Ai+ has launched two fresh models in the Indian market. Aptly christened the Nova 2 Neo 5G and the Nova 2 Pro 5G, these devices aim to inject new life into the budget segment. The entry-level variant of the Neo, boasting 4GB RAM and 128GB of storage, comes with an enticing price tag of ₹12,999.
For advertisement on our platform, do call at +91 6377460764 or email us at [email protected].
For those who desire a little more RAM, a 6GB variant is available for ₹13,999.
The Pro model sits higher in the hierarchy, with the 6GB variant priced at ₹15,999 and a premium 8GB RAM version available for ₹17,999. The duo will be predominantly available through Flipkart, with an open sale set to commence on June 26th at noon sharp. Offline retail stores will also be well-stocked for those who prefer a tangible purchase experience.
The company issweetening the deal by offering an attractive flat ₹1,000 bank discount on both models. This effectively brings the starting price for both phones down a notch further, making them an even more compelling option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a foray into 5G. This offer is exclusively for buyers using major credit and debit cards at the point of checkout, a strategic move by the brand to make an immediate impact.
A Closer Look at the Specs
The hardware department reveals key differentiators between the Neo and Pro models, even though both sport a massive 6,000 mAh battery, far exceeding what most current standard phones offer. Charging speeds are a significant point of divergence. The more affordable Neo is equipped with an 18W charging support, while the Pro boasts a much faster 33W charger included in the box.
Even the display sizes and technologies differ. The Neo comes with a sizable 6.745-inch LCD panel featuring HD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The Pro takes a step up with a larger 6.9-inch FHD+ display, complemented by a blazing-fast 144Hz refresh rate.
Under the hood, the Neo is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, while the Pro utilizes the slightly more capable Dimensity 7100. Both are 6nm chipsets, engineered primarily for daily multitasking and casual gaming. For photography, both models employ a 48MP Sony IMX582 sensor as their main rear camera. However, the Pro adds a 8MP ultrawide lens to its arsenal, a feature that’s noticeably absent in the Neo.
A distinctive hardware feature is Ai+’s proprietary “AI Key,” a dedicated physical button on the side frame that users can program to activate various software functions on the company’s custom nxtOS system. The Pro model takes this customization further with the inclusion of dynamic RGB lighting on the back panel, which flashes for incoming calls and notifications, and can be tailored through the settings menu. Both phones also come with a basic IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, and crucially, retain the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack.
Comedic Timing, Risky Placement
Marketing budget phones has typically been a no-frills affair; the playbook often involves buying space during live cricket matches and placing basic product banners online. Ai+, however, has opted for a bold, unconventional strategy for this product launch: investing heavily in the stand-up comedy circuit.
Samay Raina’s critically acclaimed comedy show, India’s Got Latent, recently returned for its second season, and Ai+ has stepped in as its main powered-by sponsor. The brand’s presence was palpable throughout the entirety of the first episode, with Flipkart Minutes taking up the rapid delivery partnership role, strategically aligning with the upcoming Flipkart sale for the Nova 2 series. Avvatar rounds out the sponsoring lineup as the protein partner.
The integration wasn’t just a static ad read. The phone was actually woven into the fabric of the comedy as a running gag. During the episode, Raina pretended to call Indian YouTuber Bhuvan Bam from his phone.
Comedian Aashish Solanki immediately light-hearted pointed out that Raina was supposed to be using the new AI phone.
Raina adroitly spun the joke, telling the live audience that he was currently using a phone with just an “I” and was planning on upgrading to Ai+, earning a good laugh and effective brand promotion.
The Netflix and YouTube Gamble
This placement is unusual for a budget smartphone. The premiere of India’s Got Latent was simulcast on both Netflix and YouTube, with the YouTube version attracting a staggering over 32 million views in its first 24 hours alone. Such visibility is remarkable for any product, let alone a sub-₹15,000 phone. The presence on Netflix provides the relatively unknown Ai+ brand with a touch of prestige and broad reach.
The stage included a panel of judges composed of prominent figures, including actors Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh, who were on hand to promote their upcoming spy thriller, Alpha. The show didn’t shy away from roasted the actors and their film as well. Bhatt even wore a promotional hat for the movie, which Raina humorously picked apart for an extended period.
The overall tone of the episode was chaotic and boisterous, a far cry from the sterile, perfectly controlled environments usually favored by advertisers who are notoriously apprehensive of any potential product criticism.
By allowing its brand to be the subject of jokes within an unfiltered setting, the company is taking a significant calculated risk.
Navigating a Fiercely Competitive Landscape
The sub-₹20,000 market in India is incredibly tough. HMD recently launched the Vibe 2, while Lava is heavily pushing the Shark 2 5G and Bold N2 5G. Realme is represented by its C83, and OPPO’s offering in this price segment is the K14x. All these devices are vying for the same consumer base.
The Nova 2 Neo is directly competing with the Lava and HMD devices in this price tier. The inclusion of the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor is a significant advantage over the older Unisoc chipsets that power some of its closest rivals. The substantial 6,000 mAh battery is a major draw for power users and those who travel frequently. However, its HD+ screen resolution is a notable drawback in a segment where several competitors now offer full HD displays.
The Pro model will be facing stiff competition from devices like the Realme C83. The 144Hz refresh rate is exceptionally rare in this price segment and represents a compelling proposition. The Dimensity 7100 processor mirrors the chipset found in the much more expensive Tecno Pova 8, showcasing impressive performance for its price point. Furthermore, the inclusion of an ultrawide camera is a key differentiating factor, as many brands have begun removing this feature from their budget offerings to reduce manufacturing costs.
This aggressive marketing strategy underscores the brand’s desperate need to quickly build brand awareness and recall. By partnering with a popular, viral comedy show, Ai+ is ensuring its name is prominently displayed in front of millions of young, engaged consumers overnight. The ultimate success of this unconventional approach will hinge on how the phones perform once they reach consumers’ hands next week. The numbers posted on Flipkart’s sale beginning June 26th will serve as the first true indicator of whether this bold marketing experiment pays off.
