Nothing Phone 2a Review Transparent design and powerful features

Nothing Phone 2a: In early March, Nothing launched its latest smartphone, the Nothing Phone 2a, in IndiaThis device marks a significant milestone for the brand, as it is the first Nothing smartphone to feature a MediaTek processorThe company’s previous smartphones, the Nothing Phone (1) and Nothing Phone (2), were equipped with Qualcomm processorsWith a clear focus on the Indian market, the Nothing Phone 2a is not only manufactured in India but also proudly carries the “Made in India” tag on its retail box.

Additionally, Nothing organized its global launch event in India, highlighting the brand’s commitment to this marketOver the past several days, we tested this smartphone extensively, evaluating its design, features, performance, and overall usabilityHere’s our comprehensive review of the Nothing Phone 2a, including why it might—or might not—be the perfect smartphone for you.

Key Features of the Nothing Phone 2a

Here are the main specifications and features of the Nothing Phone 2a:

Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro
Storage: 12GB RAM, 256GB internal storage
Battery: 5000mAh, 45W fast charging support
Camera: Dual rear camera setup (50MP + 50MP), 32MP front camera
Price: Starting at ₹23,999

Design

Nothing has maintained its signature transparent design with the Nothing Phone 2aHowever, the company has further refined this aesthetic, adding a scratch-resistant back panel for durabilityUnlike the previous models, the new panel is more robust and resistant to scratches or marks, ensuring the phone retains its sleek, fresh look over time.

Unique Glyph Lighting

One standout feature of the Nothing Phone 2a is the Glyph lighting on the backCompared to its predecessors, the number of lights has been reduced, with the focus now limited to the area surrounding the camera module, giving the phone a minimal yet premium look.

Horizontal Camera Design

The phone’s horizontal camera setup is integrated into the centre of the transparent back panel, making the internal NFC coil and other components visibleThis distinctive design caters to younger users who value style and innovation in their gadgets.

Additional Design Elements

Buttons: The power button is located on the right side, while the volume rocker is on the left.
Ports: At the bottom, the phone houses a speaker grill and a USB Type-C port.
Overall Build: The finish is premium, and the phone feels sturdy and comfortable to hold.

Display

The Nothing Phone 2a features a 6.7-inch FHD+ flexible AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rateThe display has a center-aligned punch-hole design for the front camera and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring durability against scratches and minor drops.

Brightness and Visibility

The phone boasts a peak brightness of 1300 nits, offering excellent outdoor visibility.
Even under direct sunlight, the screen content remains easy to read.
For indoor usage, its typical brightness of 700 nits is more than sufficient.

Viewing Experience

During our tests, we streamed web series and movies on the Nothing Phone 2aThe display’s colour reproduction and visual quality stood out, delivering an immersive viewing experienceThe screen strikes a perfect balance between contrast, brightness, and smoothness, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and gaming.

Performance

The Nothing Phone 2a is the brand’s first device to feature a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, built on 4nm Gen 2 TSMC processing technologyWith a clock speed of up to 2.8GHz, this processor offers impressive performance in the mid-range segment.

Performance Test Results

The phone handles multitasking and gaming seamlessly, with no lags or stutters.
We tested graphic-intensive games like NFS, and the device performed well without any significant heating issues.
The Dimensity 7200 Pro processor is ideal for heavy gaming and smooth day-to-day usage, making it one of the best options in this price range.

Software: Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.5

The phone runs on Nothing OS 2.5, based on Android 14, which enhances the overall user experience.

Users can choose between Nothing UI or Google UI during setup, offering flexibility based on personal preference.
The Nothing UI is minimalist and clean, with visually appealing app icons and widgets.
Most importantly, the device is bloatware-free, which is a rare and welcome feature in modern smartphones.

Battery

The Nothing Phone 2a comes with a 5000mAh battery, making it the brand’s first device to feature such a large batteryIt supports 45W fast charging via a USB Type-C port.

Charging Experience

We used the CMF 65W charger (sold separately), which charged the phone from 0% to 100% in about 50-55 minutes.

Battery Life

Normal usage: The phone comfortably lasts 1.5 to 2 days.
Heavy usage: Even with intense multitasking and gaming, the battery easily lasts a full day.

Camera

The Nothing Phone 2a features a dual rear camera setup with two 50MP sensorsThe primary camera is equipped with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) for steady shots.

Camera Test Results

Daylight Photography: Photos captured with the primary camera are sharp, vibrant, and detailed.
Low Light and Night Mode: The phone performs exceptionally well in low light, producing clear and noise-free images.
Vlogging and Social Media: The 32MP front camera is perfect for selfies and video calls, delivering high-quality results suitable for social media sharing.

Compared to other smartphones in this price range, the Nothing Phone 2a stands out for its excellent camera performance in both daylight and low-light conditions.

Should You Buy the Nothing Phone 2a

After thoroughly testing the Nothing Phone 2a, we can confidently say that this smartphone offers great value for ₹23,999Here’s a summary of its strengths:

Design: The unique transparent back and Glyph lighting make it stand out.
Display: The vibrant AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is perfect for entertainment.
Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset ensures smooth and reliable performance.
Battery: Long battery life with fast charging support.
Camera: Excellent cameras for both photography and videography.
Software: Clean, bloatware-free experience with Nothing OS.

Conclusion

The Nothing Phone 2a is ideal for:

Users who want a stylish, unique design with excellent build quality.
Those looking for top-notch performance and features in the mid-range segment.
Buyers who value a clean, bloatware-free Android experience.

However, if you’re looking for a phone with expandable storage or advanced gaming-specific features, you might want to explore other options.

In conclusion, the Nothing Phone 2a strikes the perfect balance between style, performance, and affordability, making it a standout choice in the mid-range smartphone segmentIf you’re in the market for a premium-looking device with solid features, this phone is undoubtedly worth considering.

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