Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Review: A Refreshing Take on an already popular design

In a time when smartphones are packed with features and often look similar to one another, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a refreshing change. Building on the success of the Nothing Phone (1) and the Nothing Phone (2), the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a natural progression that combines advanced technology with the brand’s signature minimalistic design. This phone isn’t just another upgrade; it focuses on simplicity while still delivering powerful performance, making it a standout choice for anyone looking for something different in the crowded smartphone market.

This review will delve into every aspect of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, from its design and build quality to performance, software, camera capabilities, and more, to determine whether this device truly lives up to the hype.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus impresses with its striking design. Measuring 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm and weighing 190 grams, it offers a balanced feel in hand. The phone’s build consists of a glass front protected by Gorilla Glass 5, a plastic frame, and a plastic back. While the use of plastic might be seen as a compromise in premium feel compared to glass or metal, it helps keep the device lightweight and durable.

One of the standout features is the three LED light strips on the back. These aren’t just for show; they serve practical purposes including notifications, camera fill light, and customizable addressable zones. This design choice highlights Nothing’s commitment to creating a visually distinctive product while enhancing functionality.

Display

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 395 ppi. The display supports HDR10+ and offers a peak brightness of 1300 nits, which makes it highly readable even in direct sunlight. With a 120Hz refresh rate, the display ensures smooth scrolling and a fluid user experience.

The use of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 adds an extra layer of protection, and the always-on display feature allows users to glance at notifications and other essential information without waking the phone. The screen’s vibrant colors and high contrast ratios make for an immersive viewing experience, suitable for media consumption and gaming alike.

Performance

Under the hood, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset. This 4nm processor includes an octa-core CPU with two high-performance Cortex-A715 cores running at 3.0 GHz and six efficient Cortex-A510 cores running at 2.0 GHz. Accompanied by the Mali-G610 MC4 GPU, the phone is well-equipped to handle everyday tasks and gaming with ease.

Benchmark scores for the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus are impressive. In AnTuTu, the device achieved a score of 620,762 (v9) and 774,023 (v10), while GeekBench scores came in at 2,234 (v5) and 2,648 (v6). The 3DMark Wild Life benchmark results, showing a score of 4,795 in offscreen 1440p, further illustrate the phone’s capability for graphics-intensive applications.

In practical usage, the phone performs admirably. Multitasking is smooth, and apps open quickly without noticeable lag. Gaming experiences are generally positive, with most titles running smoothly at high settings, though some graphically demanding games might require reduced settings for optimal performance.

Camera

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus distinguishes itself with a robust camera system that builds on its predecessor’s strengths while introducing several enhancements. This section delves into the camera’s features, performance, and overall image quality.

Rear Camera Setup

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus features a dual-camera array on the back:

1. 50 MP Wide Lens: The primary sensor is a 50 MP wide lens with an f/1.9 aperture. This lens is designed to capture sharp, detailed images with good color accuracy. The large sensor size (1/1.57″) and pixel dimensions (1.0µm) enhance light sensitivity, making the camera capable of producing high-quality photos even in challenging lighting conditions. The inclusion of Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) helps ensure that images remain clear and focused, reducing blurriness from shaky hands or moving subjects.
2. 50 MP Ultrawide Lens: Complementing the wide lens is a 50 MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture and a 114˚ field of view. This lens allows for capturing broader scenes, making it ideal for landscape photography and group shots. The sensor size of 1/2.76″ and pixel dimensions of 0.64µm support detailed captures, though some edge distortion may be noticeable. Despite this, the ultrawide lens expands the creative possibilities for photography.

Front Camera

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus also features a high-resolution front camera:

• 50 MP Wide Lens: The front camera comes with a 50 MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. This high-resolution lens is designed to capture detailed and vibrant selfies. The sensor size of 1/2.76″ and pixel dimensions of 0.64µm ensure that images are sharp and well-lit, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
• HDR Support: The front camera includes HDR capabilities, which improve the dynamic range of selfies by balancing exposure and highlighting details in both bright and shadowed areas.

Camera Performance

In practice, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus delivers solid camera performance:

Daylight Photography: The wide lens excels in bright conditions, producing sharp, vibrant images with accurate color reproduction. The ultrawide lens is also effective, though some distortion at the edges can occur.

• Video Quality: The 4K video recording provides excellent detail and clarity, while the 1080p modes offer flexibility for smooth, high-frame-rate footage. The gyro-EIS feature significantly enhances video stability, making it suitable for dynamic filming scenarios.

Battery Life and Charging

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, which is becoming a standard size for modern smartphones. This battery capacity supports a full day of usage with moderate to heavy use, including social media, streaming, and gaming. The phone’s charging capabilities are also notable, with a 50W wired charger that can charge the device to 50% in just 21 minutes and achieve a full charge in 56 minutes, according to the manufacturer.

Software and Features

Running on Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.6, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a clean and intuitive user interface with minimal bloatware. The OS provides up to three major Android updates, ensuring that the phone will stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

The phone includes a range of sensors, including an under-display optical fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be a drawback for some users, but the inclusion of stereo speakers and support for Bluetooth 5.3 provides alternative audio options.

Connectivity options are robust, with support for GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G networks, ensuring compatibility with most global carriers. The phone also features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support, enhancing its versatility and connectivity.

Price and Value

Nothing has been actively expanding its smartphone lineup across various price segments, offering options for different budgets and needs. Following the launch of its sub-brand’s entry-level CMF Phone 1, which targeted the budget segment, the company now introduces the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. This updated version of the Nothing Phone 2a brings enhancements in camera, performance, and battery life, reflecting the company’s strategy to cater to a broader audience with refined offerings.

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is priced at ₹27,999 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. The higher-end model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is available for ₹29,999. These pricing tiers position the device competitively within its segment, offering a blend of advanced features and performance at a reasonable cost.

Given its price point, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provides substantial value. With its standout design, high-quality AMOLED display, and impressive camera capabilities, it delivers a premium experience without the premium price tag. The competitive pricing, coupled with solid performance and features, makes the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus a compelling choice for those seeking a high-performing smartphone that stands out in both functionality and design.

Conclusion

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a commendable addition to the smartphone market, balancing aesthetics, performance, and functionality effectively. Its standout features include a striking design with customizable LED strips, a high-quality AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a capable camera system. With strong performance benchmarks and competitive battery life, it offers a well-rounded experience for most users.

While the choice of materials might not cater to those seeking a premium feel, and the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack could be a concern for some, these aspects are offset by the phone’s innovative design and overall performance. For those in the market for a distinctive, high-performing smartphone at a reasonable price, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is certainly worth considering.

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus FAQ

Q: What are the key features of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus?

A: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a unique design with customizable LED strips, a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a powerful 50MP dual rear camera system, and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset.

Q: How much does the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus cost?

A: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is priced at ₹27,999 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant and ₹29,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant.

Q: What is the battery life like on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus?

A: The 5000 mAh battery provides a full day of usage with moderate to heavy use. It also supports 50W fast charging, reaching 50% charge in 21 minutes.

Q: Does the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus have a good camera?

A: Yes, the 50MP dual rear camera system and the 50MP front camera deliver impressive photo and video quality in various lighting conditions.