Nothing has expanded its smartphone lineup with the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, positioning it as a performance-oriented upgrade over the well-received Phone (2a).
While both devices share a similar design ethos and core features, there are significant differences in key areas that impact the overall user experience. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Design and Build
Both the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus and the Phone (2a) adopt a similar design philosophy, featuring a transparent back panel adorned with the iconic Glyph Interface. The unique LED lighting system offers customization options and provides visual alerts for notifications and calls. Both phones boast an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring protection against everyday elements.
However, the Phone (2a) Plus introduces a refined metallic finish on the back, achieved through a complex manufacturing process involving nano-coating, multi-layer printing, and specialized ink formulations. This results in a more premium and visually appealing appearance compared to the Phone (2a)’s plastic back cover.
Display
There’s no change in the display department. Both phones feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a peak brightness of 1300 nits. The display quality is excellent on both devices, offering vibrant colors and good contrast ratios.
Performance
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro SoC, an upgraded chip compared to the Dimensity 7200 Pro in the Phone (2a). The 7350 Pro offers a higher clock speed of up to 3GHz, resulting in a 10% performance boost. Additionally, the integrated Mali-G610 MC4 GPU in the Plus variant is clocked at 1.3GHz, delivering a 30% improvement in graphics performance over the Phone (2a).
Both devices come with 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for apps and media.
Camera
The primary camera setup remains identical on both phones, featuring a dual 50MP system with a main sensor and an ultrawide lens. However, the Phone (2a) Plus takes a significant leap forward with its front camera. It boasts a 50MP sensor compared to the 32MP unit on the Phone (2a), promising better selfie quality and improved low-light performance.
Battery and Charging
Both phones pack a substantial 5000mAh battery, providing ample juice for a full day of use. However, the Phone (2a) Plus offers faster charging with 50W support, compared to 45W on the Phone (2a). This translates to quicker top-ups, allowing you to spend less time plugged in.
Software
Both devices run Nothing OS based on Android 14, offering a clean and intuitive user interface. The Phone (2a) Plus introduces Nothing OS 2.6, which brings additional features and enhancements, including new functional widgets and AI-powered news aggregation.
Pricing
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus commands a premium over its predecessor. It’s priced at Rs. 27,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant and Rs. 29,999 for the 12GB + 256GB model. In comparison, the Nothing Phone (2a) starts at Rs. 23,999 for the base 8GB + 128GB model and goes up to Rs. 27,999 for the top-end 8GB + 256GB variant.
Conclusion
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus undeniably surpasses its predecessor, the Phone (2a), in terms of performance, camera capabilities, and charging speed. The upgraded processor, improved front camera, and faster charging technology are definite enhancements. However, the question remains whether these advancements justify the price hike.
While the Plus model offers notable improvements, users might have expected more substantial upgrades to warrant the additional expense. Ultimately, the decision to opt for the Phone (2a) Plus hinges on individual priorities and budget constraints. If performance and camera quality are paramount, the Plus model is a compelling choice. But if cost is a primary factor, the Phone (2a) still offers a solid package.
