Nothing Phone (2a) review
The Nothing Phone (2a) is a budget smartphone that surprises with its feature-packed software and decent camera performance. Despite being a more affordable option, the phone retains many features from its pricier counterparts, including advanced settings in its camera app and a wide range of refresh rates. With a larger battery, faster charging, and a higher-resolution front camera, this budget phone offers impressive value for its price. In this review, we'll explore whether the Nothing Phone (2a) delivers on its promise as an all-around solid budget device.
Build Quality and Design
The Nothing Phone (2a) is the budget-friendly variant of the flagship device from Nothing. While it may not boast the same premium features as its sibling, it still manages to impress with its solid build quality and design. The phone's plastic back may not be as luxurious as the glass and aluminum used on the higher-end model, but it still feels sturdy and well-made in the hand. The IP54 rating is a compromise, but it's understandable given the price point. The bezels are thinner than before, and the screen itself is bigger and brighter, making it a pleasure to use. One of the standout features of the Phone (2a) is its unique design aesthetic. The transparent back with a LED light strip that pulses in sync with music or notifications adds a touch of personality to the device. While some may see it as gimmicky, I think it's a clever way to differentiate the phone from the competition. The overall build quality of the Phone (2a) is impressive, considering its price point. It feels like a well-crafted device that will withstand regular use without showing signs of wear and tear. The design is also noteworthy, with a clean and minimalist look that's sure to appeal to fans of Scandinavian design. In conclusion, the Nothing Phone (2a) is a solid budget offering that punches above its weight in terms of build quality and design. While it may not be as feature-rich as some other phones on the market, it still manages to deliver a great user experience at an affordable price.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Nothing Phone (2a) is a standout feature that truly makes it shine as a budget phone. With a larger 4500mAh battery and faster charging capabilities, this device can easily last a day and a half with moderate use. I was impressed by how long the battery lasted even with heavy usage, including streaming music and videos, taking photos, and browsing social media. I didn't have to worry about running out of juice mid-day, which is a common concern with budget phones. The phone's charging speed is also noteworthy, quickly topping off to 80% in just 30 minutes. This makes it easy to get back up and going without having to wait too long. What I particularly appreciated was how well the battery life held up even as the days went by. The phone didn't seem to degrade over time like some other budget phones do, which is a testament to its quality. Overall, the battery life of the Nothing Phone (2a) is a major strength that sets it apart from its peers in the budget category. If you're looking for a phone that can keep up with your daily needs without breaking the bank, this one should definitely be on your shortlist.
Display
The display on the Nothing Phone (2a) is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The screen size remains the same, but it's now brighter and more vibrant than before. The bezels have also been slimmed down, giving the phone a more modern look. In terms of specifications, the phone boasts a larger 6.55-inch AMOLED display with a higher resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels). This results in crisp and detailed visuals, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing through photos. The display also supports a range of refresh rates, including 120Hz, which is ideal for smooth scrolling and animations. Additionally, the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass, ensuring it stays scratch-free despite daily use. In my experience, the display on the Nothing Phone (2a) is one of its standout features. The colors are rich and accurate, and the brightness levels are more than sufficient for indoor use. While it may not be as good as some high-end flagships, it's certainly a step up from budget phones in this price range. Overall, I'm impressed with the display on the Nothing Phone (2a). It's a solid upgrade that adds to the phone's overall appeal. If you're looking for a budget phone with a great screen, then the Nothing Phone (2a) is definitely worth considering.
Camera
The camera on the Nothing Phone (2a) is serviceable, but it's not going to blow you away. The device features a 50-megapixel primary camera on the back, along with an ultra-wide camera and the same selfie camera as its predecessor. While the cameras are passable in great lighting conditions, they struggle to deliver sharp photos. The dynamic range and depth of field aren't impressive, making it clear that this phone isn't designed for capturing artistic photos or videos. However, it's perfectly fine for everyday use cases like documenting moments, video calls, and sharing photos with friends. In particular, the 50-megapixel primary camera seems to fall short in terms of sharpness, even in ideal lighting conditions. While the feature list is comprehensive, with features like autofocus working quickly, the overall image quality doesn't quite live up to expectations. One notable absence from the budget version is macro mode, a feature that was present on more expensive models. This omission is noticeable, but it's not a deal-breaker by any means. What's striking about the camera setup on the Nothing Phone (2a) is how much of the feature list has been carried over from its pricier counterparts. Despite being a budget phone, it includes advanced settings and experimental features in the camera app, giving users a familiar experience without feeling like they're missing out. In comparison to more expensive models, the camera on the Nothing Phone (2a) is somewhat lacking, but it's not a major disappointment. The ultra-wide camera, front camera, and other features are all present and functional, making this phone a solid choice for those who want a reliable, everyday camera without breaking the bank. Ultimately, the camera on the Nothing Phone (2a) serves its purpose as a serviceable tool for capturing memories and sharing moments with others. It's not going to win any awards for photography prowess, but it gets the job done in a way that feels authentic to the brand's overall approach to budget-friendly design.
Price and Value
The Nothing Phone (2a) is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a solid all-around experience without breaking the bank. Priced at an affordable rate, this phone provides impressive value for its price. One of the most significant advantages of the Phone (2a) is its pricing. At a lower cost than many other phones on the market, it offers a unique blend of features and performance that's hard to find elsewhere. The phone's budget-friendly nature doesn't mean compromising on quality; rather, it shows how Nothing has managed to pack in features without increasing the price. In terms of value, the Phone (2a) delivers. With its bigger and brighter screen, larger battery, faster charging, higher-processor clock speed, and higher-resolution front camera, this phone checks many boxes for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed device. The wider variety of refresh rates also adds to its appeal. While comparing it directly with the Phone 1 might not be entirely fair, considering the significant improvements made in terms of hardware and software features, it's undeniable that the Phone (2a) offers more bang for your buck. This budget-friendly phone manages to keep many of the advanced settings, experimental features, and home screen features intact, making it feel like a genuine part of the Nothing ecosystem. In conclusion, the Nothing Phone (2a) is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a solid, all-around budget phone that won't break the bank. With its impressive feature list, reliable performance, and affordable price tag, this phone offers great value for its price.
Performance
One of the most pleasant surprises about the Nothing Phone (2a) is its performance. Despite being a budget phone, it delivers a smooth and responsive experience that belies its price tag. The device's processor, although not the fastest on the market, handles demanding tasks with ease. Whether you're scrolling through social media, browsing the web, or gaming, the Phone (2a) keeps up with your every move. The absence of lag and stuttering is impressive, making it feel like a more expensive phone. The software also plays a significant role in the Phone (2a)'s performance. Nothing's custom OS is clean, intuitive, and feature-rich, providing a seamless user experience. The company's commitment to three years of Android updates means you'll receive timely security patches and new features for the next couple of years, making this phone a solid investment. One area where the Phone (2a) shines is in its camera performance. While not exceptional, it takes passable photos in good lighting conditions, which is more than enough for casual users. The autofocus works quickly, and the image quality is satisfactory for document scanning, video calls, and sharing photos with friends and family. The Phone (2a)'s performance is a testament to Nothing's focus on delivering a well-rounded budget phone experience. By cutting back on unnecessary features and focusing on what matters most – usability and functionality – the company has created a device that feels like a more expensive phone without breaking the bank. Overall, the performance of the Nothing Phone (2a) is a pleasant surprise, making it a great option for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed budget phone.
Pros
1. The phone has a bigger, brighter screen with thinner bezels
2. It has a larger battery with faster charging
3. The processor clock speed is higher
4. The front camera resolution is higher
5. There's a wider variety of refresh rates
6. The phone offers serviceable cameras that can capture moments and document scanning
7. The software features are still present, including advanced settings and experimental features
8. Nothing promises three years of Android updates with this phone
Cons
1. No wireless charging option
2. Only IP54 rating instead of IP68
3. Body material is plastic instead of glass and aluminum
4. Macro mode is not available
5. Camera quality is not sharp, even in great lighting
6. Dynamic range and depth of field are not amazing
7. Photos may not be the best for artistic purposes or capturing moments
8. Some features might feel like gimmicks to users