Discover why the AI+ Nova 2 Ultra is shaking up the budget smartphone market with its 1.5K AMOLED display, gaming triggers & IP68 rating at just ₹14,999.
Have you ever wondered why budget smartphones keep getting more expensive while offering less? In 2024, finding a truly “budget” phone under ₹15,000 feels like searching for a unicorn. Most brands have quietly pushed their entry-level devices toward the ₹20,000 mark, leaving genuine budget buyers in the dust.
Enter AI+, a fresh smartphone brand that’s making waves with the Nova 2 series. Specifically, the Nova 2 Ultra promises flagship-like features—think 1.5K AMOLED displays, IP68 water resistance, and dedicated gaming hardware—at a price that seems almost too good to be true.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Can a newcomer really deliver where established giants have started cutting corners?
I spent hands-on time with both the Nova 2 and Nova 2 Ultra (units provided by AI+ for testing), and the results might surprise you. No sponsored bias here—just real-world testing, gaming sessions, and camera samples to help you decide if this is your next daily driver.
First Impressions: Unboxing the Nova 2 Series
The unboxing experience sets the tone for what follows. Here’s what you’ll find inside each box:
| Component | Nova 2 | Nova 2 Ultra |
| Case | Included | Included |
| Charger | 10W (in box) | Not included |
| Cable | Type-C to Type-C | Type-C to Type-C |
| Screen Protector | Pre-applied | Pre-applied |
| SIM Tool | Yes | Yes |
Note: The Nova 2 Ultra skips the charger (likely for cost-cutting), while the base Nova 2 includes a basic 10W adapter despite supporting 18W charging.
Design & Build: Premium Looks on a Budget
The “Pill-Shaped” Camera Module That Turns Heads
The Nova 2 Ultra immediately stands out with its minimalist yet distinctive design. The pill-shaped camera island on the back isn’t just aesthetic—it houses something genuinely unique for this price segment: circular RGB status lights.
For Example:
Imagine your phone lighting up in your chosen color when your best friend calls, pulsing to the beat during music playback, or glowing red for urgent notifications. You can customize these lights for:
-
- Incoming calls
- Music visualization
- Gaming effects
- Notification alerts
Highlighted One: “Yahan par circular RGB light de rakhi hai… aapke hisaab se yeh customize ho jaata hai.”
Build Quality & Durability
| Feature | Nova 2 Ultra | Nova 2 |
| Back Material | Polycarbonate (Glossy) | Polycarbonate |
| Frame | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate |
| IP Rating | IP68 | Not specified |
| Available Colors | 5 options | Multiple options |
The IP68 certification is a game-changer. At ₹14,999-15,999, water and dust resistance is practically unheard of. Most competitors reserve this for ₹25,000+ segments. Whether you’re caught in monsoon rains or accidentally drop your phone in water, the Nova 2 Ultra has your back.
However, the glossy polycarbonate back is a fingerprint magnet—consider using the included case.
Display: The Star of the Show
1.5K AMOLED vs. HD+ IPS—Night and Day Difference
This is where the Nova 2 Ultra absolutely demolishes the competition. Let’s break down the specs:
| Specification | Nova 2 Ultra | Nova 2 |
| Display Type | 1.5K AMOLED | HD+ IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1.5K (1220p) | 720p+ |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 1800 nits | Standard |
| HDR Support | HDR10+ certified | Limited |
For Example:
Watching HDR content on YouTube, the Nova 2 Ultra’s display showed vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast that made the same video look washed out on the base Nova 2’s IPS panel.
It is confirmed: “HDR certified hai yaar… multimedia experience kuch aisa hai… colorful hai, bezels bhi kaafi patle hain.”
Real-World Brightness Test
With 800 nits HBM (High Brightness Mode) and 1800 nits peak brightness, outdoor visibility is excellent.
The Phone tested in indoors and outdoors at full brightness, noting: “Display is really bright, even indoor mein bhi.”
Key Takeaway: If display quality matters to you (and it should—you’re looking at it all day), the ₹4,000 premium for the Ultra variant over the base Nova 2 is absolutely worth it.
Gaming Performance: Built for Battle
Dedicated Shoulder Triggers—A True Gamer’s Delight
Here’s something you won’t find on any Samsung, Xiaomi, or realme phone under ₹20,000: physical shoulder trigger buttons. Located on the top-right and top-left edges when held in landscape mode, these capacitive triggers give you a genuine gaming phone experience.
For Example:
In BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), you can map these triggers to:
-
- Aim down sights (left trigger)
- Fire (right trigger)
This gives you a competitive advantage without buying external accessories.
It was impressed: “Shoulder triggers bhi hain! Nice, it is impressed… expect nahi kiya tha 16-17,000 price mein.”
Gaming Performance Breakdown
| Game | Settings | Performance |
| BGMI | Smooth + Extreme (60fps) | Stable 60fps with minor frame drops |
| Graphics | HDR Ultra Max supported | Good visual fidelity |
| Gyroscope | Available | Responsive |
Real-World Gaming Test: The Phone ran BGMI at 60fps settings and reported: “Smooth gaming yeh de pa raha hai… 60fps ki gaming aap kar sakte ho.” While occasional frame drops occurred during intense action, the overall experience was smooth for the price.
The MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset isn’t the newest, but it is noted: “Jis hisaab se abhi market ki condition chal rahi hai… 30-35,000 mein aise chipset de de ki main kya hi bolun.” Translation: Competitors are charging ₹30,000+ for similar performance.
Thermal Management
The vapor chamber cooling system keeps temperatures in check during extended gaming sessions. After 30 minutes of BGMI, the phone remained warm but not uncomfortably hot—a significant achievement for a budget device.
Camera System: Hardware vs. Software
The Specs Sheet Looks Good
| Camera | Nova 2 Ultra | Nova 2 |
| Main Camera | 50MP (Sony IMX 752) | 50MP |
| Ultra-Wide | 8MP | Not specified |
| Front Camera | 13MP | 8MP |
| OIS | EIS only | EIS only |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (front & rear) | Limited |
The Reality Check
Here’s where AI+ needs to catch up. While the Sony IMX 752 sensor is capable hardware, the software processing requires refinement.
Photo Quality Assessment:
- Daylight shots: Good color reproduction and detail
- Portrait mode: Edge detection needs improvement (subjects sometimes blend into background)
- Zoom shots: 2x digital zoom shows pixelation and softness
- HDR performance: Surprisingly good for the price
- Indoor lighting: Decent but not exceptional
- Ultra-wide: Average quality with noticeable distortion
It is honest about this: “Camera software thoda sa aur better optimization ki zaroorat hai… edges acche se detect nahi kar paata.” However, it is also noted: “Hope AI+ isko software update ke zariye fix kar de.”
Video Capabilities
Both front and rear cameras support 4K@30fps recording—rare in this segment. Sample footage showed acceptable quality for social media sharing, though stabilization could be better.
Pro Tip: Stick to 1x zoom for best results, and use the Pro Mode for manual control when lighting is challenging.
Battery Life & Charging: All-Day Power
Massive 6000mAh Battery
Both phones pack identical 6000mAh batteries, but charging speeds differ:
| Feature | Nova 2 Ultra | Nova 2 |
| Battery Capacity | 6000mAh | 6000mAh |
| Charging Speed | 40W fast charging | 18W charging |
| Charger in Box | Not included | 10W included |
Real-World Usage: With moderate gaming, social media, and video streaming, expect 1.5 days of usage. Heavy gamers can still get through a full day without anxiety.
Charging Speed Test
The 40W charging on the Ultra variant can juice up the massive battery in approximately 70-80 minutes. The base Nova 2’s 18W charging (with a 10W charger in box) is significantly slower—consider buying a separate fast charger.
Software Experience: The Growing Pains
NextQ OS Based on Android 16
The Nova 2 Ultra runs NextQ Version 1.0 atop Android 16. The good news? It’s surprisingly clean.
What You’ll Find:
- Minimal bloatware (just “Must Play Games” and “Clean Assistant” pre-installed)
- Google apps suite included
- Live Gemini AI integration
- Smooth animations for a first-gen UI
What Needs Work:
- Occasional UI lag and stuttering
- Camera app optimization
- App switching animations could be smoother
It is noted: “UI mein thode bahut lag wagairah hain… I hope AI+ isko software update ke zariye fix kar de.”
Update Promise
AI+ promises:
- 1 OS update (to Android 17)
- 2 years of security updates
Critical Feedback: It is pointed out: “Do major Android updates toh dene chahiye the yaar.” In 2024, two OS updates should be the minimum standard, even for budget phones.
Connectivity & Audio
H3: Modern Connectivity Features
| Feature | Specification |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 |
| USB | Type-C (USB 2.0) |
| Audio | Stereo speakers |
| Extras | FM Radio, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Audio Quality
The stereo speakers deliver loud, clear sound with decent bass for the price. The Phone tested full volume playback and reported:
“Not bad yaar, serious speaker hai… thoda aur loud ho sakta tha but yes surround sound experience hai.”
Haptic Feedback: The vibration motor is surprisingly strong—“Strong haptic feedback hai yaar… kaafi strong vibration feel ho raha hai.”
Pricing & Value Proposition
Aggressive Pricing Strategy
| Variant | Price (MRP) | Effective Price (with offers) |
| Nova 2 Ultra (6GB/128GB) | ₹16,999 | ₹14,999 |
| Nova 2 Ultra (8GB/128GB) | ₹18,999 | ₹16,999 approx. |
| Nova 2 | ₹10,999 | ₹10,999 |
The Competition Comparison
At ₹14,999, the Nova 2 Ultra competes with:
- Redmi Note series (often lacks AMOLED at this price)
- realme Narzo series (no IP68 rating)
- Samsung Galaxy A-series (lower refresh rates, slower charging)
Value Verdict: It is summarized perfectly: “Hardware kaafi badhiya diya hai inhone… 1499 mein aapko 1.5K resolution wala AMOLED display mil raha hai jo rare hai.”
The After-Sales Service Question
The elephant in the room: AI+ is a new brand. What about service centers?
The Good News:
- 270+ service centers across Indian cities
- Full address list available on their website
- Expanding network
Advice to All : “After-sale service kaisa hoga?” is a valid concern. However, with 270+ centers already operational, AI+ is clearly investing in long-term customer support.
FAQ (Schema-Ready)
Q.1 : Is the AI+ Nova 2 Ultra good for gaming?
Yes. With the MediaTek Dimensity 7400, 60fps BGMI support, dedicated shoulder triggers, and vapor chamber cooling, it’s one of the best gaming phones under ₹15,000. The 120Hz AMOLED display enhances the experience further.
Q.2. : Does the Nova 2 Ultra have a good camera?
It’s decent, not exceptional. The 50MP Sony sensor captures good daylight photos, but software optimization needs improvement—especially for portrait mode edge detection and low-light performance. Expect updates to improve this.
Q.3. : Is the RGB light on the Nova 2 Ultra useful or just a gimmick?
Surprisingly useful. You can customize it for calls, notifications, music visualization, and gaming effects. It adds personality while serving practical purposes.
Q4. : How does the Nova 2 Ultra compare to the base Nova 2?
The Ultra is worth the premium. You get:
- 5K AMOLED vs. HD+ IPS
- IP68 rating (missing on base model)
- RGB lights (missing on base model)
- Shoulder triggers (missing on base model)
- Faster 40W charging vs. 18W
Q5. : Should I trust a new brand like AI+?
Proceed with informed caution. The hardware is excellent, and 270+ service centers show commitment. However, software updates and long-term reliability remain to be proven. For risk-averse buyers, established brands offer more predictability.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the AI+ Nova 2 Ultra?
Buy it if you:
- Want the best display under ₹15,000
- Play competitive mobile games (BGMI, CoD Mobile)
- Need water resistance on a budget
- Value unique features like RGB lights and gaming triggers
- Are willing to wait for software improvements
Skip it if you:
- Prioritize camera quality above all else
- Need guaranteed long-term software support
- Prefer established brand reliability
- Want wireless charging or NFC
The Bottom Line
The AI+ Nova 2 Ultra is a disruptor. It proves that new brands can challenge the status quo by focusing on what users actually want—great displays, gaming performance, and durability—rather than just marketing hype.
Over all Conclusion: “Overall hardware ke hisaab se definitely jo Nova 2 Ultra hai, kaafi strong value deliver karta hai.”
The software needs polish, but the foundation is solid. If AI+ continues updating and refining the experience, they have a winner that could force bigger brands to reconsider their budget strategies.
