Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Review: Features, Price, and Performance

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:

Network and Connectivity

• Technology: GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
• SIM: Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
• Waterproof & Dustproof: IP54 (splash, water, and dust resistant)
• LED Light Strips: 3 LED light strips on the back for notifications, camera fill light, 26 addressable zones
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
• Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE
• Positioning: GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
• NFC: Yes, 360˚
• Radio: No
• USB: USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Launch

• Announced: July 31, 2024
• Status: Released on August 3, 2024

Body

• Dimensions: 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)
• Weight: 190 g (6.70 oz)
• Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
• SIM: Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
• Waterproof & Dustproof: IP54
• LED Light Strips: Yes

Display

• Type: AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Always-on display
• Size: 6.7 inches, 107.5 cm² (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
• Resolution: 1080 x 2412 pixels (~395 ppi density)
• Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5
• Brightness: 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)

Platform

• OS: Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
• Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
• CPU: Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
• GPU: Mali-G610 MC4

Memory

• Internal Storage: 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
• Card Slot: No

Camera

• Main Camera (Dual):

  • 50 MP, f/1.9 (wide), PDAF, OIS
  • 50 MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), 114˚
  • Features: LED flash, panorama, HDR
  • Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS

• Selfie Camera:

  • 50 MP, f/2.2 (wide)
  • Features: HDR
  • Video: 4K@30fps

Sound

• Loudspeakers: Yes, with stereo speakers
• 3.5mm Jack: No

Battery

• Type: 5000 mAh
• Charging:
  • 50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min

Miscellaneous

• Colors: Black, Grey
• Price:
  • ₹23,711
  • £339.99
  • €388.23

Performance

• AnTuTu: 620,762 (v9), 774,023 (v10)
• GeekBench: 2,234 (v5), 2,648 (v6)
• 3DMark: 1,377 (Wild Life Extreme)

Display

• Max Brightness: 1,097 nits (measured)

Loudspeaker

• Loudness: -26.6 LUFS (Good)

Battery (New)

• Active Use Score: 16:48h

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the latest addition to the ever-growing Nothing brand, which has quickly gained fame for its combination of innovative design, commitment to minimalism, and unique, futuristic features. An evolution of the original Nothing Phone (2), the Phone (2a) Plus goes a step further, adopting the company's even better approach to design, user experience, and technology, aiming to deliver a more accessible product for consumers. It's clear that Nothing is not simply following trends, but is trying to create its own identity with its smartphones.

In this review, we take a closer look at the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, examining its design, performance, display, camera settings, battery life, and overall value to see if it lives up to expectations.

Design and Finish :

Nothing has ever earned a reputation for its unique design philosophy, and the Phone (2a) Plus continues that trend with a striking, modern aesthetic. The phone has a sleek, premium design with a transparent back that allows users to see the inner workings of the device, a design element that has become a trademark of the brand. This transparency isn't just for show; not only can you see the inner workings, but it also features LED lighting that works with notifications and charging status, adding an extra layer of personality and interactivity.

The phone has a metal frame that matches the transparent back, giving it a sturdy, solid feel. Buttons like the volume rocker and power button are well placed on the right edge, which also doubles as a fingerprint sensor for biometric security. The IP53 rating means it's dust- and water-resistant, but it's not as robust as the higher IP67 or IP68 ratings found on other flagship phones. The design is definitely its standout feature, but the ergonomics are also superb. The 6.7-inch display sits comfortably in your hand, and the device's weight distribution is well-balanced, making it easy to hold and comfortable to use for long periods of time.

Screen :

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus features a 6.7-inch OLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 394 PPI. This OLED panel delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an excellent contrast ratio, making it perfect for watching media, gaming, or simply scrolling through content.

Where the Phone (2a) Plus really shines is its 120Hz refresh rate, which makes everything from scrolling through social media feeds to swiping between apps appear smoother. This higher refresh rate is a welcome addition at this price point, providing a premium experience that is usually only available on flagship devices. The phone also supports HDR10+, so HDR content will appear clearer and more detailed when watching compatible videos on platforms like YouTube and Netflix.

Outdoor visibility is also excellent. The phone's peak brightness reaches nearly 1,000 nits, making it easy to see even in direct sunlight. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, making it durable and resistant to scratches and drops.

Performance :

Under the hood of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a flagship processor that offers good performance across the board. Whether you're multitasking, playing games, or running demanding apps, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 delivers smooth performance and responsiveness. Paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, the device can handle heavy tasks with ease, apps run smoothly, and multitasking doesn't slow you down.

When it comes to gaming, the Adreno 730 GPU offers excellent graphics performance, allowing you to run the latest mobile games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact at high settings and smooth frame rates. When it comes to everyday tasks like browsing the internet, social media, and using productivity apps, the Phone (2a) Plus excels without any noticeable lag or stuttering.

The 8GB/12GB RAM configurations allow the phone to handle heavy multitasking, and the 256GB or 512GB of built-in storage gives users plenty of space for apps, media, and files. There's no expandable storage via microSD, but the onboard storage is fast and sufficient for most users.

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus runs on Nothing OS based on Android 13. This custom skin offers a clean, minimalist interface and focuses on a close-to-the-original Android experience with some unique features that reflect the brand's commitment to simplicity and efficiency. The interface is slick and intuitive, with a focus on design elements like minimalist icons, interactive widgets, and seamless integration into the brand's product ecosystem.

Camera System :

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus features a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, giving you versatile photography options. The 50MP main sensor captures clear, detailed images with vibrant colors and sharp focus in bright lighting. The f/1.8 aperture ensures good light capture, so the camera performs well in low light. The 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera has a wide field of view, making it ideal for capturing landscapes and large groups.

When taking portrait photos, the phone's AI-powered software creates a beautiful bokeh effect that blurs the background while keeping your subject in sharp focus. The camera settings also include a night mode for better performance in low light and HDR for high-contrast scenes to create more balanced images.

The selfie camera is a 16MP sensor that captures crisp selfies with clear skin tones and details. There are also a ton of fun features, including AI enhancement, beauty mode, and a range of filters to customize your selfies and portraits.

When it comes to video, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second on both the main and ultra-wide cameras, making it a solid choice for content creators and video enthusiasts. The camera software also comes with stabilization, helping you capture smoother footage when you're on the go.

Battery Life :

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is equipped with a 4,700 mAh battery that will get most users through a full day, depending on personal usage patterns. With an efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and a power-saving OLED display, the phone delivers a great balance between performance and battery life. Users can expect around 6-7 hours of screen time with moderate usage, including web browsing, media consumption, and social media activity.

The phone supports 33W fast charging, which can charge from 0% to 50% in around 30 minutes. This is not the fastest charging solution, but it is good enough for users who need a quick charge. It also supports wireless charging, which is limited to 15W but adds convenience.

Software and Features :

The Nothing OS running on the Phone (2a) Plus offers a clean, bloatware-free experience with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. The integration of design elements is noticeable, such as customizable widgets and a minimalist approach to app icons. The LED lighting system introduced on previous Nothing devices continues to provide interactive notifications, adding personality and functionality to the phone.

In terms of connectivity, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC. It also has all the sensors needed for secure authentication, including an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock.

Conclusion :

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is an attractive choice for those looking for a unique, design-driven smartphone that doesn't compromise on performance or features. Its transparent back with interactive LED lighting, premium build, powerful chipset, and clean user experience make it a solid choice for tech enthusiasts and consumers looking for something different. While the camera system and battery life may not be best in class, it's still a great overall package that offers great value for the price. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus strikes a good balance between style, performance, and affordability, making it an attractive choice in the smartphone market.