So, buddy, a new budget 5G phone has just launched in India, and to be honest, its price immediately caught my attention. The Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G and Nova 2 Pro 5G are now officially been launched in India, and both phones are available for the middle class under ₹20,000. If you are thinking about upgrading to 5G without spending too much, you can definitely check out either of these phones for yourself, your family, or a friend.
I still remember a few years ago when getting a 5G phone under ₹15,000 seemed almost impossible. Now things have changed a lot. I’ll explain everything in simple words in this article so you can decide which is the right budget phone for you.
Ai+ launched Nova 2 Neo 5G and Nova 2 Pro 5G in India.
Prices start at ₹12,999 with a ₹1,000 bank discount.
Both phones pack a 6,000mAh battery and Android 16.
Nova 2 Pro features a 144Hz FHD+ display and Dimensity 7100 chip.
Nova 2 Neo gets a Dimensity 6300 processor and 120Hz screen.
48MP Sony cameras are available on both models.
IP65 rating and up to 2TB storage expansion are supported.
Sale begins on Flipkart from June 26.
What Is AI+ and Who Is Behind This Brand?
Before jumping into specs, let me quickly tell you about the brand. Ai+ is an Indian smartphone company led by Madhav Sheth, who many of you might know from his time as Realme India CEO. The brand is focused on bringing good-value phones to Indian buyers.
Earlier in April 2026, Ai+ launched the Nova 2 and Nova 2 Ultra. Now they have added two more options, the Nova 2 Neo and Nova 2 Pro 5G, specifically for people shopping under ₹20,000.
One thing that makes this launch a little different is their Open Review Program. The brand gave phones to tech journalists, creators, and regular users before launch, with zero restrictions on what they could say or write. No brand guidelines, no embargoes.
In my experience, when a brand is that open about reviews, it usually means they are at least somewhat confident about what they are selling. The company also said they will use the feedback from these reviews to improve the phones through software updates.
AI+ Nova 2 Neo 5G and Nova 2 Pro 5G Price in India
Let us talk about the price first because that is the first thing everyone wants to know.
Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G Price:
- 4GB RAM + 128GB Storage: ₹12,999
- 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage: ₹13,999
AI+ Nova 2 Pro 5G Price:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage: ₹15,999
- 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage: ₹17,999
Sale Date and Where to Buy
Both phones go on sale on June 26, 2026, at 12 noon on Flipkart. There is also a launch offer of a ₹1,000 instant bank discount on all major credit and debit cards.
So, the base Nova 2 Neo 5G can come down to around ₹11,999 on launch day with the bank offer. That is a genuinely good deal for a 5G phone with this feature set.
AI+ Nova 2 Neo 5G Full Specifications and Review
Now let us get into the details of the Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G, which is the more affordable phone of the two.
Display: Good Enough, But Not the Best
The Neo comes with a 6.74-inch HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 600 nits of brightness. For casual use, scrolling through Instagram, watching short videos, or browsing the web, this screen works just fine.
However, let me be honest with you here. The resolution is HD+ and not Full HD+. If you sit and compare it side by side with a Full HD+ phone, the difference in sharpness is visible. For casual users, it will not bother you much, but if you watch a lot of movies and shows, you will notice the difference.
Processor: Handles Daily Tasks Well
The Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset. This is a 5G capable processor and performs better than what competitors like HMD Vibe 2 and Lava Shark 2 5G offer at similar prices.
Tell me the truth, this chip is not made for heavy gaming. Games like BGMI will run on low to medium settings without major issues. But do not expect smooth performance on graphically heavy titles. For daily use, though, apps open fast, multitasking works well, and the phone stays responsive throughout the day.
Camera: Sony Sensor Is a Good Sign
The rear camera is a 48MP Sony IMX582 sensor. Sony sensors are known for producing reliable and consistent photos, especially in good lighting. The front camera is an 8MP shooter for selfies and video calls.
Now, here is something you should know before buying. The Neo does not have an ultra-wide camera. It is a single rear camera setup. So if you often take group photos, wide shots, or landscape pictures, you will feel that limitation. The camera is good for what it does, but it is not a versatile setup.
Battery: The most noteworthy thing about this phone
The 6,000mAh battery is a proper highlight here. You will easily get through a full day of heavy use. Light to moderate users might even stretch it to a day and a half. The charging speed is 18W, which is a bit slow compared to other phones in 2026, but if you charge it overnight, you wake up to a full battery every morning.
Software and Useful Extra Features
The Nova 2 Neo 5G ships with Android 16-based NxtQuantum OS. Getting Android 16 out of the box at this price is genuinely impressive and means you will get software support for a good while.
Some features that personally stood out to me:
- 3.5mm headphone jack because not everyone wants Bluetooth earphones
- FM Radio support
- IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance, very useful in Indian conditions
- MicroSD card slot that supports up to 2TB of storage expansion
- AI Key for quick shortcuts and AI-powered tasks
- NxtPrivacy Dashboard to keep your data more secure.
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner for fast and easy unlocking
Getting all of this in a phone under ₹14,000 is honestly a solid package.
AI+ Nova 2 Pro 5G Full Specifications and Features
So, now let’s go ahead and talk about the Nova 2 Pro 5G, which is the more powerful phone of the two.
Display: This Is Where the Pro Stands Out
The Pro features a 6.9-inch Full HD+ LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 800 nits of brightness. This is a clear and meaningful upgrade over the Neo. The Full HD+ resolution gives you sharper visuals, and the 144Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming feel noticeably smoother.
If you think as I do, a 144Hz FHD+ screen at ₹15,999 is something you do not see every day. This display alone makes the Pro a much more satisfying phone to use daily.
Processor: Same Chip as Some ₹30,000 Phones
This is where things get interesting. The Nova 2 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100, which is a 6nm processor. The same chip has been seen in phones costing ₹25,000 to ₹30,000.
Getting this level of processing power at ₹15,999 is a real win for buyers. The phone handles multitasking smoothly, apps load quickly, and medium-level gaming is very comfortable. Overall, the day-to-day performance feels snappy and confident.
Camera: Ultra-Wide Joins the Party
The Pro has a 48MP Sony IMX582 main camera paired with an 8MP ultra-wide camera on the rear. The front camera is a 13MP shooter that can record video in 2K resolution at 30fps.
The ultra-wide lens is the key difference from the Neo. Now you can capture wide group photos, landscapes, and creative shots without any cropping. The 2K front camera is a great addition for content creators and anyone who shoots a lot of selfie videos.
Battery and Charging Speed
The Pro also packs a 6,000mAh battery, the same as the Neo. However, the charging speed is 33W, which is nearly double the Neo’s 18W. You can top up the phone fully in around one hour, which is very useful when you are in a hurry before heading out.
Extra Features That Make the Pro Special
- Stereo speakers for much better audio quality during videos and gaming
- Customizable rear notification lights, which are a fun and unique feature
- A multi-layer cooling system to keep the phone cool during gaming
- Android 16 with NxtQuantum OS
- IP65 dust and splash resistance
- MicroSD supports up to 2TB
Specifications Comparison: Nova 2 Neo 5G vs Nova 2 Pro 5G
|
Feature
|
Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G
|
Ai+ Nova 2 Pro 5G
|
|---|---|---|
|
Display
|
6.74-inch HD+ 120Hz
|
6.9-inch FHD+ 144Hz
|
|
Processor
|
Dimensity 6300
|
Dimensity 7100
|
|
Rear Camera
|
48MP Sony only
|
48MP + 8MP Ultra-wide
|
|
Front Camera
|
8MP
|
13MP (2K video)
|
|
Battery
|
6,000mAh 18W
|
6,000mAh 33W
|
|
Speakers
|
Single
|
Stereo
|
|
Starting Price
|
₹12,999
|
₹15,999
|
Which Phone Should You Actually Buy?
Go with the Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G if:
- You are buying your first 5G phone and want the lowest possible price.
- You are not too picky about display quality or camera versatility.
- A simple, reliable phone for daily use is all you need
Go with the Nova 2 Pro 5G if:
- You also want a better, more reliable, and faster display for videos and gaming, right?
- Photography matters to you, and you want that ultra-wide option.
- Faster charging, stereo speakers, and a stronger processor are important.
- You can spend ₹3,000 more for a noticeably better all-round phone.
Honestly, if your budget allows it, the Nova 2 Pro 5G is the smarter choice. The jump in display quality, processor performance, and camera capability is clearly worth the extra money.
Color Options Available
The Nova 2 Neo 5G comes in five colors: Magenta, Orange, Light Blue, Dark Grey, and Green. The magenta and orange options look very fresh and youthful.
The Nova 2 Pro 5G is also available in five colors: Maroon, Pink, Mint, Black, and Green. The maroon shade on the Pro looks particularly premium among the lot.
How Does AI+ Nova 2 Neo 5G Compare to Competitors?
The Nova 2 Neo 5G goes up against phones like the HMD Vibe 2, Lava Shark 2 5G, and Lava Bold N2 5G. Compared to these, the Neo offers a better processor and additional features like the AI Key and NxtPrivacy Dashboard.
The Nova 2 Pro 5G competes with the Realme C83 and OPPO K14x. The Pro beats both of them on display resolution and refresh rate, which is a meaningful win. The only area where the Pro does not go ahead is battery size, but all three phones offer similar 6,000mAh capacities anyway.
Final Verdict
The Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G is an honest and practical budget 5G phone. Yes, the HD+ display and 18W charging aren’t perfect, and the lack of an ultra-wide camera is indeed a limitation. But at ₹12,999, you’re getting features like a Sony camera sensor, Android 16, IP65 protection, 6,000mAh battery, 3.5mm jack, FM radio, and 5G connectivity. That’s a great deal.
If you can stretch your budget a bit, the Nova 2 Pro 5G at ₹15,999 is a more well-rounded option and a better buy for you.
Both phones will be available on Flipkart from June 26, 2026, in just a few more days. Don’t forget to use the ₹1,000 bank discount to get the best price on launch day.
FAQ's
What is the price of the AI+ Nova 2 Neo 5G in India?
The Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G starts at ₹12,999 for the 4GB RAM + 128GB model. The 6GB RAM variant costs ₹13,999. Both are available on Flipkart.
When will the Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G go on sale?
The sale starts on June 26, 2026, at 12 noon on Flipkart. A ₹1,000 bank discount is also available on all major cards at launch.
What processor does the Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G use?
It runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G chipset, which handles daily tasks, social media, and casual gaming without any trouble.
Does the AI+ Nova 2 Neo 5G have a good camera?
The rear camera uses a 48MP Sony IMX582 sensor, which gives reliable photos in good lighting. However, there is no ultra-wide camera in the Neo model.
What is the battery capacity of the Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G?
It packs a 6,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging, which comfortably lasts a full day or more for most users.
What is the main difference between Nova 2 Neo 5G and Nova 2 Pro 5G?
The Pro offers a sharper FHD+ 144Hz display, a faster Dimensity 7100 processor, an ultra-wide rear camera, a 13MP selfie shooter, stereo speakers, and 33W faster charging. The Neo starts ₹3,000 cheaper but compromises on these features.
Deepak Kumar is the founder and author of Techallrounder.com. He covers the latest technology news, smartphone and laptop reviews, gadget comparisons, buying guides, and tech tips. His goal is to provide accurate, easy-to-understand, and up-to-date information that helps readers make better technology decisions.