If you’re already tired of new phones that barely offer anything different from their predecessors, we have some potentially frustrating news. Nothing’s latest phone, the Nothing Phone 2a Plus, follows the trend set by devices like the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, and the Galaxy Z Flip 6, by being a somewhat incremental update. The good news is that we previously thought the Nothing Phone 2a was excellent, and its design remains a winner. However, the Phone 2a Plus might leave some users feeling a bit annoyed.
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a 2412 by 1084 pixel resolution, a 120Hz adaptive screen refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. Beneath the display lies a fingerprint sensor, and at the top, a 50-megapixel selfie camera capable of shooting 4K video at 30 frames per second. Flipping the phone over reveals the familiar Glyph Interface lighting system introduced with the Nothing Phone 2a. This system features a slimmed-down array compared to the Nothing Phone 2 but still offers neat features like the Glyph Timer. On the back, there are two more 50MP cameras, with the main camera equipped with both optical and electronic image stabilization (OIS and EIS). Powering the Phone 2a Plus is a special Dimensity 7350 Pro processor from MediaTek, a chip not yet found in any other phone. It comes paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage space, although an 8GB/256GB version will be released exclusively in India. A 5,000mAh battery provides power, and it supports up to 50W charging, although a charger is not included in the box. Software-wise, it runs Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.6 onboard. The company promises three years of major updates and four years of security updates.
So, what are the actual differences between the Phone 2a and the Phone 2a Plus? There aren’t many. The most notable upgrades are the new, faster 4nm MediaTek chip and GPU, the 50MP selfie camera, some software tweaks for the rear camera’s portrait mode, and slightly faster charging. Nothing claims the Phone 2a Plus is for power users, citing a 10% performance improvement in app loading compared to the 2a, while the GPU is said to be 30% faster during gaming. However, beyond these changes, Nothing continues its habit of tweaking the design of its phones, even when they are essentially variations of the same model. This time, I believe the design has been perfected. I’ve been using the gray version of the Nothing Phone 2a Plus (it’s also available in black), and its appearance is absolutely stunning. Nothing has incorporated a metallic finish beneath the transparent rear panel, showcasing the NFC coil behind the cameras and the “racetrack” design that flows down the back of the phone. It’s far more eye-catching than the black Phone 2a I previously reviewed, and it’s undoubtedly the color to choose if you want to make a statement. The mid-frame is made of aluminum, and the phone’s edge feels smoother compared to the textured Phone 2a. I adore the curve of the plastic rear panel’s sides and how it avoids any sharp edges when holding the phone. It retains the same physical size and weight as the Phone 2a and has the same IP54 dust and water resistance rating.
The Glyph lights and Nothing’s distinctive ring and notification sounds remain a highlight. While the Phone 2a Plus doesn’t drastically deviate from its predecessor, it still manages to be a superb-looking and feeling phone. Let’s talk about the camera. The main and wide-angle cameras appear to be identical to those found on the Nothing Phone 2a, but the selfie camera has been upgraded to a 50MP sensor. Comparing selfies taken outside, shaded from strong sunlight, the Phone 2a Plus’ photo undoubtedly showcases more detail and more accurate skin tones with greater control over contrast. However, it does tend to overdo the colors, and I’m not convinced the portrait effect is any more accurate than before. It’s still too early for a definitive judgment based on just a few selfies, but there’s a clear difference, and ultimately, the “better” selfie may come down to personal preference. You can see a comparison between the Phone 2a and Phone 2a Plus selfies in the gallery below. I also captured a few photos on a brightly sunny day to test out the Phone 2a Plus’ main and wide-angle cameras. The Phone 2a produced fun, vibrant photos perfect for online sharing, and the Phone 2a Plus doesn’t stray far from this formula. Reds, blues, and greens pop off the screen as the camera amplifies the HDR effect, and the wide-angle camera typically matches the main camera in terms of vibrancy. Based on the limited photos I’ve taken, it appears to be a continuation of the Phone 2a, which isn’t a bad thing.
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus is available in the U.S. through the “US Beta Program,” just like the Nothing Phone 1. It costs $399 for the 12GB/256GB model. It’s available for purchase starting August 7, but you’ll need to put in some effort to acquire one. In the U.K., the Nothing Phone 2a Plus costs 399 British pounds and will be available first through Nothing’s retail store in London starting August 3. Nothing also mentions that further Phone 2a Plus availability will be announced in September.
In what’s becoming a trend this year, the Nothing Phone 2a Plus makes us question whether it truly qualifies as a new phone. Nothing claims it’s for those demanding more power, but isn’t that also the target audience for the Phone 2? This release seems more suited for those who want a slight boost in power but aren’t sure they can handle too much extra. Nothing will continue selling the Phone 2a, which is slightly cheaper than the Plus, alongside the Nothing Phone 2 and the CMF Phone 1. It’s a strange situation because on paper, the Nothing Phone 2a Plus appears like a slightly refreshed version of the Nothing Phone 2a rather than a truly new phone targeting a new segment of buyers. That’s fine, but the Phone 2a Plus walks a very thin line between rewarding new buyers and potentially upsetting existing customers. The Phone 2a is only four months old, so anyone who bought one likely didn’t expect a slightly better model to arrive so soon, especially for only a little more money. This might not inspire much confidence to buy a new Nothing phone in the future. At this point, if you’ve held off on buying a Phone 2a, then you’re being rewarded. However, if you did pick one up, you might feel like you’re on the wrong side of the deal. Luckily, the upgrades are unlikely to drastically change the phone, so don’t be too disappointed. We already loved the Phone 2a, so you’ve got a good phone. But this leaves us wondering why the Nothing Phone 2a Plus was released in such a hurry. It’s a confusing phone that reflects the trend of 2024.
