Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a new high-end phone that has been making waves in the tech world. With its sleek design, powerful specs, and impressive camera, it’s easy to see why this phone is generating so much buzz.
In this review, I’ll take a closer look at the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus and see how it stacks up against the competition. I’ll cover everything from its hardware and software to its performance and battery life.
By the end of this review, you’ll have a good understanding of whether or not the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is right for you. So, let’s get started!
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Details
Design and Display
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a sleek and stylish design with a glass front, plastic frame, and plastic back. Its dimensions are 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (height x width x thickness), and it weighs 190 grams. This phone feels premium in hand and is easy to handle despite its large size. It is available in Black and Grey colors.
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus features a large 6.7-inch Flexible AMOLED display with a resolution of 1084×2412 pixels. Key features of the display include a 120Hz refresh rate, 1.07 billion colors (10-bit), and a pixel density of 395 PPI. The display is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring durability against scratches and minor drops. It also boasts an impressive brightness of 700 nits (typical), 1100 nits (HBM), and 1300 nits (peak), making it easy to use in various lighting conditions. Additionally, it has an always-on display feature.
Camera Quality
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a dual-camera setup on the back, which includes a 50 MP primary camera with a wide-angle lens (84° field-of-view) and an f/1.88 aperture, and a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera with an f/2.2 aperture. It offers features like LED flash, 10x digital zoom, autofocus, face detection, and touch-to-focus. The rear camera can record video at a maximum resolution of 3840×2160 pixels (4K) at 30 frames per second (fps), and 1920×1080 pixels (FHD) at 60 fps. Additional camera settings include exposure compensation, ISO control, and high dynamic range mode (HDR).
On the front, there is a 50 MP camera inside the punch-hole notch for selfies and video calls. The front-facing camera offers features like fixed focus and can record video at a maximum resolution of 3840×2160 pixels (4K) at 30 fps and 1920×1080 pixels (FHD) at 60 fps.
Performance and Battery Life
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G chipset and features an ARM Mali-G610 MC4 GPU. The device is equipped with an octa-core CPU, which includes 2 Cortex-A715 cores running at 3.0 GHz and 6 Cortex-A510 cores running at 2.0 GHz. It runs on Nothing OS 2.6, which is based on the Android 14 operating system. The smartphone comes in two variants with different configurations: 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. However, it does not support expandable storage via a microSD card.
When it comes to battery life, the device has a large 5000mAh non-removable Lithium Ion battery. It supports 50W fast charging, allowing it to charge 50% in 21 minutes and 100% in 56 minutes (advertised).
Network and Connectivity
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a dual nano-SIM card slot and supports 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. Connectivity options on the phone include Wi-Fi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) 5GHz and 6GHz, mobile hotspot, GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS, NFC, OTG support, a USB Type-C 2.0 port, and Bluetooth v5.3. However, it does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack or an IR blaster.
Sensor and Other Features
The mobile features an under-display (in-display) optical fingerprint sensor. Other sensors included in this phone are an accelerometer, electronic compass, front ambient light sensor, gyroscope, and proximity sensor. The phone also has stereo speakers, supports various audio and video playback formats, and has a USB Type-C earphone jack.
Pros and Cons
When buying a new smartphone, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each device before making a decision. This will help you find the best phone for your needs and budget.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Newer processor
- Sharp display
- Tons of personalization with Glyph Interface
Cons
- Limited 5G support
- Short 3 years of Android updates
Verdict
Overall, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a well-rounded package with high-end features, making it a compelling choice for users seeking a blend of style, performance, and advanced technology. Whether you’re into photography, gaming, or simply need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks, this phone is a solid contender in its segment.
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Specifications
General
| Name | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus |
| Brand | Nothing |
| Model | Phone (2a) Plus |
| Announced | 31 July, 2024 |
| Launch Date | 03 August, 2024 |
| Manufacturer Manufacturer (or Made by): Indicates the company or brand responsible for making the product. | Nothing |
| Made in Made in (or Country of Origin): Indicates the country where the product was manufactured. | London |
| Status | Available |
Display
| Display Type | Flexible AMOLED |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches (17.02 cm) |
| Resolution | 1084x2412 px (FHD+) |
| Aspect Ratio | 20:9 ratio |
| Pixel Density Pixel Density: Pixels per inch and pixels per centimetre are measurements of the pixel density of an electronic image device, such as a computer monitor or television display, or image digitizing device such as a camera or image scanner. | 395 PPI |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Multitouch Multitouch: Smartphone multitouch is a technology that allows the screen to recognize and respond to multiple touch points simultaneously. It enables users to perform gestures like pinch-to-zoom, rotation, and swiping with multiple fingers, enhancing the overall interactivity and usability of the device. | |
| Color Depth Color Depth: Color depth or colour depth, also known as bit depth, is either the number of bits used to indicate the color of a single pixel, or the number of bits used for each color component of a single pixel. When referring to a pixel, the concept can be defined as bits per pixel. | 1.07 billion colours (10-bit) |
| Brightness | 700 nits (typical), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Touch Screen Touch Screen: Touch screens provide an intuitive and versatile interface, enabling multi-touch gestures such as swiping, pinching, and tapping. | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen |
| Bezel-less Design Bezel-less display: A bezel-less display minimizes or eliminates the non-display areas around the screen, providing a sleek, immersive look and maximizing the visual experience. | Yes, with punch-hole display |
| Screen Protection Screen Protection: Display protection refers to the various technologies and materials used to safeguard a smartphone's screen from damage such as scratches, cracks, and impacts. | Yes, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Screen Ratio Screen-to-body ratio: Percentage of a device's front surface occupied by the display, indicating how efficiently the space is used for the screen. Higher ratios mean more immersive displays. | 87.1% (screen-to-body ratio) |
| Other Features | Always On Display |
Design
| Height | 161.7 mm |
| Width | 76.3 mm |
| Thickness | 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 190g |
| Material Built Material: The physical construction materials of a smartphone, influence its durability, weight, and aesthetic qualities. Common materials include metal, glass, plastic, ceramic, etc. | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Colors | Black, Grey |
| Waterproof | Yes, Splash proof, IP54 |
| Ruggedness | Dust proof |
Camera
| Rear Camera | Dual |
| Resolution |
50 MP f/1.88, Wide Angle (84° field-of-view), Primary Camera 50 MP f/2.2, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera |
| Autofocus | Yes, Contrast Detection autofocus, Phase Detection autofocus |
| Stabilization Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): OIS in smartphones is a technology designed to reduce the blurriness of photos and videos caused by hand movements or vibrations. It works by physically adjusting the camera lens or sensor to compensate for these movements. | Yes |
| Rear Flash | Yes, LED Flash |
| Image Resolution | 8150 x 6150 Pixels |
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control |
| Shooting Modes |
Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
| Camera Features | 10 x Digital Zoom, Auto Flash, Face detection, Touch to focus |
| Video Recording |
3840x2160 @ 30 fps 1920x1080 @ 60 fps |
| Others Features | Action Mode |
| Front Camera | Single |
| Camera Type | Punch-hole Notch |
| Resolution | 50 MP f/2.2, Wide Angle, Primary Camera |
| Camera Features | Fixed Focus |
| Video Recording |
3840x2160 @ 30 fps 1920x1080 @ 60 fps |
Battery
| Capacity Battery Capacity: Battery capacity in smartphones refers to the amount of energy a battery can store, typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). It indicates how long a battery can power the device before needing a recharge. | 5,000 mAh |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Removable Removable Battery: A removable battery in a smartphone is a battery that users can easily take out and replace without tools. Removable batteries were more common in older models; modern smartphones favor non-removable batteries for sleeker designs and better water resistance. | |
| Wired Charging | Yes, 50W Fast Charging 50% in 21 minutes, 100% in 56 minutes (advertised) |
Performance
| Chipset Chipset: In smartphones, the chipset is like the device's brain, controlling everything from processing tasks to managing connectivity. It includes the CPU, GPU, modem, and other components, determining the device's performance and capabilities. Different smartphones use different chipsets made by companies like Qualcomm or MediaTek. | MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G |
| CPU CPU (Central Processing Unit) Clock Speed: The CPU, commonly known as the processor, is responsible for processing instructions to perform various functions that enable a device to operate properly. Often described as the brain of computers, smartphones, and tablets, the CPU plays a crucial role in executing tasks and running applications on these devices. Smartphones and tablets rely heavily on their processors to carry out every task, from running apps to managing system operations. Therefore, the processor is an incredibly important factor to consider when selecting any type of computing device, including smartphones. | Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Architecture Instruction Set Architectures (ISAs): In the context of smartphones, "architecture" refers to the design and structure of the processor, which determines how it processes information and executes instructions. This encompasses the processor's instruction set, memory management, and overall design principles. One common term related to architecture is "64-bit architecture," which has significant implications for performance and capabilities. | 64-bit |
| Fabrication Semiconductor Fabrication: Fabrication in the context of semiconductors and microprocessors refers to the process of manufacturing integrated circuits (ICs) or chips. This involves creating the physical structures of a chip, such as transistors and other electronic components, on a silicon wafer. The term "fabrication" is often used interchangeably with "process node" or "technology node," which indicates the manufacturing technology used to create these chips. | 4 nm |
| GPU GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): The GPU in a smartphone is a specialized processor designed to handle the rendering of images, animations, and video, as well as other tasks involving graphics and visual data. It works alongside the CPU (Central Processing Unit) to deliver a smooth and visually rich experience. | ARM Mali-G610 MC4 |
| RAM Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is a type of computer memory that is used to store data temporarily while a device is in use. RAM is a critical component in smartphones, enabling fast access to data, smooth multitasking, and efficient operation of applications. The amount and type of RAM can significantly impact the performance and user experience of a smartphone. | 8GB / 12GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5 |
| User Interface User interface (UI): A custom user interface (UI) is a layer of software that manufacturers often develop on top of the base operating system to differentiate their devices, enhance user experience, and add unique features. Custom UIs provide additional functionalities, themes, and design elements that are not present in the stock OS. | Nothing OS 2.6 |
| Operating System Operating System (OS): The operating system is the core software that manages all the hardware and software resources on a smartphone. It provides a platform for running applications and controls basic functions such as managing memory, processing tasks, and handling input/output operations. | Android 14 (3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches) |
Storage
| ROM ROM (Read-Only Memory): In the context of smartphones and other electronic devices, ROM typically refers to the built-in storage where the operating system, system files, and pre-installed apps are stored. | 256 GB |
| MicroSD Card MicroSD Card Slot: A microSD card is a small, portable storage device used to expand the storage capacity of electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, and more. It's inserted into a device's MicroSD card slot to store extra photos, videos, music, and other data. | No |
| Expandable Storage | No |
| Storage Type Storage Type: In smartphones, storage types typically include built-in eMMC or UFS (Universal Flash Storage) for internal storage, and expandable storage options like MicroSD cards. | UFS 3.1 |
Network
| SIMs | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| SIM Size | Nano-SIM (4FF) |
| SIM Slot Type | Dual Nano SIM Slots |
| Network Support | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Network Speed | HSPA, LTE (CA), 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| VoLTE VoLTE (Voice over LTE): VoLTE is a technology that allows voice calls to be made over a 4G LTE network, rather than the traditional 2G or 3G networks. In summary, VoLTE enhances call quality and functionality by using the 4G LTE network for voice communications. | |
| 2G Bands 2G (Second Generation): 2G is a wireless technology standard for mobile telecommunications that was introduced in the 1990s and enabled the transmission of digital voice and data services, using digital transmission instead of analog. It has slower data speeds compared to later generations like 3G and 4G. | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 |
| 3G Bands | UMTS 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19 |
| 4G Bands | LTE 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41,42,66 |
| 5G Bands | NR n1, n3, n5, n7, n8, n20, n28, n38, n40, n41, n66, n77, n78 |
| GPRS GPRS (General Packet Radio Service): General Packet Radio Service is a packet-oriented mobile data standard on 2G and 3G cellular communication networks' global system for mobile communications (GSM). In summary, GPRS is a mobile data service that enhances the data capabilities of 2G and 3G networks, providing basic internet and multimedia services. | |
| EDGE EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution): Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution is a technology used to improve the data transmission rates of 2G GSM networks. In summary, EDGE boosts the data transmission capabilities of 2G networks, providing faster speeds and improved performance for mobile internet access. |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows electronic devices to connect to a local area network (LAN) wirelessly, typically using the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) or 5 GHz radio frequency bands. | Yes, Wi-Fi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) 5GHz 6GHz, MIMO |
| Wi-Fi Features | Wi-Fi Direct, Mobile Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.3 |
| GPS GPS (Global Positioning System): GPS originally Navstar GPS, is a satellite-based radio navigation system. It is a satellite-based radio navigation system, GPS permits users to determine their position, velocity, and the time 24 hours a day, in all weather, anywhere in the world, In order to locate your position, your device or GPS receiver must have a clear view of the sky. | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass |
| NFC NFC (Near Field Communication): NFC is a wireless technology that enables devices like smartphones and payment terminals to communicate when they're close together, facilitating contactless transactions and data transfer. | Yes |
| OTG OTG (On-The-Go): The full form of OTG is On-The-Go . OTG is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard that allows USB devices to be connected. Without using a computer connection, USB OTG items can connect. You can connect your mobile phone or tablet to various gadgets using a USB OTG link. | Supported |
| Browser Browser: A browser is a software application used to access and view information on the World Wide Web. It allows users to navigate through websites, view web pages, and interact with various online content such as text, images, videos, and other multimedia resources. | Default (HTML5) |
| IR Blaster Infrared (IR) blaster: Some smartphones may come with an infrared (IR) blaster, which allows your smartphone to act as a universal remote control for controlling other devices, such as TVs, set-top boxes, and home appliances, that use infrared technology for communication. | No |
| USB Interface | USB Type-C 2.0, Mass storage device, USB charging |
Sensors
| Fingerprint Fingerprint: A fingerprint, in the context of smartphones and other devices, refers to a biometric authentication method that uses the unique patterns on a person's fingertip to verify their identity. | |
| Fingerprint Position | Under-display (in-display) fingerprint scanner |
| Fingerprint Type | Optical fingerprint sensor |
| Face Unlock Facial Recognition: Face Unlock is a biometric authentication feature found in many smartphones. It uses facial recognition technology to identify and authenticate users, allowing them to unlock their devices simply by looking at the front-facing camera. | |
| Other Sensors | Accelerometer, Electronic Compass, Front Ambient Light Sensor, Gyroscope, Proximity Sensor |
Multimedia
| FM Radio | |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Earphone Jack | USB Type-C |
| Stereo Speakers Stereo Speakers: Stereo speakers are two speakers built into a single device. They are usually positioned on the left and right side of the device and each speaker uses the respective channel of stereo sound, thus producing a stereo effect. | Yes |
| Voice Recording | Available |
| Audio Playback | MP3, AAC, AAC+, WMA, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WAV, FLAC, APE, OGG, MID, M4A, IMY, AC3, EAC3, EAC3-JOC, AC4 |
| Video Playback | MKV, MOV, MP4, H.265 (HEVC), TS, 3GP, FLV, WEBM |
| Ringtone Formats | MP3, Vibration |
| Video Formats Video formats recorded: The file formats used for saving videos. | MP4 |
| Image Formats Image formats captured: The file formats used for saving images. | JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF, WEB, HEIF, HEIC, DNG |
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Disclaimer Note
The information on this page may not be entirely accurate or up-to-date. Product prices are approximate and may vary based on taxes, import duties, and other factors.
