Nothing Phone 2a vs Realme 12+ in 5 Minutes: Which Phone Should You Get?

In the bustling Indian smartphone market, Realme recently introduced two new additions to its mid-range lineup, the Realme 12 5G series. This series comprises the Realme 12 5G and its more advanced sibling, the Realme 12+ 5G (Review).

A day before the launch of the Realme 12, Nothing, the London-based brand helmed by Carl Pei, introduced its inaugural entry into the mid-range market. Unveiled at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, in February, the Nothing Phone 2a made its debut.

How do the new mid-range entrants fare against each other? Let's find out in this quick comparison.

Realme 12+ 5G vs Nothing Phone 2a: Specs Comparison

Realme 12+ 5G vs Nothing Phone 2a

Despite the Realme 12+ 5G being more budget-friendly by Rs 3,000 compared to the Nothing Phone 2a, both smartphones offer nearly identical display specifications with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Nothing Phone 2a edges ahead with a more potent MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset and offers up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM, compared to up to 8GB LPDDR4X RAM in the Realme 12+ 5G.

The camera setups present another area of distinction. The Realme 12+ 5G includes a macro camera, whereas the Nothing Phone (2a) features an ultrawide camera. Additionally, the Nothing Phone (2a) sports a higher resolution front camera, although the Realme 12+ 5G supports quicker wired charging.

Design-wise, the Nothing Phone (2a) stands out with its unique transparent back and a Glyph interface that lights up, offering multiple functionalities. In contrast, the Realme 12+ 5G opts for a more traditional luxury aesthetic with a leather back panel and a design inspired by luxury watches.

The Nothing Phone 2a also stands out by not including any unnecessary bloatware or pre-installed third-party applications, unlike the Realme 12+. This factor is significant when considering a smartphone. Additionally, Nothing provides enhanced software support with one additional year of OS updates and security updates with three years of Android updates and four years of security patches, surpassing Realme's two-year commitment to Android updates and three-year promise of security updates.

Verdict

The Realme 12+, priced at Rs 20,999, breaks ground as the first in its price range to house the Sony LYT-600 OIS-enabled sensor. Boasting a stunning AMOLED display with the Rainwater Smart Touch feature, a robust MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, 67W fast charging, and an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, it's a complete package operating on Android 14.

In contrast, the Nothing Phone 2a offers a smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, a 4nm-based Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, a 32MP selfie camera, 45W fast charging, and the intriguing Glyph Interface with 15 functions. Running a clean Android 14 with the distinctive NothingOS skin, it's a tempting choice.

For camera enthusiasts and speedy charging lovers, the Realme 12+ steals the spotlight, all while being budget-friendly. Yet, if you lean towards a clean and distinctive Android experience without any bloatware, the Nothing Phone 2a has its charm, not to mention a design that might tickle your fancy - design being subjective.

Ultimately, the decision rests on your feature priorities. Whether it's a camera-centric powerhouse or a sleek, unique Android experience, weigh your preferences wisely before making the call.