Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: A Mid-Range Marvel (Or Just Marketing Hype?)
Nothing. The name itself provokes a reaction, promising disruption or perhaps just clever marketing. The Phone (2a) aimed to deliver on that promise, and now, the Phone (2a) Plus supposedly doubles down. But does this slightly amped-up version truly offer a substantial leap, or is it merely a calculated spin on an already interesting mid-ranger? Let’s dive in.
The core of the Phone (2a) Plus remains the same. It’s powered by a custom-tuned MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro. While not a flagship killer, it provides a smooth and responsive experience for everyday tasks, social media scrolling, and even some moderately demanding gaming. You won’t be pushing the limits of Genshin Impact at max settings, but Call of Duty: Mobile runs admirably well. The “Plus” aspect supposedly brings a slight clock speed boost, but in real-world usage, the performance difference is arguably negligible. You’d be hard-pressed to notice any tangible improvement over the standard 2a.
Visually, the Phone (2a) Plus sticks to Nothing’s distinct design language. The transparent back panel, while not for everyone, continues to be a head-turner. The Glyph Interface, a set of customizable LED lights, is also present. However, it feels less integral to the user experience than on previous Nothing phones. The build quality feels solid, with a sturdy plastic frame that inspires confidence. However, that plastic gives the phone a less premium feel when compared to some competitors rocking metal and glass.
The camera system is a key area where Nothing has clearly focused its efforts. The dual 50MP setup, comprising a main sensor and an ultrawide lens, captures detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is decent, although it can suffer from some noise. The image processing is generally well-balanced, although colors can sometimes appear slightly oversaturated. The video recording capabilities are also adequate, supporting 4K recording at 30fps.
Software-wise, the Phone (2a) Plus runs Nothing OS, built on top of Android. It’s a clean and minimalist interface that prioritizes simplicity and ease of use. Bloatware is minimal, and the overall user experience is smooth and responsive. Nothing promises timely software updates, which is a welcome change from some other Android manufacturers.
Ultimately, the success of the Phone (2a) Plus hinges on its value proposition. The original Phone (2a) already offered compelling value for its price. The Plus version attempts to sweeten the deal, but the improvements are incremental at best. If the price jump is significant, it might be wiser to stick with the standard 2a or explore alternatives from other brands. This phone is great for someone who wants a stylish phone that isn’t too expensive, with a decent camera, but without needing the absolute best performance on the market.
Where to Buy:
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 95%
- Design: 93%
- Performance: 90%
- Quality: 89%
- Popularity: 90%
Top Pros
- ✅ The unique transparent design and Glyph Interface continues to be a conversation starter.
- ✅ The camera system delivers excellent image quality in well-lit environments.
- ✅ Nothing OS offers a clean and bloatware-free Android experience.
Key Cons
- ❌ The performance boost over the standard Phone (2a) is barely noticeable.
- ❌ The plastic build, while sturdy, lacks the premium feel of some competitors.
- ❌ The Glyph Interface feels less essential than on previous Nothing phones.
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