Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G Review

Quick Summary

The Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G is a budget 5G phone built around a very large battery and a smooth-looking 120 Hz screen. At roughly ₹12,500 to ₹13,000 for the 4 GB models it is clearly an entry-level buy, and it behaves like one: everyday apps, calls, UPI and video work without fuss, while the HD+ display, the modest cameras and the slow charger remind you where the money was saved. Its biggest strength is stamina. Its biggest compromise is how long it takes to fill that battery again.

Design & Build Quality

At 206 g and 8.5 mm thick, the Nova 2 Neo is a big, slightly heavy phone, which is the price of the 6,000 mAh cell inside. One hand use is possible but not relaxed, and it will feel chunky in a small pocket. The punch-hole screen keeps the front tidy, and the six colour choices (Orange, Red, Blue, Green, Black and Rouge Red) give it a livelier look than most phones at this price. A side-mounted fingerprint reader is quick to reach with the thumb, and there is an extra physical key that you can set to a function of your choice, a useful touch on a budget phone. An IP64 rating means it should cope with splashes and dust, but it is not a phone to dunk or use as a diving companion.

Display

The 6.745-inch IPS screen is the part most likely to divide opinion. The 120 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through social feeds, settings and web pages feel smoother than a 60 Hz panel, and that is a real everyday gain. Against that, the resolution is only HD+, spread over a large panel, so small text and fine icons look a little soft when you hold it close. Brightness is adequate indoors and in shade, but direct afternoon sun will make you push the slider to the top and squint. Videos on streaming apps are watchable, though not vivid. Treat it as a screen that is smooth first and sharp second.

Everyday Performance

The MediaTek Dimensity 6300, built on a 6 nm process, is a sensible entry-level 5G chip. It handles messaging, browsing, maps, UPI payments and video calls comfortably, and the 5G modem means it will make use of Jio and Airtel networks where they are available. Storage is the faster UFS 2.2 type, which helps apps open at a reasonable pace. The weak point is memory: the 4 GB version leaves little headroom, and heavier multitasking or long gaming sessions can make it stutter. Dynamic RAM expansion helps a little, but it cannot replace real memory, so the 6 GB version is the safer choice if you keep many apps open. Expect competent, not quick.

Camera

The 48 MP main camera is built for daylight and does its best work in good light, where photos come out clear enough for social media and family albums. As the light drops, you should expect softer detail and more noise, which is normal at this level. The 8 MP front camera takes acceptable video-call and selfie shots and uses the screen as a flash in dim rooms. Video tops out at Full HD, which is fine for casual clips but nothing more. This is a camera for convenience, not for creative work.

Battery Life & Charging

The 6,000 mAh battery is the reason to look at this phone. With a modest HD+ screen and an efficient chip, it comfortably lasts a full working day and usually stretches well beyond, which is a real relief during travel or power cuts. The compromise is charging. At 18 W, topping up a battery this large takes a long time, and a charger left plugged in overnight becomes a habit rather than a choice. A charger and cable are included in the box, so you can start using it immediately, but quick top-ups before leaving home will not add much.

Software & Connectivity

The phone ships with Android 16 under the company's NxtQuantum OS skin, which keeps the experience fairly clean. The update promise is short, with one year of OS updates and two years of security updates, so it is better suited to buyers who change phones every couple of years. Connectivity covers Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS and a hotspot, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack is still present, which wired-earphone users will appreciate. Expandable storage of up to 2 TB through a dedicated microSD slot means the 64 GB model does not have to be a dead end.

What Buyers Say

Buyers most often praise the long battery life, the value for money and the looks, and many describe the phone as a good everyday 5G handset for the price. The most repeated complaint is slow charging, with several buyers saying the phone takes hours to fill and wishing for a faster adapter. A smaller group reports occasional hanging or slow performance, and a few mention a loose-fitting charging cable or a faulty charger in the box. Opinion on speed is split: some find it smooth for daily use, others notice lag when many apps are open. Overall satisfaction is high for the price, tempered by the charging complaint.

Features Assessment

The useful features are the practical ones: a customisable side key, expandable storage, a headphone jack, a hotspot and OTG support. Dynamic RAM expansion sounds impressive, but it is not a substitute for real memory, so treat it as a small help. The AI camera label should be read as basic scene enhancement rather than a game changer. Nothing here is gimmicky, and nothing is premium.

Ease of Use

Setup is simple, the skin is uncluttered, and the side fingerprint reader unlocks quickly. The phone is large enough to need two hands for comfortable typing across the whole screen. The customisable key is a pleasant shortcut once you assign it to the torch or camera. Dual Nano-SIM support with a separate card slot means you do not have to choose between a second SIM and extra storage.

Value for Money

The 4 GB + 64 GB model currently sells for about ₹12,499 and the 4 GB + 128 GB model for about ₹12,999 on a main listing, which is where the phone makes most sense: a big battery, a 120 Hz screen and 5G for the price of a basic phone. The 6 GB + 128 GB version has no current in-stock price from a main seller, so its value is hard to judge today. The extra ₹500 for the 128 GB model is worth paying for the storage headroom. At these prices the compromises are easy to forgive, though the slow charger and short update promise keep it from being a standout.

Who Should Buy It?

Buyers who want a first 5G phone on a tight budget will find it easy to like, especially those who value battery life over speed. It suits students, parents and anyone who spends long days away from a plug and uses the phone mostly for calls, messaging, UPI and videos.

Who Should Consider Alternatives?

Heavy gamers and multitaskers should look at phones with more RAM and a faster chip. Anyone who relies on fast top-ups or good low-light photos will find the charging speed and camera limiting. Buyers who prefer a sharper screen should look for a Full HD+ panel in the same range, and those who keep phones for four or five years will want a longer update promise.