Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Review: A Solid Performer with One Major Drawback
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has quickly followed in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Nothing Phone (2a), bringing a mix of innovation and frustration. Released just four months after the original, this latest model offers a more powerful MediaTek processor, an upgraded front-facing camera, and a slight price increase. At $400, it competes in the budget smartphone arena, rubbing shoulders with the likes of the Google Pixel 8a.
However, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus impresses in many areas, a significant issue with its fingerprint scanner casts a shadow over what could have been an exceptional budget device.
Design and Build: A Fresh Take on Smartphone Aesthetics.
If you’re tired of the cookie-cutter designs that dominate today’s smartphones, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus might be a breath of fresh air. Sporting a transparent rear that showcases its inner components—complete with visible screws and ribbon cables—the design is both unique and polarizing. It’s a nod to the early 2000s when phones had personality.
Despite its $400 price tag, the build quality feels premium, with sturdy materials and responsive buttons. The Glyph lights, which surround the camera lenses on the back, add a touch of flair, making the phone stand out in a sea of similar-looking devices. However, the phone’s IP54 rating leaves much to be desired, especially when compared to the Pixel 8a’s more robust IP67 rating.
The Glyph Interface: Fun but Limited
One of the standout features of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is its Glyph interface. The three LED light strips on the back of the phone can be customized to display different patterns based on incoming calls, notifications, and even music playback. While these lights add a unique visual element, their practicality is somewhat limited. They’re more about aesthetics than functionality, but if you enjoy quirky features, they can enhance your overall experience.
Performance: Smooth and Reliable with a Few Hiccups
Under the hood, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is powered by a MediaTek 7350 Pro processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The performance is solid for everyday tasks, and the option to expand the RAM by an additional 8GB is a nice touch. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors and crisp visuals, with a refresh rate that adjusts between 30Hz and 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and gameplay.
Battery life is another strong point, thanks to its 5000mAh battery. In moderate use, the phone easily lasts through a full day and then some. However, the phone’s Geekbench scores are modest, so if you’re a power user, you might find the performance lagging behind more expensive models.
Camera: Impressive Low-Light Performance with a Caveat
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus excels in low-light photography, with its dual 50MP rear cameras producing sharp, vibrant images even in challenging conditions. However, the inability to zoom in while shooting in 50MP mode is a significant limitation. To use the zoom feature, you’ll have to switch to the 12MP mode, which detracts from the overall camera experience.
The Dealbreaker: A Faulty Fingerprint Scanner
The most glaring issue with the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is its unreliable fingerprint scanner. Many users, including the reviewer, found the scanner to be inconsistent, particularly with the right thumb. This flaw is frustrating, as it hinders what could otherwise be a seamless user experience. While using a PIN or another finger might be a workaround, it’s a significant downside for a device that otherwise performs well in so many areas.
Verdict: Great Potential with One Big Flaw
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a lot going for it, from its unique design to its solid performance and excellent battery life. However, the fingerprint scanner issue is a major drawback that can’t be overlooked. If you’re drawn to its innovative design and can live with using a PIN or an alternative finger for unlocking, this phone offers great value. But for many, the unreliable scanner might be a dealbreaker.
Overall, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a promising device that falls just short of greatness due to a critical flaw. It’s a step forward in design and functionality, but until the fingerprint issue is addressed, it’s hard to fully recommend it over more reliable options in the same price range.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Review: Is It Worth the Investment?
As we dive deeper into the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, it’s essential to weigh its strengths against its weaknesses to determine whether it’s worth your hard-earned money. Here’s a closer look at the aspects that might influence your decision.
Software Experience: Clean but Limited
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus runs on Nothing OS 2.0, a minimalistic take on Android with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. The software experience is clean, free from bloatware, and offers a near-stock Android feel. Customization options are available, but they’re somewhat limited compared to other Android skins like One UI or MIUI.
For those who appreciate a clutter-free interface, this might be a plus, but if you’re someone who loves to tweak every aspect of your device, you might find it a bit restrictive. Regular updates are promised, which is reassuring, but the speed at which these updates roll out could be a concern for some users.
Connectivity and Audio: Mixed Results
When it comes to connectivity, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring you’re future-proofed for the latest wireless standards. Call quality is clear, and the phone handles network transitions smoothly.
However, the audio experience is a mixed bag. The stereo speakers are loud and clear, but they lack the depth and richness found in more premium devices. The absence of a headphone jack might be a dealbreaker for some, especially in this price range, though a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter can help alleviate this issue.
Gaming: A Pleasant Surprise
Gaming on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a surprisingly smooth experience, thanks to its robust MediaTek 7350 Pro chipset and the adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile run with minimal stutter, and the device handles extended gaming sessions without excessive heating. The large 5000mAh battery also means you can game for longer without needing to recharge frequently.
The transparent back design does get warm during intensive gaming, but not to an uncomfortable degree. The LED Glyphs, while primarily a visual feature, can serve as a novel notification system for in-game alerts, adding to the immersive experience.
Security and Privacy: Room for Improvement
Security is one area where the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus could see some improvement. Beyond the fingerprint scanner issues, the phone lacks advanced security features like facial recognition, which many of its competitors offer. The lack of these features might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but for those who prioritize security, it’s something to consider.
On the privacy front, Nothing OS 2.0 offers a privacy dashboard similar to what you’d find in stock Android, allowing you to control app permissions and access to sensitive information. While this is standard across most Android devices, it’s good to see that Nothing hasn’t skimped on these basics.
Final Thoughts: A Unique Device with Caveats
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a bold attempt to stand out in a crowded market. Its transparent design, quirky Glyph interface, and solid performance make it an intriguing option for those looking for something different. However, the inconsistent fingerprint scanner, lack of advanced security features, and limited software customization might hold it back from being a true contender in the budget smartphone space.
If you’re someone who values unique design and can overlook the scanner issue, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers good value for its $400 price tag. However, if reliability and advanced features are at the top of your priority list, you might want to explore alternatives like the Google Pixel 8a, which offers a more polished overall experience.
