold on to their devices for 3-4 years.
But here’s the catch: unless paired with a power-efficient processor and stable OS optimization, 5G can drain battery rapidly.
But here’s the catch: unless paired with a power-efficient processor and stable OS optimization, 5G can drain battery rapidly.
Details on chipset and battery size haven’t been made public yet. That alone could make or break the Nova’s promise.
Both models will be sold exclusively through Flipkart, and pre-registration pages are expected to go live this week.
The Flipkart Exclusivity
Both models will be sold exclusively through Flipkart, and pre-registration pages are expected to go live this week.
Online-only launches have become common, but for first-time buyers or those living in rural areas with no easy return options, it’s still a leap of faith.
It remains to be seen how AI+ handles after-sales service.
It remains to be seen how AI+ handles after-sales service.
There’s talk of setting up regional support centers by the end of the year, but no official word yet.
The AI+ Pulse is aggressively priced and appears thoughtfully positioned.
Verdict: Watch This Space
The AI+ Pulse is aggressively priced and appears thoughtfully positioned.
If it can maintain stable performance and software fluidity for daily tasks like calls, video playback, and light browsing, it might quickly become the go-to device for India’s budget-conscious demographic.
The Nova 5G will have a tougher battle. The budget 5G segment is already crowded with players like Lava Blaze 5G and Infinix Zero 5G.
The Nova 5G will have a tougher battle. The budget 5G segment is already crowded with players like Lava Blaze 5G and Infinix Zero 5G.
Without undercutting them in price or offering a clearly superior feature, Nova will need more than just decent looks to win.
That said, AI+ has done something others haven’t: spoken directly to Indian needs, not just aspirations.
That said, AI+ has done something others haven’t: spoken directly to Indian needs, not just aspirations.
From local server storage to a clean UI and a ₹5,000 phone that isn’t embarrassing to use in public, their first step feels more grounded than ambitious.
Michael B. Norris is a Delhi-based tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering South Asia’s smartphone industry.
About the Author
Michael B. Norris is a Delhi-based tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering South Asia’s smartphone industry.
His reviews have appeared in TechStream, The Hardware Post, and Global Mobile Trends.
Known for his field reporting and unfiltered opinions, Michael regularly interviews hardware engineers, developers, and retail vendors to uncover how tech products actually perform outside of lab conditions. We also have a Nova 5G price update breaking down today’s launch numbers.
With the launch date now confirmed, we expect detailed spec sheets, processor info, and pricing for the Nova 5G in the coming days.
What to Expect Next
With the launch date now confirmed, we expect detailed spec sheets, processor info, and pricing for the Nova 5G in the coming days.
If AI+ delivers on even 70% of what it promises, it could be the most interesting budget smartphone debut of 2025.
Stay tuned. I’ll be doing a real-world field test of both models after July 8 - no lab simulations, just daily usage in the heat, traffic, and noise of India’s cities.
Stay tuned. I’ll be doing a real-world field test of both models after July 8 - no lab simulations, just daily usage in the heat, traffic, and noise of India’s cities.
That’s where phones like these either earn their keep or fall flat.
Comments
Post a Comment