overbyt The Nothing Phone (1) took the tech world by storm with its unique transparent design and focus on clean software. Now, its successor, the Nothing Phone (2a), is here, promising even more for less. But is it all hype, or a genuine contender in the crowded smartphone market?
Striking a Balance: Design and Performance
The Phone (2a) retains the signature transparent back, but with a more refined aesthetic. Underneath lies a powerful Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and even some gaming. While it might not be the absolute top-of-the-line chip, user reviews suggest it offers great value for the price.
A Breath of Fresh Air: Stock Android with a Twist
One of the Phone (2a)’s biggest strengths is its software. It runs near-stock Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.5.5 on top. This means you get a clean, bloatware-free experience with all the latest features from Google. Nothing OS adds a touch of customization with unique widgets and themes, without feeling overwhelming.
A Glimpse Through the Lens: Camera Capabilities
The Phone (2a) boasts a dual-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor and an additional 50MP ultrawide sensor. While it may not compete with the absolute best camera phones, early reviews praise its ability to capture good quality photos in most lighting conditions. The 32MP front-facing camera should satisfy selfie enthusiasts.
Transparency with a Price Tag
The Nothing Phone (2a) starts at ₹27,999 (around $340 USD) for the base 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. This puts it firmly in the mid-range category. With its combination of design, performance, and clean software, the Phone (2a) offers a compelling proposition for those seeking a phone that stands out from the crowd.
Full Specification
Launch
| Launch | 2024, March 05 |
| Best Price | Nothing Phone (2a) |
Body
| Dimensions | 6.37 x 3.00 x 0.34 in |
| Weight | 190 g |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
Display
| Type | AMOLED, 1 Billion colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Always-on display | Yes |
Memory
| Memory Card Slot | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
Platform
| Os | Android 14, Nothing OS 2.5.5 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm) |
| Cpu | Octa-core (2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 Cortex-A510) |
| Gpu | Mali-G610 MC4 |
Main Camera
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.56″, PDAF, OIS |
| 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76″, 0.64µm | |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
Selfie Camera
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.74″ |
| Features | HDR |
| Video | 1080p@60fps |
Communications
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| NFC | Yes |
| Radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
Features
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
Network
| Type | GSM / HSPA / LTE /5G |
Battery
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging | 45W wired, 50% in 23 min, 100% in 1 hour (advertised) |
Design
| Colors | Black, White, Milk, Blue |
| Waterproof | Rated IP54 |
| Ruggedness | Dust proof |
The Verdict: A Phone for the Discerning User
The Nothing Phone (2a) isn’t for everyone. Power users might crave a more powerful processor, and camera enthusiasts may find themselves wanting more. But for those who prioritize a unique design, clean software, and good value for money, the Phone (2a) is a breath of fresh air in a market saturated with similar offerings.
Whether it truly lives up to the hype of “2024’s phone of the year” remains to be seen, but the Phone (2a) is certainly a phone worth keeping an eye on.
