Indian Tech Startup AI+ Accused of Misleading ‘Made in India’ Smartphone Claims
An Indian technology startup, AI+, has come under scrutiny after multiple tech reviewers challenged its claims of producing smartphones entirely made in India. The company, founded by former Realme CEO Madhav Sheth, has marketed its devices as fully indigenous, including software, hardware, and applications.
The controversy emerged after Indian YouTube channels TechWiser and GyanTherapy identified Chinese-made applications, software similarities, and an Android interface resembling Realme’s design. Reviewers also reported that the hardware appeared to be sourced from Sprocomm, a Chinese original design manufacturer.
Pre-installed applications such as Clean Assistant, Phone Clone, and Mobile Butler reportedly linked back to Sprocomm Technologies through their privacy policies. Following the release of these findings, videos by Indian creators were taken down after AI+ secured an injunction from the Delhi High Court, which restricted criticism during the product launch period.
The issue gained international attention after UK-based YouTuber Mrwhosetheboss published an investigation confirming similar findings. He reported that several AI+ models, including the Nova Flip, appeared to be rebranded versions of existing Chinese devices such as the ZTE Nubia Flip 2. He also questioned the authenticity of reviews and content on the company’s official website.
Mrwhosetheboss said he contacted Sheth multiple times but did not receive clear explanations. AI+ has denied the allegations and continues to defend its business practices while launching new devices using the same suppliers.
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