Nothing's distinctive appearance, simple software, and value-driven performance have helped it carve out a position for itself in a market overflowing with dependable mid-range smartphones. This history is carried on with the Nothing Phone (2a), which was released in March 2024 and offers premium functionality, eye-catching design, and seamless software at a price point where sacrifices are typically expected.
Let's examine the features that set the Phone (2a) apart, including its potent MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro CPU and distinctive LED Glyph Interface.
Design & Construction: LED Brilliance Meets Functional Minimalism
With its distinctive translucent back and three LED light strips, the Phone (2a) furthers the company's design philosophy, which has never been subtle. With 26 independently controlled zones, these are more than simply showpieces; they can be used as camera fill lighting, notification lights, and even customized ringtones.
Despite its futuristic appearance, the device weighs only 190g and measures a comfortable 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6mm. The front is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, and the rear and frame are composed of plastic. IP54 certification, which provides defense against dust and light water splashes, increases durability.
Verdict:
An eye-catching design that offers both style and utility, especially at this price point.
The Dazzling AMOLED Display
One of this phone's best features is its 6.7-inch AMOLED screen. Content appears bright, sharp, and remarkably smooth thanks to 1 billion colors, a frame rate of 120 Hz, and support for HDR10+. With a maximum brightness of 1300 nits, it provides exceptional visibility even in direct sunlight.Pixel resolution: 1080 x 2412
Density of pixels: around 394 ppi
2160 Hz PWM dimming (excellent for eye comfort)
This display is clear and immersive whether you're gaming, browsing Instagram, or watching YouTube.
MediaTek's performance steals the show.
The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4nm), an effective and potent chip that surpasses expectations, powers the Phone (2a). It effortlessly manages media, gaming, and multitasking without throttling or latency when paired with up to 12GB of RAM.
AnTuTu v10 benchmarks: 684,574
GeekBench v6: 2,592
3DMark Extreme Wild Life: 1,151
These figures place it on par with phones that cost about ₹10,000 more.
Software – Nothing OS 3.0 and Android 14
Mid-range phones frequently skimp on software, but Nothing uses Nothing OS 3.0 to give an almost stock Android 14 experience with minor adjustments. It offers customers a genuinely sophisticated experience because it is bloatware-free, quick, and clean.
Better still? A rarity in this market, the Phone (2a) provides four years of security patches and three major Android updates.
"Circle to Search," a useful feature connected with Google that allows you to search anything on screen with a simple gesture—no app switching required—is one unusual inclusion.
Double the Lenses, Double the Power in Cameras
With a dual 50MP camera configuration, the Phone (2a) stays clean in contrast to many competitors who jam in extra sensors:Main: 24mm wide, 50MP, f/1.9, OIS
Ultra-wide: 114˚ field of view, 50MP, f/2.2
OIS provides surprisingly good low-light performance, and daylight images are bright. Consistent color and dynamic range are captured by the ultra-wide sensor. With gyro-EIS for stabilization, you get 1080p at 60/120 frames per second in addition to 4K at 30 frames per second for video.
A 32MP selfie camera on the front produces clear photos and 1080p videos at 60 frames per second, making it ideal for vlogging or video calls.
All-Day Battery Life and More
The Phone (2a), which has a 5000mAh battery, is incredibly long-lasting. It can easily get you through a day and a half on moderate usage, as seen by its active use score of 15 hours and 53 minutes in real-world usage testing.45W wired charging offers equally amazing fast charging:
0–50%: about 23 minutes
0–100%: about 60 minutes
It supports OTG and USB Type-C 2.0, however wireless charging isn't supported, which makes sense given the price.
Audio & Connectivity – Loud, Clear, and Modern
The stereo speakers score -26.3 LUFS in loudness tests, producing rich sound with no distortion. Although there isn't a 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.3 guarantees wireless users will receive high-quality audio.
Connectivity is prepared for the future:
Wi-Fi 6.
Bluetooth version 5.3
5G dual-SIM
360-degree NFC support
BDS, QZSS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and GPS
Basically, a mid-range smartphone with all the features you'd expect from a high-end one.
Variants & Pricing
Black, White, Milk, and the recently released Blue are the four striking colors available for the nothing Phone (2a). It comes in the following varieties:
₹22,999 for 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage
256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM costs ₹24,999.
₹27,999 for 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage
It's difficult to find another phone with the same design, OS, camera, and performance at these pricing.
Pros
Beautiful and useful LED Glyph interface
A bloat-free and uncluttered Android experience
HDR10+ bright AMOLED display
Outstanding value for the money
Ultra-wide and powerful primary cameras
Long battery life and quick charging
IP54 splash protection
Cons
No wireless charging
Absence of extensible storage
Plastic back (although it's nicely hidden by the design)
Conclusion: A New King in the Mid-Range?
The Nothing Phone (2a) ought to be at the top of your list if you're looking for a smartphone in 2024 that costs less than ₹25,000. In a sea of lookalikes, it's more than just a lovely phone; it's a well-rounded performer with a distinct personality. This phone does a lot right and very little wrong, from its bright display and simple user interface to its reliable cameras and Glyph lighting.Nothing Phone (2a) offers a novel perspective on what a low-cost flagship may be, regardless of whether you're a student, creative, gamer, or someone simply searching for long-term value.