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| Nothing Phone 2a Plus |
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus, priced at $399, is the latest addition to Nothing's innovative smartphone lineup. With 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, this mid-range device offers a unique glyph interface, solid build quality, and a clean Android experience. However, its camera performance is only average. Let's dive deeper into its features and performance to see how it stands out in the crowded mid-range market.
Specifications and Pricing
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus packs impressive specs into a sleek design. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels, a peak brightness of 1300 nits, and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The device measures 6.37 x 3.00 x 0.33 inches (161.7 x 76.32 x 8.55mm) and weighs 6.70oz (190g). Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G processor, it promises smooth performance for everyday tasks.
Key Specs:
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2412 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate
- Battery: 5,000 mAh with 50W fast charging
- Camera: Dual 50MP rear cameras, 50MP front camera
- OS: Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.6
- Price: $399
Design and Build Quality
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus stands out with its unique design, featuring a translucent rear panel and the iconic glyph interface. The symmetrical bezels, measuring 2.1mm, add to its premium look. Despite being made of plastic, the phone feels solid and well-constructed with satisfying button feedback.
The device is IP54 certified, offering protection against dust and water splashes. However, the lack of wireless charging and a headphone jack might be a downside for some users. The large display can be challenging for one-handed use, but it offers ample screen real estate for multimedia consumption.
Display and Performance
The 6.7-inch AMOLED display on the Nothing Phone 2a Plus delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, thanks to OLED technology. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and transitions, enhancing the overall user experience. The display also supports HDR10+ and an always-on display feature.
Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G processor, built on 4nm technology, powers the device. It offers a Geekbench 6 single-core score of 1,119 and a multi-core score of 2,206. While it may not match flagship processors in raw power, it handles everyday tasks and app launches with ease. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for connectivity.
Camera Performance
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus features a dual-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. The camera performs well in good lighting conditions but struggles in low light, resulting in noisy images. It can record 4K videos at 30fps and full HD videos at 60fps.
The 50MP front camera is capable of capturing detailed selfies and recording 4K videos at 30fps. Despite its high resolution, the selfie camera delivers results comparable to other mid-range devices like the Google Pixel 7a.
Software Experience
Running on Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.6, the Phone 2a Plus offers a clean and bloat-free experience. The dot-matrix design aesthetic is subtly integrated throughout the system, giving it a unique touch. The phone comes with minimal pre-installed apps, allowing users to customize their experience.
The glyph interface adds a fun element to the device, allowing users to customize LED brightness, music visualization, and create personalized glyph sequences for ringtones. Nothing promises three years of major OS updates and four years of security patches, ensuring the device remains up-to-date.
Battery Life and Charging
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, providing ample power for a full day of usage. The adaptive 120Hz refresh rate helps conserve battery life by adjusting the refresh rate based on the content being viewed. The device supports 50W fast charging, but users will need to purchase a compatible charger separately as it is not included in the box.
Price and Availability
Priced at $399, the Nothing Phone 2a Plus offers excellent value for money. It is available in a new metallic grey color, with a black variant expected to be available in the future. The phone will be available for purchase through Nothing's U.S. Beta Program starting August 7 at 9 am EST.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique design with glyph interface
- Clean and bloat-free Android experience
- Solid build quality with symmetrical bezels
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate display
Cons:
- Average camera performance
- No wireless charging
- Lack of headphone jack and microSD card slot
Conclusion
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus is a compelling choice for those seeking a mid-range device with a unique design and clean software experience. While it may not excel in camera performance, its overall value, solid build quality, and innovative features make it a strong contender in the mid-range market. If you're in the market for a stylish and well-performing smartphone at an affordable price, the Nothing Phone 2a Plus is worth considering.
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