Nothing Phone 2a Plus Review: Igniting Innovation in Smartphone Design
Nothing Phone 2a Plus: A Mid-Range Masterclass
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus is the latest addition to Nothing’s lineup, and it’s a significant upgrade to the original 2a. With a slight performance boost, improved camera capabilities, and a snappy 120Hz AMOLED display, this device is poised to give you the best of both worlds – affordability and quality. In this review, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of this mid-range marvel.
What’s New and Notable
The 2a Plus boasts a slightly upgraded Dimensity 7350 Pro chip, promising 10% better CPU performance and 30% greater graphical performance compared to the standard 2a. You’ll also find a new 50MP front camera, a faster 50W charging rate, and a refreshed transparent polycarbonate design with metallic detailing.
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re currently using a 2a, the upgrade is modest, but worth considering. However, if you’re coming from a higher-end device, you might be better off exploring other options. The 2a Plus still lags behind flagship devices in terms of performance, camera capabilities, and software support. Still, its unique aesthetic, Glyph lighting, and solid mid-range specs make it a compelling choice for those looking for a reliable daily driver.
Specifications at a Glance
- Dimensions: 161.7 x 78 x 8.2mm
- Weight: 209g
- Display: 6.7-inch Full HD+ 120Hz AMOLED
- Chipset: Dimensity 7350 Pro
- RAM: 6GB, 8GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB
- Rear Cameras: 50MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro
- Front Camera: 50MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh + 50W fast charging
How I Tested the Nothing Phone 2a Plus
To give you a comprehensive look at this device, I used it as my primary phone for a month, putting it through daily tests, including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, and streaming. I compared it to the 2a and 2, using Geekbench 6, Geekbench AI, GFXBench, and native Android stats to benchmark performance.
Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side comparison with the Xiaomi Poco F6, Motorola Edge 50 Neo, and the Nothing Phone 2:
| Specification | Nothing Phone 2a Plus | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (at launch) | From $50 / £50 / AU$40 more than the equivalent storage capacity Phone 2a | From $399.99 / £339 / AU$449 | From £399 / €449.99 |
| Dimensions | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2mm | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.8mm | 154.1 x 71.2 x 8.6mm |
| Weight | 209g | 179g | 171g |
| OS (at launch) | Android 14 | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Display | 6.7-inch Full HD+ 120Hz AMOLED | 6.6-inch Full HD+ 120Hz Super AMOLED | 6.67-inch (1220 x 2712) 120Hz CrystalRes Flow AMOLED |
| Chipset | Dimensity 7350 Pro | Samsung Exynos 1380 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 |
| RAM | 6GB, 8GB | 6GB, 8GB | 8GB, 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro | 50MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide | 50MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide |
| Front Camera | 50MP | 13MP | 20MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh + 50W fast charging | 5,000mAh + 25W wired | 4,310mAh + 68W wired, 15W wireless |
Final Verdict
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus is a solid mid-range option that checks all the right boxes. With a sleek design, impressive display, and decent performance, it’s a great choice for those looking for a reliable daily driver. However, its limitations in camera capabilities, software support, and performance compared to higher-end devices might make it a harder sell for those willing to spend more. Nonetheless, the 2a Plus is a commendable effort from Nothing, showcasing the brand’s ability to create a compelling mid-range device that’s both stylish and functional.
