Ai+’s Nova 2 Power offers standout battery endurance, capable performance and a distinctive design at an entry-level price, but its heavy build, HD+ screen and uneven software leave it trailing better-rounded rivals.
Ai+ has entered the crowded budget smartphone market with a device that is easy to notice and harder to ignore. The Nova 2 Power is aimed at buyers who want long battery life, basic reliability and a little styling flair without moving far above the entry level. Pricing begins at Rs 16,999 for the 6GB and 128GB version, while the 8GB and 128GB model costs Rs 17,999. In a segment where component inflation has pushed prices higher, that positioning matters, but it also leaves the phone exposed to more established rivals that now offer better-balanced specifications. According to the review from TechPP, the handset’s appeal rests chiefly on endurance, reasonable performance and an eye-catching finish, rather than on any single class-leading feature.
The design is one of the device’s clearer strengths. The phone uses a reflective, dual-tone rear panel and feels intentionally styled for younger budget buyers who still want something distinctive in hand. The dark blue version reviewed by TechPP leans towards a more restrained look, even if the finish remains glossy. The chassis is not slim, though, and that is no surprise once the 7,000mAh battery is taken into account. At 222 grams, it is notably heavy, and the bulk becomes more apparent once a case is fitted. The phone also carries an IP65 rating, which should offer everyday protection against dust and light splashes, although it is not a substitute for full waterproofing.
The display is where the Nova 2 Power loses ground to its nearest competitors. It uses a 6.75-inch HD+ IPS panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, but the low resolution is easy to notice and does not compare well with the AMOLED screens that are becoming more common in this price range. 91mobiles and FoneArena both identified the same display class in early coverage, while TechPP said the panel looks washed out in its default colour mode and does not deliver the smoothness that the refresh-rate figure suggests. The software appears to be part of the problem, with animations tuned in a way that can make the interface feel quicker without actually making it feel more fluid. There are colour settings to improve the image, but they do not fully solve the underlying limitations of the panel.
Performance is more encouraging. The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100, a chipset that gives it enough headroom for routine tasks, multitasking and light to moderate gaming. TechPP found the hardware broadly capable, but said software tuning prevents the experience from feeling as smooth as the specifications might imply. Moneycontrol reached a similar conclusion, noting that endurance is impressive but heavier workloads expose the limits of the device’s optimisation. In practical use, the Nova 2 Power can handle mainstream titles such as BGMI at reasonable settings, and the top-end 8GB configuration should be the safer choice for buyers who plan to keep the handset for longer. Storage expands up to 1TB, and the phone also includes stereo speakers, 5G support and a charger in the box, all of which add value at this price.
Battery life is the feature that most clearly justifies the model name. The 7,000mAh cell comfortably lasts a full day of mixed use and can stretch to two days under lighter conditions. Charging is limited to 33W, which is not especially fast by 2026 standards, but the bundled charger softens that drawback. Camera performance is more uneven, though still better than the phone’s price might suggest. The 48-megapixel main camera, 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera and 13-megapixel front camera can produce sharp, natural-looking images in daylight and indoors, with selfies proving a particular strength. Low light is less convincing, with visible noise and softer detail, while video suffers from a limited dynamic range. TechPP’s verdict is that Ai+ has built a competent budget phone with strong battery life and respectable cameras, but the HD+ display and less polished software make it difficult to recommend over better-rounded alternatives from more established brands.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
