If you're looking for a budget phone that stands out from the crowd, you might want to check out the Nothing Phone 2a. This is the latest device from Nothing, a company that aims to create products that are different and innovative. The Phone 2a is a decent budget device with a unique look and some cool features. In this post, I'll share my honest review of the Nothing Phone 2a and why I think it's worth considering.
Specifications
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro, 8-core, 2.8 GHz, 4 nm
Display: 6.7 in AMOLED touchscreen with 120 Hz refresh rate, 1080×2412 pixels (FHD+), 394 pixels per inch (ppi)
Camera: 50 MP main camera, 50 MP ultra-wide camera, 32 MP front camera
RAM: 8 GB or 12 GB
Storage: 256 GB
Battery: 5,000 mAh
Operating system: Nothing OS 2.5 powered by Android 14
Connectivity: Dual SIM
What is the Nothing Phone 2a?
The Nothing Phone 2a is a budget Android device that costs $350 or so. It has a 6.7-inch OLED display, a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, and a 5000mAh battery. It also has a dual camera setup with a 50MP main and ultrawide lens, and a 16MP selfie camera. It runs on Nothing OS 2.5, which is based on Android 14.
The most distinctive feature of the Nothing Phone 2a is its design. It has a semi-transparent back that allows you to see some of the internal components, such as the battery, the speaker, and the LED strips. The LED strips light up in different patterns and colors for notifications, charging, timers, and music. They also add some flair and personality to the device.
How is the Nothing Phone 2a in use?
I've been using the Nothing Phone 2a for a few weeks now, and I have to say that I'm impressed by its performance and battery life. The phone is fast and smooth, and handles most tasks and games with ease. The display is bright and crisp, and the speakers are loud and clear. The camera is decent, but not exceptional. It takes good photos in daylight, but struggles in low-light conditions. The selfie camera is also average, but good enough for video calls and social media.
The battery life is one of the best aspects of the Nothing Phone 2a. It lasts for two days or more on a single charge, and supports fast charging. The phone charges to 80% in 39 minutes and reaches full in just under an hour with a 45W power adapter (not included). The phone also has a fingerprint scanner under the display, which is fast and reliable.
The Nothing OS 2.5 is a clean and simple version of Android 14, with some customizations and features from Nothing. It has a dark mode, a gesture navigation system, a smart assistant, and a theme engine. It also has some exclusive apps, such as Nothing Music, Nothing Gallery, and Nothing Camera. The OS is smooth and stable, and receives regular updates and security patches from Nothing.
The design of the Nothing Phone 2a is a matter of personal preference. I like the semi-transparent back and the LED strips, as they make the phone look different and interesting. However, some people might find them too flashy or gimmicky. The back also attracts dust and fingerprints, and scratches easily. The phone is also quite large and heavy, which might not suit everyone's hands and pockets.
Should you buy the Nothing Phone 2a?
The Nothing Phone 2a is a solid entry into the budget phone market that manages to stand out from an otherwise often dull crowd. You get a lot of phone for the money, with a big and crisp display, long battery life, solid performance, and a design that doesn't look budget. The phone is not perfect, though. The camera is mediocre, the back is prone to scratches.
If you're looking for a budget phone that offers something different and fun, the Nothing Phone 2a might be a good choice for you. However, if you're looking for a more conventional and reliable budget phone, you might want to look elsewhere.