Nothing Phone (2a) has been officially launched today. This device is not only good in terms of design and Glyph lights, but the performance, software and camera also do not disappoint. In this article I will share the experience of using it after about two weeks.
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
6.7″ AMOLED screen, 1084 x 2412 (394 PPI)
Gorilla Glass 5, 30Hz-120Hz, 1300 nits
MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chip (4nm)
2x 2.8 GHz Cortex-A715
6x 2.0 Cortex-A510
Mali-G610 MC4 GPU
Rear Camera 50 MP, f/1.88, OIS & EIS
50MP, f/2.2
4K 30fps, 1080p 60fps
1080p 120fps (Slo-Mo)
TrueLens Engine, Ultra XDR,
Portrait Optimizer
Front Camera 32 MP f/2.2
Audio Stereo speakers
Biometrics Under-screen fingerprint scanner
IP54 protection
5000mAh battery
Price RM1,699 12/256 GB
The design of the device is still flat on the sides, the back panel is still transparent, the Glyph LED system is still included and the device is very comfortable in the hand. As when using Phone (1) and Phone (2) during the day, I was repeatedly reprimanded by people asking what phone I was using because of the unique design of the Nothing device compared to other manufacturers' devices.
Above there is only the microphone hole while below there is a USB-C port, microphone hole, SIM card slot and speaker grill. On the right side there is a volume button and on the left side there is only a power button. The camera bump on the back is not that big and looks like a pair of eyes. Behind the device's transparent panel, the device's components take inspiration from a map of the New York subway system.
One bonus thing I like about the design of this device is that when placed on a flat surface it won't tip over. If you're curious, the back panel of this device uses the same TPU construction material as most protective cases. But Nothing tells us, users don't need to worry about the yellowing effect because it won't happen in the short term.
SCREEN
I have no problem with the Nothing devices screen. It is beautiful, bright and supports brightness that is quite satisfactory. But in 2024, for mid-range devices that mostly already use screens up to 1500 nits to 2000 nits – Phone (2a) which is limited to 1300 nits is a bit disappointing. Despite not using an LTPO panel, the adaptive refresh rate of this device is quite good unlike competing devices in the same class.
What I cannot forgive is, Nothing still refuses to give users access to watch HDR videos. Neither Prime Video, Netflix nor Disney+ support HDR 10+ or Dolby Vision is not supported and limited to FHD only. The reason for Nothing engineers during Phone (1) is, Netflix requires pre-installed applications. But many competing devices that don't have Netflix built in have no problem streaming content at the highest quality.
BIOMETRIC SYSTEM
A bit slow. My fingers that have been wiped with a cloth and are believed to be clean both left and right, both have problems. It takes a little time to scan and unlock the device.
USAGE AND SOFTWARE – NOTHING OS, DIMENSITY 7200 PRO
Nothing Phone (2a) uses Nothing OS 2.5 based on Android 14. It is more or less the same as on Nothing Phone (2) now, so features like Glyph Timer or moving lights according to voice level can be used on this device. Nothing also continues to focus on the use of the monochrome theme, which is now an option at the beginning of the device settings.
There aren't many big changes in Nothing OS because the big changes are for Nothing OS 3.0 which is coming this year. The use of Widgets is also emphasized with many live widgets included such as compass, pedometer and more. Nothing also includes an AI feature that can generate background images, as well as using AI to keep the system running smoothly.
Here are some of the features I like about this device;
RAM Booster
Increase the amount of RAM up to 8GB.
Smart Clean
File fragments are reorganized with AI to remain operational as fast as day one use.
NTFS Optimizations
File transfer from device to computer is faster and smoother.
HyperEngine 5.0
Ensures the first frame stays fast and saves battery up to 18%.
AI Wallpaper Generator
Like the Pixel 8 series and the Galaxy S24 series, can generate background images with AI.
Nothing Phone (2a) will be supported for three years for software updates and four years for security patches. In my opinion, it is a good thing. Nothing even suggests Phone (1) users who have been using the device for two years switch to Phone (2a).
PERFORMANCE AND BENCHMARKS – Dimensity 7200-Ultra
Since I have tested another Dimensity 7200 device namely the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G with the Dimensity 7200 Ultra, I can say that the experience of using the Phone (2a) with the Dimensity 7200 Pro is more or less the same. But for gaming and multi-tasking, Redmi is better. Because of that also the Phone benchmark score (2a) is lower.
For light and casual use like just the camera and social media. Nothing Phone (2a) was really developed focusing on using the Nothing OS core only.
Geekbench 6
Nothing Phone (2a) – 1110/2589
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G – 1127/2658
Oppo Reno11 Pro 5G – 934/3389
Antutu 3D
Nothing Phone (2a) – 685,115
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G – 757,180
Oppo Reno11 Pro 5G – 937,938
3DMark Wild Life Extreme
Nothing Phone (2a) – 1157 / 6.93 FPS
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G – N/A
Oppo Reno11 Pro 5G – N/A
Games with high graphics such as COD Mobile can be played at maximum settings, but the device will start to heat up and after playing the system lag will be felt. Lighter games like Marvel Snap also feel slower compared to playing on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+. I'm not disappointed as the Nothing rep told me, performance for the first time is not the main focus of this device.
TELEPHONY AND GPS
The unique design of this device makes me question Nothing, does using an aluminum frame then hiding the antenna behind a layer of paint and plastic affect the quality of the Internet network. Nothing answered no and in my tests no matter WiFi or 5G everything was working fine. The GPS is also so good that I can rely on this device 100% for walking in Barcelona alone.
CAMERA
So far, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with a 200MP camera is a mid-range device worth owning. What about the Nothing Phone (2a) which only has a 50MP camera and is sold at roughly the same price. The camera of this device is quite good, it is able to preserve the details well, but the OIS and EIS systems used are not very stable. This causes less satisfactory pictures of moving subjects or at night.
The zoom capability can be forgotten because it is only digital and not very satisfying. Portrait mode has a slight focus problem and finally the ultra wide angle looks beautiful. What I'm not satisfied with is the post processing time of each picture is around 3-5 seconds which is quite slow.
Example of Video Recording
It's not the best, but I won't complain too much because I have to understand that the capabilities of a mid-range device will definitely be limited.
AUDIO
Nothing also does not use the Dolby system and others. They only use Dirac, that too if connected to audio accessories. The speaker quality of this device is just fine. It is not so loud and clear, because it seems to sink a little. But outside the home or office, it sounds a little better. At least the output audio is balanced.
BATTERY
I was quite surprised by the battery life of this device. Light use is no problem for this device to reach up to 6-8 hours. While heavy use in two weeks of use only lasts around 5-6 hours. Charging support is limited to 45W which is around one hour, and Nothing OS has also provided many features to protect the device's battery.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
Here's what you get with every purchase of Nothing Phone (2a);
1x Nothing Phone (2a)
1x USB-C to USB-C Cable
1x SIM Pin
1x Set of manual and safety book
CONCLUSION
It will be the talk of the town and with Hari Raya coming up soon, this phone can add to the already cheerful atmosphere. But from a value point of view I feel that the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is a better device because it has Dolby Vision support, a more powerful processor, a stronger camera, faster charging, IP68 and a more reasonable price.
Nothing Phone (2a) is a good premium mid-range device. Based on their offerings, it's clear that Nothing is trying to be a more unique and premium alternative to Poco or Redmi. A good screen, an acceptable camera, satisfactory performance, a very long-lasting battery and a special device design with a useful Glyph lighting system – you will definitely not be disappointed with this device.
PRO
Good screen and fast.
Beautiful, interesting and unique design.
Useful glyphs.
Fast performance and Nothing OS is quite stable.
The battery lasts longer than expected.
CONS
The screen does not support HDR streaming on most streaming platforms.
First off not fast enough.
Does not have wireless charging.
No IP68 protection, only IP54.