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The Indian smartphone market has always been one of the most competitive arenas for tech brands, especially in the budget and mid-range segments. Now, with the official launch of the Ai+ Pulse and Nova 5G phones, the landscape is shifting once again. These two devices are making waves not only because of their features but also due to their shockingly low price tags. Aimed squarely at budget-conscious consumers, both phones are designed to deliver performance, connectivity, and style without burning a hole in your pocket.
First Impressions That Punch Above Their Price
Unboxing either the Ai+ Pulse or Nova 5G feels like stepping into a category above their actual pricing. Both phones sport sleek builds, edge-to-edge displays, and refined aesthetics that are rare in this price range. The plastic frames are polished to resemble metal, and the rear panels come with gradient finishes that reflect light subtly, giving off a premium vibe.
While neither phone boasts flagship-level build materials, the attention to detail is evident. Buttons are clicky and well-placed, fingerprint sensors are snappy, and the overall ergonomics are well thought out. At first glance, you’d hardly believe these are budget devices.
Display Quality That Delivers Daily Delight
The Ai+ Pulse comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display, while the Nova 5G ups the game with a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel. Despite the difference in screen technology, both devices offer a surprisingly enjoyable viewing experience. The Pulse is more than adequate for day-to-day tasks like social media, messaging, and watching YouTube. It handles indoor brightness well and keeps colors consistent at most angles.
The Nova 5G, however, is where things get more impressive. The AMOLED panel offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better contrast perfect for content consumption on the go. With support for 90Hz refresh rate, scrolling and animations feel smoother and more responsive than one might expect at this price level.
Performance That Keeps Up With You
Under the hood, the Ai+ Pulse is powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. While it may not break performance records, it handles everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and casual gaming with ease. App switching is smooth, and multitasking is manageable thanks to a clean, lightweight software experience.
The Nova 5G, on the other hand, is equipped with a Snapdragon 695 processor along with 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage. This configuration allows for a noticeable step up in performance, especially when handling heavier apps or graphically intensive games. With 5G support, the Nova is also future-proofed for faster network speeds as India continues expanding its 5G coverage.
Cameras That Capture More Than Just the Moment
In the camera department, both phones manage to hold their own. The Ai+ Pulse features a dual-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. Photos in good lighting conditions come out crisp, with decent color reproduction and dynamic range. While low-light photography is understandably limited, night mode attempts to salvage detail with acceptable results.
The Nova 5G, however, takes things a notch higher. It boasts a triple-camera setup with a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide, and a 2MP macro lens. Daylight shots are vibrant, and the ultra-wide sensor adds useful versatility for group photos or landscapes. Night mode on the Nova also delivers slightly better clarity, and the built-in AI scene optimization does a respectable job of adjusting settings automatically.
Selfie cameras on both phones 8MP on the Pulse and 16MP on the Nova are serviceable, offering decent detail and skin tones in well-lit conditions. Both devices support portrait mode and beauty filters, which work as expected.
Software That Feels Light and Snappy
Both phones run a near-stock version of Android 13, with minimal bloatware and a clean interface. This lean approach to software not only helps in improving performance but also ensures that users don’t get bogged down by unnecessary apps or complex menus. For users switching from older devices or looking for a straightforward experience, this is a huge plus.
Updates are always a concern in the budget segment, but the manufacturers have promised at least two years of security patches and one major OS upgrade, which is more than acceptable for the target audience.
Battery Life That Won’t Let You Down
Battery life is one of the standout features on both devices. The Ai+ Pulse is equipped with a 5000mAh battery that easily lasts a full day and beyond with moderate usage. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working on the go, this phone will keep up without needing a top-up in the middle of the day.
The Nova 5G also sports a 5000mAh battery but supports 33W fast charging, which means you can go from zero to fifty percent in under thirty minutes. This fast charging capability adds a layer of convenience that’s rare in budget-friendly 5G phones.
5G Connectivity Without Compromise
Perhaps the most headline-worthy feature of the Nova 5G is, of course, its 5G capability. With the expansion of 5G networks across India, having access to faster internet speeds is no longer a luxury it’s quickly becoming a necessity. The Nova 5G supports multiple 5G bands, making it compatible with most Indian carriers.
Even if you’re not in a 5G area yet, the Nova performs exceptionally well on 4G networks and ensures you’re ready for the future. Meanwhile, the Ai+ Pulse sticks to 4G but ensures solid signal reception and call quality, which is still more than sufficient for most users in non-5G regions.
Pricing That Redefines Expectations
Here’s where things get really exciting. The Ai+ Pulse is priced at an astonishingly low ₹7,999, while the Nova 5G comes in at just ₹12,499. These price points undercut much of the competition and offer serious value for money, especially when you consider the features on offer. For students, first-time smartphone users, or anyone seeking a reliable secondary device, the Ai+ Pulse is a no-brainer.
The Nova 5G, meanwhile, enters the budget 5G market with confidence, offering premium features like an AMOLED display, capable cameras, and solid performance at a fraction of the usual cost.
Final Verdict
The launch of the Ai+ Pulse and Nova 5G signals a major shift in the Indian smartphone market. These phones prove that affordability no longer has to mean compromise. Whether you’re looking for an ultra-budget daily driver or an entry point into the 5G era, these devices deliver on both functionality and form.
At their respective prices, the Ai+ Pulse and Nova 5G are positioned to disrupt the budget and mid-range categories alike. With strong specs, thoughtful design, and impressive battery life, they represent a compelling option for anyone looking to upgrade without overspending.