There is a new name making the sounds in the Indian smartphone market — Ai+ (manufactured by NxtQ). The company has launched two smartphones, the Ai+ Pulse and the Ai+ Nova 5G, with the slogan of “India’s first privacy-first OS” and “Made in India”. These phones run NxtQuantum OS (Android 15-based), which is claimed to ensure that user data stays in India and there is no dependency on Chinese servers. But are these claims completely true? Or is it just a marketing gimmick, like Micromax did in the name of being an “Indian brand” or “Desh ka Phone”?
Data Localisation: Truth or Fiction?
Ai+’s main claim is that their operating system is developed in India and user data is stored on MeitY-approved Google Cloud servers, so there is no risk of data leakage to China or any other country. This claim seems to be pretty true, as Google Cloud’s Indian data center is indeed approved by MeitY. But the problem begins when we look at the pre-installed apps on the phones.
Both Ai+ phones come with three pre-installed apps— Phone Clone, Mobile Butler, and Clean Assistant. Surprisingly, all three apps are developed by Chinese companies (Sprocomm and DoBest Mobiles). Now the question arises: If Ai+ is really serious about “data sovereignty”, why did it include these Chinese apps?
Chinese apps, Indian data: Is it safe?
As stated by the popular tech YouTuber Gyan Therapy in their video, Phone Clone (com.sprocomm.phoneclone) and Mobile Butler (com.sprocomm.mobilebutler) are both developed by a Chinese ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) called Sprocomm. Similarly, Clean Assistant (com.hmtc.cleanassistant) is associated with DoBest Mobiles. Now the question is, do these apps store data on Indian servers? Or do they transfer data to Chinese servers?
Ai+ has not given any clear information about this. If these apps connect to Chinese servers, then the whole claim of “data localization” proves to be hollow. The biggest problem is that a normal user cannot even uninstall these apps, which further increases the risk of data privacy.
Moreover, if you compare the terms and conditions of these third-party Chinese apps with other so called Chinese brands like OnePlus or iQOO smartphones, you will find that both OnePlus and iQOO brands have strong data policies than Ai+ (designed by nxtQ) and are in accordance with Indian laws.
Is NxtQuantum OS really a “Sovereign OS”?
Ai+ describes its OS as “India’s first privacy first operating system”, but this claim is not entirely correct. NxtQuantum OS is a forked version of Android 15, with some customizations like HyperOS, ColorOs, FuntouchOS etc. It is not a completely independent OS, but is dependent on Google’s ecosystem. This means that if Google Play Services is used, some data (such as location, app activity) may still go to foreign servers based on the app origin.
Will Ai+ repeat the mistakes of Micromax?
Micromax once took advantage of being an “Indian brand” but its phones used a lot of Chinese components and software. Today, Ai+ is following the same strategy — marketing with a “Made in India” label but hiding Chinese dependency in both hardware and software.
If Ai+ really wants to win the trust of Indian consumers, it needs to focus on the following things as soon as possible:
- Remove pre-installed Chinese apps or make their data privacy policies completely transparent and strong.
- Make the OS truly open-source so that any tech expert can verify that data does not leave India.
- Reduce Chinese dependency in hardware because just the “Assembled in India” tag is not enough.
Conclusion: Is Ai+ trustworthy?
Ai+’s data localization initiative is commendable, but many questions still remain unanswered which weakens it and the claim of bloatware-free is also completely wrong as both devices come with pre-installed apps. Unless the company is completely transparent about where its pre-installed apps store data, its claims cannot be fully trusted.
If Ai+ really wants to become a trusted Indian brand, it needs to take concrete steps instead of just marketing. Otherwise, it will remain just another “Indian brand” like Micromax, whose real control lies elsewhere.
Last… company’s intention is not yet fully cleared. Will they launch more phone in India market? How would be the sale after services? So wait for sometime and then decide should you own a Ai+ phone? Please let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share it with others!
