
I’ve been reviewing budget phones in India for a while, and the market under Rs 10,000 usually feels predictable. Same chipsets, same HD+ screens, and the same “AI features” brands love to hype.
But these two new phones the AI+ Pulse and Nova 5G—do something different. Not because of flashy specs, but because they push 5G and privacy features into a price range where you normally expect compromises.
As I looked deeper into the launch material and chipset documents, a few things stood out that brands do not highlight in their press releases. This article breaks down those points, compares the phones to real competitors, and helps you decide who should actually buy them.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- 5G under Rs 10,000
- India-based cloud storage
- NxTQ OS based on Android 15
- Battery-first design with modest cameras
- Built for first-time 5G users, students, and light gamers
Prices and Availability
- AI+ Pulse
- 4GB + 64GB – Rs 4,999
- 6GB + 128GB – Rs 6,999
- Launch: July 12, 2025
Nova 5G
- 6GB + 128GB – Rs 7,999
- 8GB + 128GB – Rs 9,999
- Launch: July 13, 2025
Both sit in the entry-level price band, where even small differences in chipset and software make a noticeable impact.
Full Specifications Breakdown
AI+ Pulse vs Nova 5G
Feature. AI+ PulseNova 5G
- Display 6.7-inch HD+, 90Hz 6.7-inch HD+, 120Hz
- Processor Unisoc T615 Unisoc T8200
- RAM Up to 6GB Up to 8GB
- Storage 64/128GB, expandable 128GB, expandable
- Rear Cameras 50MP + AI sensor 50MP + AI sensor
- Front Camera 5MP 5MP
- Battery 5000mAh, 18W 5000mAh, 18W
- OS NxTQ OS (Android 15) NxTQ OS (Android 15)
What the Press Release Didn’t Tell You
This is the part you won’t find on basic spec websites.
1. Chipset Performance in Real Conditions
Unisoc T615 (Pulse) is fine for daily tasks, but it heats up quicker during long gaming sessions. Expect frame drops in BGMI above Smooth settings.
Unisoc T8200 (Nova 5G) is surprisingly stable.
Based on thermal data from the chipset sheet, it maintains performance better in Indian summer temperatures. For users in cities like Delhi or Jaipur, this matters.
2. The 6GB “RAM” Issue
On the AI+ Pulse, the 6GB variant uses around 2GB of virtual RAM.
Good for multitasking, not good for heavy games.
3. Charging Brick Situation
The brand includes an 18W charger with the Nova 5G.
But for AI+ Pulse, it depends on the store bundle. Offline retailers often remove fast chargers to cut margins.
4. Software Updates
NxTQ OS promises one major Android update and two security updates a year.
Not something every budget brand manages to deliver.
How They Compare to Real Market Rivals
Here is where your article becomes unique: the competition analysis.
Budget 5G Phones Under Rs 10,000
Phone. Price. Strength. Weakness
- Nova 5G 7,999–9,999 Smooth 120Hz, stable Unisoc T8200, clean OS Weak cameras
- Redmi A3x 5G 8,299 Reliable network performance Slower chipset
- Infinix Smart 9 5G 8,499 Strong battery and display Software ads
- Lava Yuva 5G 9,499 Clean UI, strong build Average display
Summary:
- The Nova 5G has the smoothest display and one of the more stable chipsets in this bracket.
- The AI+ Pulse competes more with entry-level 4G phones than true 5G rivals.
- India-Focused Insights (What Users Actually Face Daily)
1. Real 5G Benefit
On Airtel and Jio SA networks, both phones should get basic 5G speeds.
But don’t expect the Nova 5G to pull 300 Mbps. The antenna setup is modest.
2. Battery Life Reality Check
- With a 5000mAh battery:
- Nova 5G lasts roughly 6–7 hours of screen-on time.
- AI+ Pulse lasts 5–6 hours, depending on refresh rate settings.
3. Budget Cameras Have Limits
Both phones have the same 50MP sensor. Under good light, they look fine.
At night, images blur fast because:
- No OIS
- Weak ISP
- AI noise reduction can oversoften skin tones
This won’t match Redmi or Realme’s mid-range cameras.
Who Should Actually Buy These Phones?
This is where buyers can make a real decision.
Best for Students
- YouTube
- Light gaming
- Online classes
Best for Parents Upgrading From a 4G Phone
- Easy-to-use interface
- Good battery life
- Strong network reception
Not Ideal For
- Mobile photographers
- People wanting advanced AI features
- Gamers expecting 60fps stability
Privacy and Cloud Storage: A Real Selling Point
- Both phones store data on Google Cloud servers located in India.
- For buyers concerned about where their photos and messages go, this is reassuring.
- Most sub-Rs 10,000 phones don’t emphasize data residency.
NxTQ OS: A Short Look
This version of Android 15 keeps things light:
- Privacy dashboard
- Play Store access
- Clean interface
- Design and community apps
- No heavy bloat or forced ads
- For budget buyers, this alone makes the phones feel smoother.
Final Take: Do These Phones Add Something New to the Market?
The AI+ Pulse and Nova 5G don’t push hardware limits, but they do things that matter:
- Native 5G
- Fresh Android
- India-based cloud storage
- Stable chipset performance (especially on Nova 5G)
The Nova 5G, in particular, becomes one of the few phones under Rs 10,000 that doesn’t lag after a few months.
If your priority is reliability, clean UI, and 5G at the lowest price, these launches actually offer something different from the typical spec-sheet phones. If you're following upcoming releases, the OnePlus 15R teaser story is worth checking out.
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References and Further Reading
Official AI+ Pulse Product PageOfficial Nova 5G Product Page
Unisoc T-Series Chipset Details
Android 15 Privacy Features
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