Nothing Phone 2a: A Budget Phone with Unique Features
Key takeaways
- The Nothing Phone 2a is only available in the US via a GitHub developer program.
- It offers a sleek design, a unique interface, a light-up back cover, and a solid battery.
- The camera quality may not meet the expectations of some users, and it lacks retail availability in the US.
Nothing, the company founded by ex-OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, has launched a new smartphone called the Phone 2a. Priced at $349, it is undoubtedly one of the best budget phones available in the market. However, the disappointing news is that it is not coming to the United States in a traditional way.
The 2a is a budget version of last year’s Phone 2 and is intended as an upgrade for users of the Phone 1. However, it will only be sold in the United States through a developer program, rather than a conventional sales channel. In contrast, customers in the United Kingdom and India can purchase it directly from Nothing and other retailers.
While it may not be surprising that the Phone 2a won’t be officially available in the US, it is still a noteworthy smartphone considering its price and features, making many enthusiasts wish it was available in their country.
Design-wise, the Phone 2a offers a complete package that stands out among phones under $400. It features a transparent glass back, allowing users to see the components, including the NFC coil, and comes with unique design elements such as ribbons of light, a shape-based interface, and a distinctive red accent. The white version of the phone, in particular, showcases the internal components more prominently, adding to its appeal.
One of the standout features of the Phone 2a is the inclusion of the Glyph Interface on the back. Though less complex than on previous Nothing phones, it still allows users to set timers, track their Uber status, play light patterns for specific notifications, and synchronize the lights to their music through Glyph Composer. Such features contribute to a more fun and unique user experience compared to typical handsets.
Furthermore, the Phone 2a offers an impressive 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, typically found in phones costing at least $600. It also features an under-screen fingerprint reader that performs as well as flagship phones.
Inside the Phone 2a, Nothing has partnered with MediaTek to develop a custom Dimensity 7200 Pro processor that delivers reliable speed and battery performance. Paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it offers a smooth multitasking experience and standout performance for the price.
With a 5,000mAh battery, the Phone 2a delivers a robust battery life that easily lasts a full day of heavy use and can even extend into the second day with moderate usage. The phone also supports 45W fast charging, compensating for the lack of wireless charging technology.
The Phone 2a runs on the Android 14 operating system, customized with Nothing’s own UI called Nothing OS 2.5. The custom interface embraces a dot matrix design philosophy, allowing users to personalize their phone with various dot-based fonts and black-and-white iconography. It aims to encourage users to use their phones more intentionally, avoiding impulsive usage. Overall, the UI offers a lighter and more user-friendly experience compared to other interfaces.
In terms of software support, Nothing promises three years of major OS upgrades and four years of security updates for the Phone 2a, exceeding the standard support offered by most sub-$400 phones. This makes it an attractive choice for users planning to use their phones for the typical two to three-year lifecycle.
When it comes to downsides, the Nothing Phone 2a has a few. It is not compatible with the Verizon network, has weak IP54 waterproofing, and lacks the convenience of wireless charging. However, the major drawback is the camera quality, which is subpar compared to other budget smartphones.
Featuring a 50MP main camera and a 50MP ultra-wide camera, the Phone 2a struggles in low-light scenarios due to its limited aperture and disappointing night mode. Additionally, the lack of detail and inconsistency in low-light conditions hinder the camera’s performance, making it suitable mostly for well-lit landscapes.
Despite its limitations, the Phone 2a offers some innovative camera features. The Ultra HDR combines Nothing’s HDR algorithms with Google’s HDR technology to deliver cleaner and more lifelike photos. Motion Capture helps capture moving subjects, while Portrait Optimizer enhances portrait photos. Although these features do not deliver a significantly better camera experience compared to other $350 smartphones, they provide noticeable improvements in well-lit environments.
ZDNET’s buying advice
For users considering a $400 smartphone, options like the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, OnePlus 12R, and Google Pixel 7a (during sales) are worth exploring. Each of these phones offers certain advantages such as superior camera capabilities or display quality unavailable on the Nothing Phone 2a.
However, the Nothing Phone 2a stands out as a solid and unique device, deserving a chance. Though Nothing is a relatively new player in the smartphone market, the Phone 2a impresses with its blend of specifications, unique design, and overall value. If the Phone 2a is available in your market, it is definitely worth your consideration.
