The Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra is leading a massive shakeup in the Indian smartphone market right now. On April 9, 2026, Ai+ launched its new lineup, attacking three major price segments at once. The brand is targeting the Rs 9,000, Rs 17,000, and Rs 30,000 markets with unique industry-first features. They are pushing 6,000mAh batteries into budget tiers and bringing the very first sub-Rs 30,000 foldable to India.
Looking back at the original Ai+ Nova 5G from July 2025, the brand has grown up fast. The older model offered a 5,000mAh battery and a Unisoc T8200 chip for just Rs 7,999. Now, we are seeing a 20 percent battery increase and the introduction of brand new premium tiers. This suggests a slight price hike, but the hardware upgrades make it clear that budget phones are no longer just basic calling devices.
The Entry-Level: Ai+ Nova 2 5G
Starting at Rs 8,999 for the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage model, the standard Ai+ Nova 2 5G is a true entry-level contender. You can also pick up a 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant for Rs 10,999. It runs on the same 6nm Unisoc T8200 processor as last year, but pushes an AnTuTu score of roughly 513,416. The real selling point here is the massive 6,000mAh battery packed inside.
However, I need to point out some serious hidden cost-cutting measures. The phone features a large 6.74-inch IPS LCD screen running at 120Hz, but it only offers an HD+ resolution. A 720p screen feels quite dated on a display this big, making text look less sharp. Also, while the phone supports 18W charging, Ai+ only includes a slow 10W charger in the retail box.
Ai+ Nova 2 5G: Specs at a Glance
Despite these flaws, the base model undercuts rivals like the Poco C71 and the Redmi A4 5G on battery capacity alone. If you want maximum battery life on a strict budget, this model beats the current competition.
The Performance King: Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra
Positioning it as the mid-range hero, the Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra steps things up heavily. The pricing starts at Rs 14,999 for the 6GB RAM model and goes up to Rs 18,999 for the 8GB RAM version, both with 128GB storage. This is where the brand shows its gaming DNA. The Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra packs a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chip and hits a strong AnTuTu score of around 601,245.
The display is a major highlight for anyone looking at the Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra right now. You get a beautiful 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel with a super-fast 144Hz refresh rate. It even peaks at an insane 2500 nits of brightness. For gamers, the Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra includes NxtHalo RGB lighting and actual physical shoulder triggers.
Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra: Specs at a Glance
You also get a massive 6,000mAh battery with faster 33W charging out of the box. For photos, it uses a 50MP Sony IMX752 main sensor with OIS, paired with a basic 8MP wide lens. When you compare the Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra against the Galaxy M36 and the Vivo T5x, it holds its own perfectly. The Vivo might offer a larger 7200mAh battery, but this phone easily wins on pure gaming features and screen quality.
The Disruptor: Ai+ Nova Flip 5G
Targeting buyers who want luxury on a budget, the Ai+ Nova Flip 5G costs just Rs 29,999. It is powered by the Dimensity 7300X, backed by 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This phone scores roughly 708,000 on AnTuTu benchmarking tests. You get a large 6.9-inch 1.5K AMOLED inner screen running at 120Hz, plus a handy 3.1-inch AMOLED cover screen.
To hit this crazy low price, the brand had to make some serious trade-offs. The camera setup entirely drops any ultrawide or telephoto lenses to save money. The battery is also much smaller at 4,325mAh, though it retains 33W charging. Looking closely at the hardware, I strongly believe this device is a clever rebrand of the recent Nubia or ZTE Flip phones.
Ai+ Nova Flip 5G: Specs at a Glance
It challenges the Motorola Edge 60 Pro directly for the Rs 30,000 buyer’s attention. If you want a traditional high-spec slab phone, the Motorola is a safer choice. But if you want to experience foldable tech without going broke, this is your best option right now.
Software Differences and The Version Gap
The software strategy across this lineup is honestly quite confusing. The budget entry-level model actually gets the newer Android 16 right out of the box. Ironically, the premium Rs 30,000 Flip model is stuck running older Android 15 software. This version gap is frustrating for buyers spending more money on the premium foldable device.
On the plus side, privacy seems to be a big focus for the brand this year. All models feature the new NxtPrivacy Dashboard to help you easily track your data. The company is also using MeitY-approved Indian Cloud servers, which is a smart move for local data security.
The update promise remains a bit ambiguous, though. The brand confirmed three years of security patches across the entire board. However, the actual number of major Android OS version upgrades is completely unconfirmed right now. You might be taking a gamble on future software support.
Final Verdict
If we look at the current market, this three-tier strategy is highly aggressive and very smart. The entry-level model gives unmatched battery life for those with strict financial limits. The Flip model makes premium folding tech accessible to the masses for the very first time.
If you are considering a powerful gaming smartphone under Rs 20,000, you have a clear winner here. You get top-tier screen tech, real gaming triggers, and all-day battery life in one package. Honestly, the smartest purchase out of this entire new lineup is easily the Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra.
(Via)
