The Nothing Phone (2a) is a mid-range smartphone that offers a unique design aesthetic and solid performance at a competitive price. Launched in July 2023, it follows the footsteps of its predecessor, the Phone (1), but with some key improvements. Let’s delve into what this phone offers.
Strikingly Transparent Design
The Phone (2a) retains Nothing’s signature transparent back. This time, however, it’s made from a more durable plastic material, reducing the risk of scratches and fingerprints compared to the Phone (1)’s glass back. While some might find the transparent back a bit gimmicky, it does offer a glimpse into the phone’s internal components, adding a touch of intrigue.
Large and Vibrant Display
The phone boasts a large 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution. The LTPO technology allows the display to dynamically adjust its refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz, optimizing smoothness while preserving battery life. With a peak brightness of 1600 nits, the display is crisp, vibrant, and easily viewable outdoors.
Capable Performance
The Phone (2a) is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, which is a mid-range chipset known for its efficiency and balanced performance. It comes with two RAM options: 8GB and 12GB. This, coupled with 128GB of storage, ensures smooth multitasking and handling of most everyday tasks. For gamers on a budget, the phone can handle less demanding games at decent settings.
Camera System
The Phone (2a) features a dual-camera system on the back. The main sensor is a 50MP unit capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions. However, low-light performance might be a bit lacking. The front-facing camera for selfies comes in at 32MP, offering good image quality for video calls and social media.
Long-lasting Battery and Fast Charging
The phone packs a sizable 5000mAh battery, which can easily last a full day on a single charge with moderate usage. Nothing also boasts 45W fast charging, which can get you from 0 to 50% in about 23 minutes, according to the company. This is a welcome feature for those who are always on the go.
Clean Software Experience
The Phone (2a) runs on a near-stock version of Android, free from bloatware and unnecessary customizations. This ensures a clean, user-friendly experience with timely updates.
A Few Shortcomings
While the Phone (2a) offers a compelling package, there are a few things to consider. The phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might be a dealbreaker for some users. Additionally, the phone comes with a plastic back, which may feel less premium compared to glass-backed competitors.
Overall, the Nothing Phone (2a) is a solid mid-range option with a unique design, a vibrant display, and capable performance. The long battery life and fast charging are additional perks. However, the lack of a headphone jack and a plastic back might be downsides for some users.
