5 Reasons to Buy Ai+ Nova 2

• Ai+ Nova 2 offers 5G connectivity at just Rs. 8,999, which remains rare in this price segment.
• The 120Hz display makes everyday scrolling smoother than most phones under Rs. 10,000.
• The 6,000mAh battery comfortably lasts up to two days with regular usage.
• The clean Android 16-based software keeps the experience clutter-free without unnecessary apps.
• The phone also supports 4K video recording, which is still uncommon in this price category.

Ai+ has got one thing clear — it wants to give Indian users a smartphone under Rs. 10,000 that does not feel like a compromise. Whether it is 5G connectivity, a large display, or dependable everyday performance, the Ai+ Nova 2 attempts to bring together the features budget buyers now actively expect instead of treating them as upgrades. Starting at a price of Rs. 8,999, the phone pushes the affordable segment forward and quietly reminds other brands that users in this category are no longer willing to settle for less. That being said, the bigger question is whether the Ai+ Nova 2 truly delivers on this promise in real-world usage, and that is exactly what I am going to explore in this review.

Design

The Ai+ Nova 2 follows a familiar budget-phone design approach but still manages to add small touches that make it look more premium than expected at this price. The phone comes with a glossy polycarbonate back panel that reflects light nicely and gives it a cleaner visual identity. At the same time, the surface tends to attract fingerprints easily, so using the bundled protective case becomes almost necessary for long-term use.

The camera module now carries a refreshed squircle layout instead of the rectangular design seen earlier. It adds a slightly modern feel to the rear panel. Another interesting detail is the red-accented power button on the black variant, which brings a subtle flagship-style highlight that is rarely seen in this segment. The phone is available in multiple colour options, giving buyers enough choice depending on their preference.

On the front, the device continues with a U-shaped notch that houses the selfie camera. The bezels are visible but acceptable for the price category. The handset also carries an IP64 rating, which adds resistance against dust and splashes and improves overall reliability in daily usage conditions. Ai+ has also retained practical essentials like a dedicated microSD card slot along with dual SIM support, something many Indian users still look for while choosing a smartphone.

Display

The Ai+ Nova 2 features a 6.74-inch HD+ IPS LCD display paired with a 120Hz refresh rate, and this combination plays an important role in improving everyday usability. Scrolling through apps feels smoother than what most users normally expect from phones in this segment. What makes the experience better is that the display maintains the higher refresh rate across most applications automatically.

Colour tuning on the panel offers both normal and vivid modes, and the vivid setting produces brighter tones that look more engaging while watching videos or browsing content. The resolution remains limited to HD+, which slightly affects sharpness in certain situations, but the display still supports 4K YouTube playback. This helps improve perceived clarity through higher bitrate streaming. Indoor visibility remains comfortable, although direct sunlight readability could have been stronger.

OS and AI

One of the biggest strengths of the Ai+ Nova 2 is its software experience. The device runs on NxtQ 1.0 based on Android 16, and the interface feels noticeably cleaner compared to many competing phones in this segment. There are no unnecessary third-party apps or intrusive notifications, which immediately makes the phone feel more user-focused.

On the AI side, the phone includes support for Google Gemini along with AI editing features inside Google Photos. There is also a dedicated AI Search shortcut placed on the homescreen that allows quick access to tools like ChatGPT and Grok through their web interfaces. While deeper integration would have improved usability further, the presence of privacy-focused features like the Privacy Dashboard widget and built-in call recording adds practical value to the overall software experience.

Performance

Performance is handled by the Unisoc T8200 processor, and this is where the Ai+ Nova 2 begins to stand out within its price category. The chipset not only brings 5G connectivity but also delivers performance levels that come close to devices powered by MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processors, which are usually priced higher.

In everyday usage, the phone handles tasks like app switching, browsing, video streaming, and messaging smoothly. The lightweight software interface further helps maintain consistent responsiveness even during longer usage sessions. For users shifting from entry-level 4G smartphones, the difference in performance will be clearly noticeable.

Gaming performance is also respectable considering the price bracket. Titles like BGMI can run at Super Smooth and Extreme settings, delivering gameplay close to 60FPS for shorter sessions. Casual games run comfortably without major stutters. Overall, the device offers enough power to handle both daily productivity and light gaming without difficulty.

Camera

It is clearly visible that Ai+ has worked on improving the camera setup compared to the previous generation. The Nova 2 now comes with a 50MP primary rear camera along with an 8MP front camera, and this upgrade helps the phone deliver more dependable results in daylight conditions.

In good lighting, the main camera captures images that look vibrant and contrast-rich. Colours appear slightly enhanced, which works well for social media sharing. Details remain acceptable for the price category, and the processing produces images that look visually pleasing straight out of the camera.

However, when the lighting becomes too strong, highlight control starts to struggle slightly. In some situations, brighter areas appear overexposed, which affects balance in the frame. Portrait mode also shows similar behaviour occasionally, especially when the subject is placed under harsh light.

Low-light photography remains predictable for a smartphone in this segment. The absence of optical stabilisation means images appear softer, and bright artificial light sources can sometimes look blown out. Night mode improves brightness slightly but still leaves room for improvement compared to higher-priced competitors.

The 8MP selfie camera performs more consistently than expected. Skin tones appear natural and less processed compared to the rear camera. Another strong addition here is the ability to record 4K video at 30FPS using the rear camera, which is still uncommon in this price category and adds extra flexibility for users who record videos frequently.

Battery

Battery life continues to be one of the strongest aspects of the Ai+ Nova 2. The phone packs a 6,000mAh battery, and this ensures dependable endurance across different usage patterns. During regular usage that includes messaging, streaming, browsing, and social media activity, the device can comfortably last up to two days on a single charge.

Charging speed, however, is where the phone could have performed better. With the included 18W charger, reaching a full charge takes close to three hours, which feels slower compared to several competing devices in the same segment. Even so, the strong backup ensures that users do not need to charge the phone frequently.

Verdict

The Ai+ Nova 2 turns out to be a surprisingly well-balanced smartphone for users looking to step into the 5G ecosystem without stretching their budget. At Rs. 8,999, it delivers a combination of smooth display performance, reliable processing power, clean software, and long battery life that many competing phones in this segment still struggle to offer together.

More importantly, the phone reflects what Indian buyers in the sub-Rs. 10,000 category actually expect today. Instead of removing features, it focuses on including the essentials that matter most in daily use. While faster charging and improved low-light camera performance would have made the package even stronger, the Ai+ Nova 2 still stands as a reminder that budget smartphones do not always have to feel basic. For users looking for an affordable 5G device that handles everyday needs comfortably, this phone makes a strong and sensible case for itself.