2024 has been a busy year for Nothing, a company founded by former OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei. Known for their unique design philosophy and innovative products, Nothing has carved out a niche for themselves in the competitive smartphone market. Their latest offering, the Nothing Phone 2A Plus, aims to strike a perfect balance between affordability and performance. This review will take an exhaustive look at the Nothing Phone 2A Plus, covering its design, performance, battery life, camera capabilities, software, and overall user experience.

Nothing Phone 2A Plus Design and Build Quality

The Nothing Phone 2A Plus continues the company’s tradition of striking aesthetics combined with practical design elements.

• Size and Display: The phone boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2412 x 1084 pixels. The screen is not only vibrant and crisp but also protected by Gorilla Glass 5, which ensures durability against scratches and minor drops. The display supports HDR10+, providing a rich and immersive viewing experience, whether you’re watching videos or playing games.
• Materials: The back of the phone is made of high-quality plastic with a transparent finish, showcasing the internal components. This is complemented by glyph lights, which add a futuristic touch and can be customized for notifications and alerts. The frame of the phone is aluminum, adding to its premium feel.
• Ergonomics: The phone’s design ensures a comfortable grip despite its large display. The flat edges and curved corners are well-thought-out, making the device feel secure in hand without causing discomfort during extended use.
• Durability: With an IP54 rating, the Nothing Phone 2A Plus is resistant to dust and splashes. While it’s not waterproof, it can handle the occasional rain shower or accidental spill, adding a layer of practicality to its design.

Key Design Features:

Nothing Phone 2A Plus Performance and Software

The Nothing Phone 2A Plus is designed to deliver smooth and efficient performance, thanks to its robust hardware and well-optimized software.

Performance

• Chipset: The phone is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro, a custom-designed chipset that balances power and efficiency. This chipset is an upgrade from the Dimensity 7200 Pro, offering improved performance across the board.
• RAM and Storage: With 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, the Nothing Phone 2A Plus ensures fast data access and smooth multitasking. Apps load quickly, and switching between multiple applications is seamless.
• Gaming Performance: Gaming on the Nothing Phone 2A Plus is a delight. Titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile run smoothly at high settings. The phone’s vapor chamber and graphite cooling system effectively manage heat, preventing thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions.

Software

• Operating System: The phone runs Nothing OS 2.5, which is based on Android 14. This custom skin offers a minimalist and clean interface with unique visual elements, such as dot matrix designs and monochrome themes.
• User Experience: Nothing OS 2.5 is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Users have the option to switch between a stock Android-like experience or delve into the full suite of Nothing’s custom features.
• Updates: Nothing has committed to providing three major Android updates and four years of security patches. This ensures that the phone remains secure and up-to-date, enhancing its longevity and value.

Performance Highlights:

• Smooth Multitasking: The combination of 12GB RAM and the Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset ensures smooth multitasking and app performance.
• Optimized Gaming: Enhanced cooling and powerful hardware make it suitable for gaming.
• Future-Proof Software: Long-term software support guarantees ongoing security and feature updates.

Nothing Phone 2A Plus Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance is a critical aspect of any smartphone, and the Nothing Phone 2A Plus delivers commendable battery life and fast charging capabilities.

• Battery Capacity: The device is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, which is ample for a mid-range phone. This ensures that the phone can last through a day of heavy use without needing a recharge.
• Usage Patterns: During regular use, including social media browsing, video streaming, and light gaming, the phone easily lasts a full day. For power users, who engage in more intensive activities like prolonged gaming sessions or video recording, the battery still performs admirably, often requiring only a single charge per day.
• Charging Speed: One of the standout features is the 50W wired charging capability, a notable upgrade from the original Nothing Phone 2A’s 45W. This allows the battery to be charged from 0% to 100% in under an hour, making it convenient for users who are always on the go.
• Wireless Charging: The absence of wireless charging might be a drawback for some users, especially those who have invested in wireless charging infrastructure. However, the fast wired charging partially compensates for this omission.

Battery and Charging Features:

Nothing Phone 2A Plus Camera Capabilities

The Nothing Phone 2A Plus features a versatile camera system designed to cater to a wide range of photography needs.

Rear Cameras

• Primary Camera: The main camera utilizes a 50MP Samsung GN9 sensor. By default, it captures 12MP images through pixel binning, but users can switch to the full 50MP resolution for maximum detail. The primary camera excels in well-lit conditions, delivering sharp and vibrant images with accurate color reproduction.
• Ultra-Wide Camera: The secondary 50MP ultra-wide camera, using Samsung’s GN1 sensor, is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and group photos. The wide-angle lens maintains good detail and minimal distortion at the edges, which is a common issue with many ultra-wide cameras.
• Camera App: The camera app is straightforward and easy to navigate. It includes various modes like portrait, night, and an AI-enhanced vivid mode. The night mode is particularly impressive, managing to capture detailed and bright images in low-light conditions.

Front Camera

• Selfie Camera: The front-facing camera has been upgraded to a 50MP sensor. This significant improvement over the previous model’s 32MP camera results in clearer and more detailed selfies. However, like many front cameras, it performs best in good lighting and can struggle in low light conditions.

Video Recording

• Video Capabilities: The rear cameras support 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps. The electronic image stabilization (EIS) ensures smooth video capture, making it suitable for casual videography and vlogging.

Camera Specifications:

Camera Performance:

• Versatile Photography: Dual 50MP rear cameras cater to diverse photography needs.
• Detailed Selfies: The upgraded 50MP front camera offers high-quality selfies.
• Smooth Video Recording: Good stabilization for 4K and 1080p videos.

Nothing Phone 2A Plus Multimedia Experience

The Nothing Phone 2A Plus offers a rich multimedia experience, making it an excellent choice for entertainment on the go.

• Display Quality: The 6.7-inch AMOLED display supports HDR10+ and has a variable refresh rate of 30Hz to 120Hz. This ensures smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience, whether you’re watching movies, streaming videos, or playing games.
• Audio Performance: The phone’s stereo speakers provide clear and loud audio output. While the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack might be inconvenient for some, the Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity ensures a seamless wireless audio experience.
• Bluetooth and Connectivity: The Bluetooth streaming experience is smooth, with support for high-quality audio codecs such as aptX HD and LDAC, ensuring excellent sound quality when using wireless headphones or earbuds.

Multimedia Features:

Nothing Phone 2A Plus Software Features and Updates

The Nothing Phone 2A Plus runs on Nothing OS 2.5, a custom Android skin that offers a unique and refreshing user experience.

• User Interface: The interface is minimalist, featuring a monochrome theme and dot matrix design elements. The UI is clean and uncluttered, allowing for easy navigation and quick access to essential features.
• Customization: Users can customize the glyph lights on the back of the phone to indicate different types of notifications. This adds a personalized touch and enhances the phone’s usability.
• Software Updates: Nothing has committed to providing three major Android updates and four years of security patches. This long-term support ensures that the phone remains secure and receives the latest features, enhancing its overall value.
• Privacy and Security: Nothing OS 2.5 includes robust privacy features, such as enhanced app permissions, secure folder, and regular security updates. This ensures that user data is protected against potential threats.

Software Highlights:

• Minimalist UI: Clean and intuitive interface with unique design elements.
• Customization Options: Customizable glyph lights for notifications.
• Long-Term Support: Three major Android updates and four years of security patches.

Nothing Phone 2A Plus Pros and Cons

Pros

• Innovative Design: Striking transparent back with customizable glyph lights.
• Robust Performance: Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset and 12GB RAM ensure smooth operation.
• Excellent Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with HDR10+ and 120Hz refresh rate.
• Versatile Camera System: Dual 50MP rear cameras and a 50MP front camera.
• Fast Charging: 50W wired charging for quick power-ups.

Cons

• No Wireless Charging: Lack of wireless charging might be a drawback for some users.
• Aggressive Battery Management: May require tweaking to avoid missing notifications.
• No Headphone Jack: Requires reliance on wireless audio solutions or adapters.

Conclusion: Is the Nothing Phone 2A Plus Worth It?

The Nothing Phone 2A Plus is a compelling option in the mid-range smartphone market. It offers a unique and striking design, robust performance, and a versatile camera system, all at a competitive price point. While it has some limitations, such as the absence of wireless charging and a headphone jack, its strengths far outweigh these drawbacks.

For consumers looking for a smartphone that combines style, functionality, and affordability, the Nothing Phone 2A Plus is an excellent choice. Its innovative features and commitment to long-term software support make it a device that not only stands out today but will remain relevant in the years to come.

If you’re in the market for a new phone that offers great value for money and a touch of uniqueness, the Nothing Phone 2A Plus should definitely be on your shortlist.