Introduction
In today’s saturated smartphone market, it’s not easy for a relatively new company to stand out. However, Nothing, founded in 2020 by Carl Pei (co-founder of OnePlus), manages to do so through a unique design philosophy and a fresh approach to user experience. After launching the Nothing Phone (1) and Nothing Phone (2), the London-based company released the Nothing Phone (2a) – a more affordable version that still maintains the brand’s innovative spirit.
Is this mid-range device truly offering a unique and quality experience? Can it compete with established players in this price category like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus? In this article, we’ll examine the Nothing Phone (2a) in depth to answer these questions.
Design: Not Just Another Anonymous Smartphone
One of the first things that draws attention to the Nothing Phone (2a) is its unique design. Unlike most smartphones in this price category that often look almost identical, the Nothing Phone (2a) offers a distinctive aesthetic that stands out immediately.
Semi-Transparent Back with a Twist
The semi-transparent back of the device reveals some of the internal components, but in a designed and precise way. Unlike the Phone (1) and Phone (2), where the cameras are positioned in the corner, the Phone (2a) features a dual-camera array centered on the back inside a flat, prominent circle. Below it are three decorative coils that create a unique and interesting pattern. The back itself is made of plastic instead of glass but still feels quality to the touch.
The Glyph System
One of the recognized features of the Nothing Phone series is the Glyph system – LED lights embedded in the back of the device that use lighting to convey information. In the Phone (2a), this system has been reduced compared to the more expensive models, including only three illuminated elements instead of the more complex array of previous models. The lights can alert you to notifications, serve as a visual timer, show charging status, and even act as a soft fill light for photography.
Frame and Overall Feel
The frame of the Phone (2a) is made of hard plastic instead of aluminum found in more expensive models, but it still feels durable and pleasant to touch. The device is relatively light, weighing 190 grams, and reasonably thin with a thickness of 8.9mm. It comes in two colors – black and white, with the white version being particularly striking and giving the device a unique presence.
In summary, the Nothing Phone (2a) provides a refreshing and special design that stands out in the relatively uniform landscape of similarly priced phones.
Display: Uncompromising Quality
The Nothing Phone (2a) comes with a flexible 6.7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080×2412 pixels. Contrary to what we might expect from a device at this price point, Nothing hasn’t compromised on screen quality:
- 120Hz refresh rate that adapts itself between 30Hz and 120Hz depending on the content displayed
- Maximum brightness of 1300 nits in HDR mode and typical brightness of 700 nits
- HDR10+ support
- 100% DCI-P3 color coverage
In daily use, the screen is impressive in quality – colors are rich, contrast is deep as expected from an OLED display, and the high refresh rate provides a smooth feeling when scrolling and navigating the device. The screen brightness is also sufficient, and the device can be used comfortably even in direct sunlight, although it doesn’t reach the brightness levels of premium models.
The punch-hole for the front camera is positioned in the center of the upper part of the screen, and the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which, while not the most recent, still provides good protection against scratches and minor drops.
Performance: Surprising Processor
At the heart of the Nothing Phone (2a) is a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, developed in collaboration between Nothing and MediaTek. This is a chip based on 4nm architecture with a 2+6 core configuration:
- 2 Cortex-A715 cores at 2.8GHz for high performance
- 6 Cortex-A510 cores at 2.0GHz for energy efficiency
The processor is accompanied by a Mali-G610 MC4 GPU, which provides good graphics performance for the price.
Benchmark Performance
In synthetic performance tests, the Nothing Phone (2a) shows impressive results for its price category:
- Geekbench 6: About 1140 in single-core and about 2700 in multi-core tests
- AnTuTu: Total score of about 720,000
- 3DMark Wild Life: About 4200 points
These results position it well in the mid-range category, with performance sometimes approaching more expensive phones.
Daily Performance and Gaming
In daily use, the Phone (2a) functions smoothly and quickly. Applications open rapidly, switching between them is fluid, and I didn’t encounter freezes or slow responses. The operating system, Nothing OS 2.5 (based on Android 14), is optimized and works well with the hardware.
In terms of gaming, the device handles demanding titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact well, although not always at the highest graphic settings. In Genshin Impact, for example, you need to lower the settings to a medium level to maintain a stable frame rate, but most popular games run smoothly.
The cooling system of the device is relatively efficient, although during prolonged gaming sessions, you can feel the device heating up, but not to uncomfortable levels.
Memory and Storage
The Nothing Phone (2a) comes in two configurations:
- 8GB RAM with 128GB storage
- 12GB RAM with 256GB storage
The memory is LPDDR5 type and the storage is UFS 3.1 type, both advanced technologies that contribute to the device’s good performance. It’s important to note that there is no option to expand storage via a microSD card, so it’s advisable to choose the configuration with larger storage if you plan to use the device for a long time.
Cameras: Surprising Quality
One area where mid-range phones tend to compromise is camera quality. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) offers a camera array that performs relatively well for its price category:
Rear Cameras:
- Main Camera: 50MP Samsung GN9 with sensor size 1/1.56″, aperture f/1.88, and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
- Ultra-wide Camera: 50MP Samsung JN1 with sensor size 1/2.76″, aperture f/2.2, and a field of view of 114 degrees
Front Camera:
- 32MP Sony IMX615 with aperture f/2.2 and sensor size 1/2.74″
Photo Quality
In good lighting conditions, the main camera produces very good quality images with a high level of detail, good color accuracy, and a wide dynamic range. Nothing’s image processing is relatively balanced, with a preference for natural colors over overly saturated ones.
The ultra-wide camera, despite having the same high resolution as the main one, produces images with less detail and more noise, especially at the edges of the frame. However, it’s still adequate relative to the device’s price.
In low light conditions, the Phone (2a) performs reasonably well. The device’s night mode provides decent results, with a reasonable level of noise and preservation of details, although it doesn’t reach the level of premium phones. The OIS in the main camera helps reduce blur in night shots.
The front camera produces good quality selfies, with natural colors and good handling of lighting. It excels particularly in good lighting conditions, but even in low light, the results are fairly decent.
Video Recording
The Nothing Phone (2a) can record video at 4K resolution at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps. Video quality is good in good lighting conditions, with effective stabilization and smooth motion. In low light conditions, video quality decreases as expected, but is still usable.
An interesting feature is the option to use the Glyph lighting on the back of the device as a gentle fill light for selfies or close objects in low light conditions.
Battery and Charging: Impressive Endurance
The Nothing Phone (2a) is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which is certainly generous for a device of this size. In daily use, the battery easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use, and with light use can even reach two days.
In practical tests, the device showed the following results:
- About 7-8 hours of screen time in mixed use
- About 16-18 hours of operation in typical daily use
- About 5-6 hours of continuous YouTube video watching
The device supports fast charging at 45W via USB-C, which can fill the battery from 0% to 50% in about 20 minutes, and from 0% to 100% in about an hour and a half. It’s important to note that the charger does not come in the box and needs to be purchased separately.
One of the notable disadvantages is the lack of wireless charging support, which is found in the company’s more expensive models. This is a feature that is already present in competing devices in the same price category.
Software Experience: Nothing OS at Its Best
One of the major advantages of Nothing devices is the unique software experience. Nothing OS 2.5, based on Android 14, offers a minimalist approach with a unique character to Android:
Unique Design
The Nothing OS interface includes special graphic elements such as a unique Dot Matrix font, monochromatic design widgets, and unique system animations. The design is minimalist and clean, with an emphasis on usability and order.
One of the prominent features is the “Nothing Widget” interface, which allows adding widgets of various sizes to the home screen that combine useful information with a unique aesthetic. For example, a retro-style digital clock widget, or a minimalist weather widget.
Functional Additions
Nothing has added several useful features on top of standard Android:
- Improved Quick Settings with personalization options
- Enhanced folder system with zoom capability on the home screen
- Improved screen recording with additional editing options
- Advanced Game mode with performance optimizations and do-not-disturb options
- Full integration with the Glyph system on the back of the device
Glyph Integration
A significant part of the Nothing OS experience is the ability to utilize the Glyph lighting on the back of the device:
- Customized notifications: You can customize different lighting patterns for different contacts or applications
- Visual timer: The Glyph system can serve as a visual timer showing the time remaining
- Volume indicator: The lights can display the volume level when changing it
- “Flip to Glyph” mode: Flipping the phone when receiving a call will silence it and activate the Glyph lighting instead
Updates and Support
Nothing is committed to providing 3 years of major operating system updates and 4 years of security updates for the Phone (2a). While this isn’t at the level of Google or Samsung (which offer 7 years of updates for their flagship models), it’s certainly reasonable for a device in this price category.
So far, Nothing has proven itself to be fairly efficient in providing updates, with regular improvements and bug fixes arriving at a reasonable pace.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Nothing Phone (2a) offers a complete connectivity package that includes:
- 5G support
- Wi-Fi 6 (not Wi-Fi 6E)
- Bluetooth 5.3
- NFC for contactless payments
- Dual-frequency GPS for more precise navigation
The device comes with stereophonic speakers that provide strong sound and a reasonable level of detail and bass, although not at the level of premium phones. It lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, which is no longer common in modern devices.
The fingerprint sensor is embedded under the screen and is accurate and fast, although not as fast as in the most expensive premium phones. There is also a facial recognition option, which works well in good lighting conditions but is less secure than fingerprint recognition.
The device is water and dust resistant to IP54 standard, which offers reasonable protection against water splashes and dust particles, but is not suitable for full immersion in water like the IP67 or IP68 standard found in more expensive devices.
Comparison to Competitors
In the price category of the Nothing Phone (2a) ($350-400), there are several significant competitors:
Samsung Galaxy A55
Advantages over the Phone (2a):
- Improved water and dust resistance (IP67)
- Support for storage expansion
- Longer update period (4 years of OS, 5 years of security)
- Brighter display
Disadvantages compared to the Phone (2a):
- Less unique design
- More cluttered OneUI interface
- No unique features like the Glyph system
Google Pixel 7a
Advantages over the Phone (2a):
- Better photo quality, especially in low light conditions
- Clean Android experience with quick updates
- Unique Google AI features
- Wireless charging
Disadvantages compared to the Phone (2a):
- Smaller screen (6.1 vs 6.7 inches)
- Smaller battery
- More conventional design
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro
Advantages over the Phone (2a):
- 200MP main camera
- Faster charging (67W)
- Lower price
Disadvantages compared to the Phone (2a):
- More cluttered MIUI with ads
- Fewer security updates over time
- Less unique design
OnePlus Nord 3
Advantages over the Phone (2a):
- Stronger processor
- Faster charging (80W)
- Brighter screen
Disadvantages compared to the Phone (2a):
- No unique design
- No special features like the Glyph system
- Less unique OxygenOS interface
Bottom Line: Is It Worth Buying?
The Nothing Phone (2a) is a refreshing device in the mid-range smartphone landscape. It offers an impressive package of unique design, good performance, and interesting software experience at a competitive price.
Main Advantages:
- Unique and prominent design – This is one of the most beautiful and special phones in its price range
- Clean and unique software experience – Nothing OS offers a refreshing version of Android with useful additions and unique design
- Quality display – Generous size OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Stable performance – Dimensity 7200 Pro processor provides good performance for most tasks and games
- Long battery life – 5,000mAh battery that easily lasts a full day
- Good cameras for the category – Dual rear camera array of 50MP+50MP that provides good results in good lighting conditions
Main Disadvantages:
- No wireless charging – A notable disadvantage compared to some competitors
- Limited water and dust resistance – Only IP54 compared to IP67/IP68 in certain competitors
- No storage expansion – No microSD card slot
- Relatively short update period – 3 years of OS updates compared to 4-7 years for some competitors
- Inconsistent image processing – Especially in low light conditions
Who Should Consider Buying the Nothing Phone (2a)?
- Those looking for a uniquely designed and stylish phone at a reasonable price
- Users who appreciate a clean, fast, and minimalist software experience
- Those who want good performance and a quality screen without paying flagship prices
- Tech enthusiasts looking for something different and special
Who Should Look for Alternatives?
- Those who need wireless charging
- Amateur photographers who need excellent camera performance in all lighting conditions
- Users who need high water resistance (IP67/IP68)
- Those looking for the strongest performance for demanding games
Conclusion
The Nothing Phone (2a) represents an excellent value proposition in the mid-range smartphone market. At a price of about $350-400, the device sets a high bar with its winning combination of unique design, stable performance, excellent screen, and strong battery.
The young company Nothing continues to differentiate itself through a refreshing approach to product and software design, and the Phone (2a) is an excellent example of what can be achieved even in more accessible price categories. Despite having several limitations compared to premium phones, it offers an impressive overall package for its price.
If you’re looking for a mid-range smartphone that stands out from the crowd, provides a clean and unique user experience, and performs all daily tasks efficiently and stylishly, the Nothing Phone (2a) is an excellent choice that is definitely worth the money.