Nothing Phone 2a
Over a brief period, Nothing has undergone significant evolution, now embodying a distinct identity. The company specializes in crafting commendable mid-range and upper mid-range smartphones that offer substantial value for money. The Nothing Phone 2a marks a departure from the norm, introducing fresh elements and a distinctive character. While retaining a familiar user experience complemented by a unique design, there’s a subtle refinement in the overall features. The noteworthy aspect is the competitive pricing, placing it within the budget-premium segment.
After an extensive week of testing, primarily focusing on the Glyph interface (just kidding, I explored every aspect), the Nothing Phone 2a reveals intriguing qualities. The crucial question arises: is it worthy of being your next purchase? Let’s delve into the details.
Price
Starting with the pricing, a pivotal factor for consideration, the Nothing Phone 2a comes with a price tag of Rs. 23,999 for the base model featuring 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Opting for increased storage? The 8GB RAM and 256GB variant are available at Rs. 25,999, while the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage option can be acquired for Rs. 27,999.
The device is offered in two color choices: White and Black. Both variations feature a plastic back panel with transparency, which, while sleek, tends to be slippery and susceptible to fingerprints.
The packaging, crafted from recycled materials, includes the phone, accompanying paperwork, a USB Type-C to Type-C charging cable, and a SIM ejector tool. The latter is akin to what is provided with Phone 1 and Phone 2. Notably, the charging cable incorporates transparent elements, rendering it one of the most aesthetically appealing in-box cables I’ve encountered. Additionally, Nothing includes a pre-applied screen protector on the Phone 2a.
The Nothing Phone 2a boasts an appealing aesthetic with a distinct rear design overhaul. Nothing has refined the Phone 2a, opting for a minimalistic approach by eliminating several LEDs. In contrast to its predecessors, the Phone 2a exhibits a streamlined rear with just three LED strips, a conscious design choice by Nothing.
The rear camera setup sees a notable shift in placement, now centralized within the NFC coil. The transparent panel provides a glimpse of flex cables above the battery. The Phone 2a features 90-degree sides, rounded edges, and a flat frame, enhancing its ergonomic feel. Conveniently positioned, the power button rests on the right side, while the volume controls are on the left, ensuring accessibility even when operating the phone single-handedly. Though responsive, the buttons could benefit from a more tactile feel. The bottom houses the USB Type-C port, speaker, microphone, and SIM card tray, while the top accommodates the second microphone. Nothing emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, employing 100 percent recycled aluminum for the mid-frame and incorporating recycled tin, copper foil, steel, and plastic components. The device feels sturdy and well-balanced, although the plastic rear transparent panel may be susceptible to scratches, particularly without a protective case.
Specification
Regarding specifications, the Nothing Phone 2a falls within the mid-range category. It incorporates a specialized MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro System-on-Chip (SoC) crafted using TSMC’s second-generation 4nm process technology. Nothing asserts that this customized chip enhances efficiency by 10 percent, a claim we find credible. Paired with the chipset is a maximum of 12GB RAM, expandable to 20GB through the RAM Booster feature. Additionally, the phone offers storage options of up to 256GB.
Performance
The Nothing Phone 2a marks a significant departure in Nothing’s history by incorporating a MediaTek processor. It features the mid-range custom Dimensity 7200 Pro SoC, delivering ample performance for both daily tasks and gaming, accompanied by impressive battery life. While its benchmark results may not top any charts, we conducted the customary tests to unveil its capabilities. On AnTuTu, the Phone 2a achieved a score of 6,88,079 points, aligning with expectations. Similar results surfaced in our Geekbench 6 evaluation, yielding a single-core CPU score of 1,100 and a multi-core score of 2,448. In terms of GPU performance, the device registered a score of 3,231 on Geekbench.
Review
The Nothing Phone 2a, a budget-friendly option from the company, faces tough competition from other phones in its price range such as the Poco X6 Pro, Redmi Note 13 Pro, Realme 12 Pro, and several others offering comparable or superior performance. Nevertheless, the distinctive strengths of the Nothing Phone 2a lie in its exceptional design and software features. It boasts a clean software interface with a commitment to three years of Android OS upgrades, coupled with a unique design. Additionally, the phone delivers an impressive display and sturdy build quality.
Priced at Rs. 23,999, I would recommend the Nothing Phone 2a to individuals seeking a one-of-a-kind device with clean software, reliable cameras, and outstanding battery life. For those prioritizing raw performance, alternative options may be more suitable. Nothing has strategically priced the Phone 2a, and it is anticipated to be a popular choice. The device introduces something fresh to the market, and our positive reception reflects our enthusiasm for this innovative offering!
