Nothing Phone 2a vs Nothing Phone 2 vs Nothing Phone 1: Do We Have Nothing’s Flagship Killer Here?

With the Nothing Phone 2a launched officially, how does this newcomer stack up against its predecessors, the Nothing Phone 2 and the trailblazing Nothing Phone 1? Let's find out.

The Nothing Phone 2 offers multiple configurations, starting from Rs 39,999, featuring options like 8/128GB, 12/256GB, and 12/512GB. In contrast, the Nothing Phone 2a enters the market with a more budget-friendly starting point of Rs 23,999 for the base 8/128GB variant. Moving up the ladder, the 8/256GB variant is priced at Rs 25,999, while the top-tier 12/256GB model comes in at Rs 27,999. In the past, the introductory price for the Nothing Phone 1's 8GB/256GB variant was set at Rs 32,999 in India.

Full Specs Comparison

Design: A Familiar Yet Distinctive Look

The Nothing Phone 2 maintains a design closely aligned with its predecessor, the Nothing Phone 1. The key visual differentiators include a centrally positioned hole-punch camera, a camera glyph light split into two lights, and a central wireless charging glyph light divided into six distinct zones. Notably, the Phone 2 introduces a fresh Dark Grey color option, adding a new dimension to its aesthetic appeal.

In a similar design vein, the Nothing Phone (2a) adheres to tradition while introducing distinctive elements. The dual rear cameras, horizontally aligned, provide a unique look. The smartphone features flat edges, creating a sleek appearance. The volume buttons are on the right side, while the power button is on the left side. The Nothing Phone (2a) also incorporates three Glyph light bars surrounding the cameras. The Phone (2a) will be available in Black and White color variants.

The Phone 1 is the pioneer of the Nothing design language. Its rear is adorned with several white LED strips that collectively create the Glyph interface. These LEDs can illuminate in unison or independently, showcasing diverse combinations to convey notifications, charging status, and even assisting in identifying calls when the phone is set to silent mode.

Display: Battle of the Screens

The Nothing Phone 2 boasts a 6.7-inch FHD+ LTPO OLED display with adaptive refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz and HDR10+ support. This display promises vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth transitions.

On the other hand, the Nothing Phone 2a features a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1300 nits. This AMOLED panel ensures rich visuals.

The trailblazing Nothing Phone 1 is equipped with a 6.55-inch FHD+ 10-bit OLED display panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support.

Performance: Under the Hood

Powering the Nothing Phone 2 is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This powerful combination ensures smooth multitasking, efficient performance in gaming, and ample storage for apps and media.

In contrast, the Nothing Phone 2a opts for the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro SoC, offering up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. Notably, the Phone 2a introduces a RAM booster feature, potentially pushing RAM to an impressive 20GB. This innovation aims to elevate the user experience by enhancing multitasking capabilities.

The Nothing Phone 1 packs the Snapdragon 778G+ SoC with up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage.

Camera: Capturing Moments

The Nothing Phone 2 boasts a dual-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor and a 50MP ultrawide lens. This configuration promises high-quality, detailed photos in various scenarios. On the other hand, the Nothing Phone 2a features a similar dual rear camera arrangement, with a 50MP primary sensor and a 50MP ultrawide lens.

The Phone 1 also packs a 50MP primary sensor and a 50MP ultrawide lens, indicating a consistent approach to camera specifications across Nothing's smartphone lineup. In the front-facing camera department, the Phone (2) has a 32 MP Sony IMX615 sensor for taking selfies. The Phone 2a also has a 32MP selfie camera. The Phone 1, on the other hand, has a 16MP Sony IMX471 front camera.

Battery: Fueling Your Day

The Nothing Phone 2 packs a 4,700mAh battery with 45W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. This battery capacity, combined with fast charging capabilities, ensures a reliable and efficient power experience.

In comparison, the Nothing Phone 2a is equipped with a larger 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging capability. However, there is no wireless charging. The Phone 1 packs a 4,500mAh battery unit with support for 33W fast charging (wired) and 15W Qi wireless charging.

Software: The Brains Behind the Operation

The Nothing Phone 2 debuted with Nothing OS 2.0 based on Android 13, now updated to Nothing OS 2.5.2 based on Android 14. Similarly, the Nothing Phone 2a launched with Android 14 and Nothing OS 2.5. The Phone 2a will receive 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches.
The Nothing Phone 1 also upgraded to Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.5.2 on top.

Where the Nothing Phone 2a Stands

According to Nothing, this new phone represents an upgrade in every aspect compared to the Phone 1. However, the Phone 2 retains its status as the flagship offering, leaving the Phone 2a positioned comfortably between the Phone 1 and the Phone 2.

In essence, the Nothing Phone 2(a) emerges as an intriguing choice for smartphone enthusiasts looking for a harmonious blend of power and affordability.