AI+ Pulse vs Nova 5G Review: India's Budget Smartphone Revolution 🇮🇳
Breaking down Madhav Sheth's privacy-focused smartphones with 50MP cameras, 120Hz displays & NxtQuantum OS
📑 Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: AI+ Enters India's Budget Arena
- 2. Design & Build Quality
- 3. Display Comparison: 90Hz vs 120Hz
- 4. Performance & Hardware
- 5. Camera Capabilities
- 6. Software: NxtQuantum OS Privacy Features
- 7. Battery Life & Charging
- 8. Pricing & Availability
- 9. Pros & Cons Breakdown
- 10. Review & Final Verdict
🚀 Introduction: AI+ Enters India's Budget Arena
Former Realme India CEO Madhav Sheth has launched a new smartphone brand under NxtQuantum Shift Technologies - AI+ - targeting India's value-conscious market with two devices: the AI+ Pulse (4G) and AI+ Nova 5G. Launching on July 12 and 13 respectively, these phones promise Indian-designed software with enhanced privacy features at unprecedented price points starting at just ₹4,999 ($60) .
Positioned as "India's most affordable AI smartphones," both devices run on the homegrown NxtQuantum OS based on Android 15, storing user data exclusively on MeitY-approved Google Cloud servers in India with a zero-trust security framework . In a market dominated by Chinese players, AI+ aims to differentiate itself through its privacy-first approach and aggressive pricing.
The timing is strategic - with India's 5G rollout accelerating and budget-conscious consumers seeking affordable smartphones that don't compromise on modern features. But can these entry-level devices actually deliver a decent experience? We examine every aspect to find out.
🎨 Design & Build Quality
Both phones feature plastic constructions with textured finishes that provide reasonable grip. The Pulse measures 8.5mm thick and weighs 193g, while the Nova 5G is slightly slimmer at 8.2mm but heavier at 196g . The design aesthetic includes glossy stripes and pentagon-shaped camera modules that give them a distinctive look in the crowded budget segment.
Available in five colors - Black, Blue, Green, Pink, and Purple - both models include practical features increasingly rare in modern smartphones: a 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio support . The Nova 5G carries an IP54 rating for splash resistance, while the Pulse lacks any official water protection .
Physical security is handled by side-mounted fingerprint sensors that double as power buttons. Reviews note these sensors are functional but occasionally inconsistent in performance . Both devices include basic accessories in-box: 18W chargers (Nova 5G) or 10W chargers (Pulse), USB-C cables, TPU cases, and screen protectors .
📱 Display Comparison: 90Hz vs 120Hz
| Display Feature | AI+ Pulse | AI+ Nova 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Size & Type | 6.7-inch IPS LCD | 6.7-inch IPS LCD |
| Resolution | HD+ (1600 × 720 pixels) | HD+ (1600 × 720 pixels) |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Pixel Density | 260 PPI | 265 PPI |
| Brightness | 450 nits (typical) | 450 nits (typical) |
| Notch Design | Punch-hole | Punch-hole |
The Nova 5G's 120Hz refresh rate gives it a noticeable smoothness advantage over the Pulse's 90Hz panel, particularly during scrolling and animations . However, both displays suffer from significant limitations according to early reviews:
The HD+ resolution on 6.7-inch panels results in a pixel density of just 260-265 PPI, making text appear noticeably pixelated . The 450-nit brightness is insufficient for comfortable outdoor viewing, and the Pulse's display reportedly has an "excessive cool hue" causing eye strain during prolonged reading sessions .
While high refresh rates are a welcome addition at these price points, the overall display quality remains a compromise. The Nova 5G's panel offers slightly better sharpness and smoothness, but both fall short of higher-priced competitors in color accuracy and brightness.
⚙️ Performance & Hardware
| Component | AI+ Pulse | AI+ Nova 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Unisoc T615 (12nm) | Unisoc T8200 (6nm) |
| CPU Configuration | Octa-core (2x1.8GHz + 6x1.8GHz) | Octa-core (2x2.4GHz Cortex-A76 + 6x2.0GHz Cortex-A55) |
| RAM Options | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB/128GB (expandable to 1TB) | 128GB (expandable to 1TB) |
| AnTuTu Score | ~250,000 | ~510,000 |
| Connectivity | 4G, Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G (8 bands), Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4 |
The performance divide between these devices is substantial. The Pulse's Unisoc T615 struggles with basic tasks, with reviews reporting noticeable "lag and unresponsiveness" even during WhatsApp and Instagram usage . The Nova 5G's Unisoc T8200 offers significantly better performance with its 6nm architecture and more powerful Cortex-A76 cores, achieving over 500,000 on AnTuTu benchmarks .
RAM management is adequate on both devices, though app crashes were reported on the Pulse during testing . The inclusion of 5G support on the Nova 5G (with support for n1/n3/n5/n8/n28/n41/n77/n78 bands) gives it a significant future-proofing advantage as India's 5G networks expand .
Storage is expandable via microSD on both devices (up to 1TB), addressing a common pain point in budget devices . The Nova 5G's Bluetooth 5.4 is also a notable upgrade over the Pulse's Bluetooth 5.0, offering better range and stability.
📸 Camera Capabilities
Both devices feature a 50MP primary rear camera and a 5MP front camera, but real-world performance falls short of expectations according to early reviews . The camera software includes standard features like Night mode, Portrait mode, AI scene detection, and Pro mode, along with a "Cheese" hotword detection for hands-free shooting .
Review findings reveal significant limitations:
- Outdoor Shots: Colors appear faded with negligible sharpness and poor dynamic range
- Portrait Mode: Struggles with subject detection and edge recognition
- Low-Light Performance: Excessive noise with Night mode providing minimal improvement
- Focus Issues: Slow autofocus and noticeable shutter lag causing motion blur
- Selfies: Warm skin tones with an "oil painting" effect and exposure problems
Video capabilities are limited to 1080p@30fps on both devices, with no stabilization evident in sample footage. The Nova 5G's additional 2MP depth sensor offers minimal practical benefit . While the 50MP sensor sounds impressive on paper, the lack of processing power and optimization results in camera performance that lags behind competitors in the ₹10,000+ segment.
🛡️ Software: NxtQuantum OS Privacy Features
The standout feature of both devices is the NxtQuantum OS based on Android 15, developed entirely in India with a focus on privacy and data localization . Key privacy features include:
- Indian Data Storage: All user data stored on MeitY-approved Google Cloud servers in India
- Zero-Trust Framework: Strict access controls and continuous verification
- NxtPrivacy Dashboard: Shows which apps access your data and how
- NxtSafe Space: Isolated environment for sensitive apps
- No Bloatware: Clean software experience without unnecessary apps
The interface resembles ColorOS/OxygenOS with features like dynamic capsule notifications, smart motion gestures, and game mode . However, reviews note some features feel "half-baked" - for example, hidden apps become completely inaccessible with no recovery method indicated .
On the positive side, the software ships with minimal pre-installed apps beyond Google services and essential utilities like Phone Clone and a cleaner app . The May 2025 security patch at launch is reasonably current, though update commitments remain unspecified .
🔋 Battery Life & Charging
| Battery Feature | AI+ Pulse | AI+ Nova 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Charging Speed | 10W charging | 18W fast charging |
| Charger Included | Yes (10W) | Yes (18W) |
| Screen-on Time | ~6 hours | Not tested (estimated 7-8 hours) |
| 0-100% Charging Time | Over 2 hours | ~100 minutes (estimated) |
Both devices share the same 5,000mAh battery capacity, but differ significantly in charging capabilities. The Pulse's 10W charging takes over 2 hours for a full charge, while the Nova 5G's 18W fast charging should reduce this to approximately 100 minutes .
Battery endurance is reasonable given the low-power components, with the Pulse delivering approximately 6 hours of screen-on time during testing - adequate for a day of moderate use . The Nova 5G's more efficient 6nm processor may offer slightly better endurance despite the higher refresh rate display.
Neither device supports wireless charging. The inclusion of USB-C ports is commendable at these price points, though the Pulse's USB 2.0 implementation limits data transfer speeds .
💰 Pricing & Availability
AI+ Pulse (4G)
4GB+64GB: ₹4,999
6GB+128GB: ₹6,999
Sale begins: July 12, 2025
AI+ Nova 5G
6GB+128GB: ₹7,999
8GB+128GB: ₹9,999
Sale begins: July 13, 2025
Both devices are available exclusively on Flipkart in Ind
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