Every day new brands and smartphones with new features are coming in the mobile market. In such a situation, it becomes difficult for customers to make the right choice. Recently, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies has launched AI + Pulse (4G) and AI + Nova 5G in the Indian market. The company claims that these phones are “Made in India”, privacy focus, and offer excellent performance in the budget segment. But is this true? Our hands-on analysis of the AI+ Pulse and Nova 5G and user reports have revealed several critical issues that every buyer should know.
Many users have highlighted the flaws of AI + Pulse and Nova 5G phones on social media platforms. If you are also thinking of buying them by listing – “Made in India” phone for Indians by an Indian, then first know the real problems. But before to continue, let’s have a look at what specs these devices offer…
AI+ Pulse (4G)
- Display: 6.7-inch HD+ IPS LCD (90Hz refresh rate)
- Processor: Unisoc T615 (1.8GHz primary, 1.6GHz secondary core)
- RAM/Storage: 4GB+64GB / 6GB+128GB (up to 1TB microSD support)
- Camera: 50MP AI dual rear camera (HDR, EIS) + 5MP front camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh (10W charging)
- OS: Android 15 (NxtQuantum OS)
- Connectivity: 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm jack
- Other features: Side mounted fingerprint, face unlock, IP54 splash proof
- Price: Starting at ₹4,999
AI+ Nova 5G
- Display: 6.7-inch HD+ IPS LCD (120Hz refresh rate)
- Processor: Unisoc T8200 (6nm, 2.3GHz primary, 2.1GHz secondary core)
- RAM/Storage: 6GB+128GB / 8GB+128GB (up to 1TB microSD support)
- Camera: 50MP AI dual rear camera (4K video) + 5MP front camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh (18W fast charging)
- OS: Android 15 (NxtQuantum OS)
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm jack
- Other features: Side mounted fingerprint, face unlock, IP54 splash proof
- Price: Starting at ₹7,999
On paper, both phones offer a lot of features in the budget range—like 90Hz/120Hz display, 50MP camera, 5,000mAh battery, and 5G support (in Nova 5G). But the real problem lies in their Unisoc processors and real-world performance… and here are 5 big problems which you must know!
1. Unisoc processor: Weak performance and battery drain problem
Both AI + Pulse and Nova 5G use Unisoc processors (T615 and T8200). This processor is much weaker than Snapdragon or MediaTek. In real-world use, this phone lags, heats up and drains the battery faster. If you multitask—like using GPS and Wi-Fi while running Bluetooth—the phone starts hanging. Even during our testing, we experienced noticeable delays and unresponsiveness during daily tasks like browsing or using apps such as WhatsApp and Instagram.
So these devices are for only lite use – like watch only movies, video calls, can be used by taxi-cab driver for map, best for non-techy parents, grandparents, and for students who need a device to attend online classes. If you are a heavy user and want a smooth experience, this phone will disappoint you.
2. Bloatware-free OS? No, it’s just a sham!
The company claims that NxtQuantum OS is completely clean and there are no third-party apps pre-installed in it. But this is not true. As I have explained in separate article, Apps like Phone Clone, Mobile Butler and Clean Assistant come pre-installed in these phones, which are made by Chinese companies (Sprocomm and DoBest Mobiles). That is, the claim of your data being stored in India is false. If you are concerned about privacy, then brands like OnePlus or iQoo are better options, which follow the guidelines of the Government of India.
3. Quality issues: Touch problems, fingerprint failure and poor speakers
Many users on social media have complained that the AI+ Pulse and Nova 5G have a variety of quality issues. Some units have extremely slow touch response, while some have fingerprint sensors and face unlock that don’t work properly. There have also been several complaints of distorted sound coming from the speakers, also the 50 MP dual AI camera struggling with dynamic range. All these problems are due to low-quality parts and inconsistent manufacturing. If your phone breaks down, you’ll have no choice but to take it to the service center.
4. No returns, no refunds: Flipkart and the company are both careless
The biggest pain of users who buy these phones is that if there is a problem with the phone, it is almost impossible to return it or get a refund. Flipkart (where these phones are being sold exclusively) refuses refunds by calling minor problems “non-critical” citing a 7-day return policy. Many users have reported that issues like low speaker volume or display brightness are ignored by the support team. The refund process takes more than 10 days, and if the phone shows software glitches, there is no guarantee that you will get your money back.
5. Service woes: New brands, old problems
AI+ has partnered with Jeeves Consumer Services, which runs 280 service centres in 250+ cities. But if you live in a small town or village, getting service will be difficult. Many users have reported that repairs take 15-20 days due to lack of spare parts. Are you willing to spend ₹5,000-₹8,000 and wait for months?
6. Future Scope of AI+
Well, it is new brand + it is an Indian brand and Sogan is that its your emotions – “Desh ka phone” made by an Indian for Indians. But the same type of tricks earlier used by Karbonn and Micromax. Even the Micromax did this twice and fooled the customers and ran away from the market. Now Madhav Seth (X CEO of Real me) is on the same path, and launched AI+ pulse and Nova 5G… but who knows what his intentions are? Will he stay in the Indian mobile market or will he run away with the profits?
So in short, future of AI+ is not clear. The business model and long-term commitment to the market are yet to be proven, means If new models are launched by the company in upcoming months and company promise to deliver more service center, and better-quality then you can show your interest and buy the products and it would be a game changer!
Final Word: There are better options
If you want a good 4G/5G phone at a low price, then budget models from LAVA, Redmi, Moto or Samsung are better options as they provide more reliable hardware, better-tested software, and a robust service network. You can buy Moto g35 or g45, Redmi’s A4 5G, and Lava’s Storm Lite 5G.The service network of these mobile brands in India is also good, and you get repair or replacement without any hassle with in few days.
AI+ Pulse and Nova 5G are experimental phones right now, which have many flaws. Spending money on these phones just for the sake of Indian phones (Desh ka Phone) would be a foolish move. So if your budget is tight, it is wise to buy a phone from a trusted brand.
