The Nothing Phone 1 took the smartphone world by storm with its unique transparent design and focus on a clean, stock Android experience.
Now, Nothing is back with the Nothing Phone 2a, aiming to offer a similar experience at a more budget-friendly price point.
The Phone 2a officially launched globally on March 5th, 2024, with a starting price expected to be around ₹25,000 in India.
Design and Build
The Phone 2a retains the eye-catching transparent back design of its predecessor but with a few subtle changes. The light strips are now thicker and more prominent, offering a more dynamic lighting experience. The phone feels light and comfortable to hold.
Thanks to its use of recycled aluminum and a flat-edged design. While it doesn’t have an IP rating for water and dust resistance, the build quality feels solid overall.
Display
The Phone 2a features a 6.55-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is bright, and vibrant, and offers smooth scrolling and animations. While not the most color-accurate panel on the market, it is perfectly suitable for everyday use and media consumption.
Performance
The Phone 2a runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chip, which comes with either 6GB or 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage space. This combination delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, users who require heavy multitasking or resource-intensive gaming might find the performance a bit limiting.
Camera
The Phone 2a features a dual-camera system on the back, consisting of a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide sensor. The camera app is clean and easy to use, offering various shooting modes and features. In good lighting conditions.
The camera can capture decent photos with good detail and dynamic range. However, low-light performance is average, with noticeable noise and lack of detail. The front-facing camera is 16MP and takes acceptable selfies for casual use.
Software
The Phone 2a runs on Nothing OS, a near-stock Android 13 experience with a few additional features and customizations. The interface is clean, intuitive, and bloatware-free, offering a refreshing departure from heavily skinned versions of Android. This provides a smooth and responsive user experience, with timely updates promised by Nothing.
Battery Life
The Phone 2a packs a 4500mAh battery, which offers good battery life for most users. On a single charge, the Phone 2a can easily power through a whole day with moderate use. The phone also supports 45W fast charging, which can quickly top up the battery in a short time.
Specifications
| Display | 6.55-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Rear Camera | Dual: 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 4500mAh |
| Charging | 45W fast charging |
| Software | Nothing OS (based on Android 13) |
For a deeper dive into the Phone 2a’s launch and initial hype, check out our article titled “Nothing Phone 2a launch on March 5th in India: Unleash the Hype!“
This article explores the anticipation surrounding the phone’s release and the excitement it generated in the Indian market.
Verdict
The Nothing Phone 2a is a compelling option for budget-conscious users who value a unique design, clean software experience, and decent performance. While it might not be the most powerful phone on the market, it offers a good balance of features and affordability. The phone stands out for its eye-catching design, smooth display, and clean software experience.
However, users who prioritize camera performance or top-tier performance might want to consider other options. Ultimately, the Phone 2a is a solid mid-range option that breaks the mold in terms of design and software, making it a worthy contender in the budget smartphone segment.
