Domestic smartphone brand AI+ recently expanded its product portfolio with the launch of the Nova 2 Ultra 5G. The device targets the mid-range segment and brings a mix of features, including a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, a 120Hz AMOLED display, IP68-rated durability, and a 50MP Sony camera sensor.We spent some time with the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant in Black, priced at Rs 20,999, and used it for everyday activities such as messaging, social media browsing, video streaming, photography, and casual gaming. Here are our initial impressions.The AI+ Nova 2 Ultra 5G follows a minimalist design language with a flat frame and a clean rear panel. The Black finish looks decent, with a circular design element around the branding. The rear camera module also blends into the overall design without drawing too much attention. At 200g, the phone has some heft, but it does not feel excessively bulky during regular use.One of the more interesting additions is the customizable back panel light, which can be used for notifications and calls. It adds a layer of visual feedback rarely seen in this segment. The dedicated gaming button is another feature that stands out on the specification sheet.The phone is IP68-rated, meaning it is protected against dust and water. Most situations will not exceed these limits, but they add a level of confidence for daily use.Up front, the Nova 2 Ultra 5G sports a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2772x1272 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. We found the panel to be sharp in our early testing, with text and images appearing detailed. Colours appeared vivid but not too saturated, and the higher refresh rate made scrolling through apps and web pages smooth. Outdoor visibility appeared adequate during our usage period.

Performance and software

The Nova 2 Ultra 5G features the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset and up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. In our initial use, the phone sailed through everyday tasks like app switching, web browsing, video streaming and social media use without any noticeable slowdowns.We also tried a few casual games, and performance remained stable. The dedicated gaming button could appeal to users who spend significant time gaming, though we will need more testing to evaluate its practical usefulness.The device runs Android 16 out of the box. Navigation felt responsive, and the software experience appeared straightforward during our limited time with the device. The AI+ Nova 2 Ultra 5G features a dual-rear-camera setup with a 50MP Sony IMX752 primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. For selfies and video calls, the phone uses a 13MP front-facing camera.In daylight conditions, the primary camera captured images with good detail and balanced colours. The Sony sensor appears capable of producing natural-looking shots without aggressive processing. The dynamic range looked acceptable in scenes with mixed lighting, though we will need additional testing across different scenarios to draw firm conclusions.The ultra-wide camera provides additional flexibility when capturing landscapes and group shots. There is some variation in colour reproduction compared to the primary sensor, which is common in this category.Selfies from the 13MP front camera looked suitable for social media sharing, with facial details looking reasonably sharp in good lighting.Low-light photography remains an area we intend to evaluate further, as our initial testing period was limited.The Nova 2 Ultra 5G is backed by a 6,000 mAh battery, one of its key highlights. Based on our early usage involving streaming, browsing, messaging, photography, and occasional gaming, the phone comfortably lasted through a full day with a significant amount of charge remaining.The box includes an 18W charger, and the device supports fast charging. While charging speeds may not be the fastest in the segment, the large battery capacity could appeal to users who prioritise endurance over rapid top-ups. The phone took nearly 1.5 hours to get fully charged.Based on our first impressions, the AI+ Nova 2 Ultra 5G enters the mid-range segment with a balanced feature set. The AMOLED display, Dimensity 7400 chipset, IP68 rating, Sony camera sensor, dedicated gaming button, and 6,000mAh battery give the device several talking points.The phone appears capable of handling everyday tasks comfortably, while the display and battery stand out during initial use. Camera performance in daylight is good enough for social media usage. At Rs 20,999, the AI+ Nova 2 Ultra 5G positions itself competitively in the mid-range segment. This can be a decent option to consider in this price range.