Ai+ Enters Foldable Phone Segment With NovaFlip, Q1 2026 Launch Confirmed
Indian smartphone brand Ai+ has officially announced its entry into the foldable smartphone segment with the launch of the NovaFlip series. The company confirmed that the flip-style foldable phone will debut in Q1 2026 and will be priced under ₹40,000, a move that could significantly disrupt the currently premium-heavy foldable phone market in India.
Owned by NxtQuantum and led by former Realme India CEO Madhav Sheth, Ai+ is positioning NovaFlip as a compact, software-first foldable designed for everyday usability rather than luxury appeal. While full hardware specifications are yet to be revealed, the announcement itself signals the brand’s ambition to move beyond budget smartphones and into more experimental form factors.
Ai+’s Journey So Far in the Indian Smartphone Market
Ai+ entered the Indian smartphone market earlier this year with the launch of two budget devices — the Pulse and the Nova 5G. Both smartphones were positioned as affordable offerings running Android 15-based NxtQ OS out of the box and were marketed as “designed in India.”
While these devices did not aim to compete with flagship phones, they helped Ai+ establish its identity as a brand focused on clean software, affordability, and localised design. With the Nova series, the company is now attempting to move up the value chain and attract users looking for more premium experiences without crossing into flagship pricing territory.
The Nova lineup is expected to include multiple models such as the Nova Pro, Nova Ultra, and NovaFlip, with the company also hinting at plans to launch a book-style foldable in the future.
NovaFlip: A Flip-Style Foldable With a Clear Price Focus
The NovaFlip will be Ai+’s first foldable smartphone and will adopt a flip-style design rather than the book-style form factor popularised by devices like the Galaxy Z Fold series. Flip phones typically offer a more compact folded size, making them easier to carry and handle compared to larger foldables.
Ai+ has confirmed that NovaFlip will be priced under ₹40,000, which places it well below most foldable smartphones currently available in India. At present, flip-style foldables are largely positioned as premium products, often priced significantly higher than traditional smartphones.
By targeting a sub-₹40,000 price point, Ai+ appears to be aiming at consumers who are curious about foldables but unwilling to pay flagship-level prices for a form factor that is still evolving.
NxtQuantum OS and the Software-First Pitch
One of the key differentiators Ai+ is highlighting is software. NovaFlip will run on NxtQuantum OS out of the box, which the company claims has been optimised to adapt intelligently across folded and unfolded states.
According to Ai+, core functionalities will remain accessible even when the device is folded, suggesting a focus on usability rather than novelty. The company also claims that the operating system will ship with zero pre-loaded bloatware and no invasive trackers, giving users greater control over their personal data.
In a market where even premium smartphones often come loaded with third-party apps and system-level advertisements, this clean-software promise could become a major selling point — provided it holds up in real-world use.
Madhav Sheth’s Vision for Flip Smartphones
Speaking about the NovaFlip, Madhav Sheth emphasised the emotional and practical appeal of flip-style phones. According to him, flip smartphones bring back compactness, physical interaction, and a sense of control that many users feel modern slab-style phones have lost.
He pointed out that while there is nostalgia attached to flip phones, there is also a modern need for devices that are easier to carry and less demanding of constant attention. This positioning suggests that Ai+ is not targeting power users alone, but also consumers who want a balanced digital experience.
This philosophy aligns with the broader trend of “digital minimalism,” where users seek technology that integrates into daily life without overwhelming them.
What We Don’t Know Yet: Hardware Will Decide the Outcome
Despite the announcement, several crucial details remain unknown. Ai+ has not revealed the processor, camera setup, display specifications, battery capacity, or hinge durability of the NovaFlip.
These factors will play a decisive role in determining whether the device can compete effectively. Foldable phones are inherently more complex to manufacture, and durability remains a major concern for consumers. At a sub-₹40,000 price point, compromises may be inevitable.
The real challenge for Ai+ will be balancing cost with reliability. A foldable phone that feels fragile or underpowered could struggle to gain trust, regardless of how attractive the pricing appears on paper.
Competitive Landscape in the Foldable Segment
The foldable smartphone segment in India is still relatively niche but growing steadily. Established players have so far focused on premium pricing, limiting adoption to enthusiasts and early adopters.
Ai+’s strategy appears to be about democratising foldables, similar to how budget brands previously made features like high-refresh-rate displays and fast charging mainstream. However, competing with established players will require more than aggressive pricing.
After-sales support, software updates, and long-term durability will matter just as much as launch-day excitement.
Why the Q1 2026 Timeline Matters
By confirming a Q1 2026 launch, Ai+ has given itself time to refine both hardware and software. Foldables demand extensive testing, especially for hinges, displays, and thermal performance.
The delay also allows the brand to observe market feedback from competitors and fine-tune its offering accordingly. For consumers, this means expectations should be managed — NovaFlip is not around the corner, and the final product could evolve significantly before launch.
A Calculated Bet on the Future of Foldables
The NovaFlip represents a calculated risk for Ai+. Entering the foldable segment early, especially at an aggressive price point, could help the brand carve out a unique identity. At the same time, the risks are substantial, given the technical challenges involved.
If Ai+ delivers a durable, well-optimised flip phone with clean software and reliable support, it could redefine how Indian consumers perceive foldable smartphones. If not, the NovaFlip could remain a niche experiment rather than a breakout success.
For now, the announcement signals intent. Execution will decide whether Ai+ becomes a serious player in the foldable phone market or simply an ambitious newcomer testing its limits.
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