Nothing Phone (2a) Review: Unique Design x Great Performance

The Nothing Phone (2a) stands as a bold statement in the mid-range smartphone market, combining innovative design, solid performance, and impressive features. With a unique aesthetic and a focus on delivering quality without breaking the bank, this phone is set to turn heads and meet diverse user needs.

Design and Build Quality: Transparent and Durable

The Nothing Phone (2a) delivers a standout design that blends sophistication with functionality. The transparent back with the Glyph Interface sets it apart from conventional smartphones, offering custom LED notifications that users can program for calls, texts, and app alerts. The use of Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 on both the front and back adds durability, while the lightweight frame at just 190g ensures ease of handling.

The phone’s slim profile and carefully engineered dimensions (161.74 mm x 76.32 mm x 8.55 mm) make it comfortable to hold and operate. Its IP54 rating offers basic protection against dust and splashes, though it’s not as rugged as some competitors. Despite this, the phone’s premium finishes and minimalist aesthetic appeal to those who value both style and practicality.

Display: Vibrant and Immersive

The Nothing Phone (2a) features a 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED display that provides an immersive viewing experience. The 10-bit colour depth ensures vivid and lifelike visuals, showcasing over a billion shades of colour. With a peak brightness of 1,300 nits and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, it excels in outdoor visibility and delivers rich blacks for cinematic quality.

The adaptive refresh rate, ranging from 30 Hz to 120 Hz, offers a seamless experience for gaming, scrolling, and content consumption. High brightness mode at 1,100 nits further enhances usability under direct sunlight. The display’s 240 Hz touch sampling rate ensures responsive interactions, making it a delight for gamers and heavy multitaskers.

Performance: Powerful MediaTek Chipset

At the heart of the Nothing Phone (2a) is the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro, a chipset built on a cutting-edge 4 nm process. Clocked at up to 2.8 GHz, it ensures smooth and efficient performance, whether for gaming, app usage, or multitasking. With Antutu v10 benchmark scores of 741,999, it firmly positions itself as a high-performing midrange device.

The phone is available in configurations of 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM, paired with 128 GB or 256 GB of storage. This combination provides ample room for apps, photos, and videos while ensuring smooth transitions between tasks. The inclusion of a dual SIM option further enhances its versatility, catering to users with multiple numbers or travel needs.

Camera: Dual Lens Brilliance

The dual 50 MP rear cameras on the Nothing Phone (2a) are a highlight, delivering professional-grade results. The main camera features Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) for sharp and stable shots, even in challenging lighting conditions. Ultra XDR and advanced image processing technologies ensure vibrant colours and accurate detail.

The ultra-wide camera with a 114° field of view allows for creative compositions, while features like Night Mode, Action Mode, and Portrait Optimiser enhance versatility. The 32 MP front camera delivers sharp selfies and supports video recording up to 1080p at 60 fps, catering to content creators and video call enthusiasts alike.

Battery and Charging: Long-Lasting Power

Equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, the Nothing Phone (2a) is designed to last all day on a single charge. Whether for streaming, gaming, or productivity, the device keeps up with demanding use cases. Its 45 W charging capability ensures that you can power up to 50% in just 23 minutes, with a full charge taking under an hour.

While the phone lacks wireless charging, its efficiency and fast wired charging make it convenient for users on the go. With intelligent battery management, the device maximises lifespan and performance.

Software: Clean and Customisable

Running on Nothing OS 2.5, based on Android 14, the interface is sleek and user-friendly. It eliminates bloatware, focusing on essential apps and customisation options. Features like the Glyph Composer allow users to personalise notification patterns and light shows, adding a layer of uniqueness to the experience.

Regular updates and security patches promise to keep the phone up-to-date, ensuring longevity and relevance in a competitive market.

Connectivity and Extras: Feature-Rich Functionality

The Nothing Phone (2a) supports a wide range of 5G and LTE bands, making it compatible with global networks. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 provide fast and reliable connections, while NFC enables seamless mobile payments. The stereo speakers deliver clear, immersive audio, enhanced by Dolby Atmos®.

Despite its advanced features, the phone lacks a headphone jack, which may be a drawback for audiophiles. However, the overall connectivity suite ensures a versatile and capable device.

Verdict: Should you buy the Nothing Phone (2a)?

Who It’s For?

The Nothing Phone (2a) is perfect for users seeking a unique design, strong performance, and advanced camera features at an affordable price.

Should You Buy It?

Yes, especially if you appreciate innovative design and balanced performance in a mid-range device.