Back in March, fledgling British electronics firm Nothing introduced the world to the Phone (2a) — a sleek-looking smartphone that’s minimalistic and affordable while still possessing the tech and capabilities needed for modern tech-driven life. Less-than-six-months after the debut of the (2a), the company has now revealed a more advanced followup that maintains its predecessor’s spartan and value-laden nature while gaining a host of upgrades with the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
The Basics
Nothing’s Phone (2a) Plus represents a massive technological leap forward compared to the original (2a). Alongside a new processor developed specifically for the Phone (2a) Plus, Nothing’s new gadget also boasts improved clock speed, better benchmarking, faster charging speeds, and an upgraded front camera, just to name a few of this model’s many highlights and updates. Offered in black or grey color options, the phone leaves its chips, circuitry, camera, and NFC coil on full display — in typical Nothing fashion.
Hardware & Software
Running off the Android 14-powered Nothing OS 2.6, the Phone (2a) Plus features a new model-exclusive MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G chip, a 12 GB + 256 GB capacity, a clock speed of up to 3.0 GHz, a 1.3 GHz Arm Mali-G610 MC4 GPU, onboard ChatGPT integration, WiFi 6 tech, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.
Flexible AMOLED Display
Equipped with customizable display themes, the (2a) Plus carries over its predecessor’s 6.7” Flexible AMOLED display and also maintains its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,300 nits.
Camera Array
Capable of capturing super crisp stills and 4K video at 30 FPS, the phone features a triple camera array with a main cam, a front cam, and an ultra-wide cam with a 114° FOV — all of which are 50 megapixel units that benefit from the use of enhanced portrait algorithms. In addition to boasting autofocusing and a 10x digital zoom, the main camera is also backed by a 1/1.57″ sensor — while the ultra-wide and front cameras use 1/2.76″ sensors.
Capabilities & Features
This new dual 5G phone comes loaded with useful features and amenities. This laundry-list of items includes the ability to serve as a mobile hotspot, stereo speakers, Google Wallet support, customizable light and sound combinations, an expanded widget library, an innovative Glyph interface, and an in-screen optical scanner and face-unlocking capabilities.
Battery Specs
IP54-rated, the phone is powered by a 5,000mAh battery that boasts lightning-fast 50-watt (max) charging speeds and the ability to provide two full days of battery life. Further bolstering its ability to retain a charge is a new battery life management algorithm as well.
Eco-Friendly Manufacturing
The new Plus-spec phone isn’t just high-tech, it’s also surprisingly sustainable. On top of repurposing plastic waste from the Ear (2) wireless earbuds’ production line, it also features a recycled aluminum mid-frame, recycled tin on its circuit boards, recycled copper foil on its main circuit, and recycled steel on two-dozen stamped components. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus also benefits from several state-of-the-art production and manufacturing techniques including multi-layer printing, nano-coating, and proprietary ink formulations.
Why It’s Special
While it’s by no means comparable to the latest Pro Max-spec version of Apple’s flagship smartphone, Nothing’s Phone (2a) Plus wasn’t designed to take aim at the Cupertino-based tech giant, and was instead developed from the ground up to offer solid performance and capabilities in a package that not only looks great, but also one that doesn’t cost north of a grand — not even close. In fact, considering its bevy of cutting-edge hardware and premium features, the (2a) Plus’ price makes it a steal. Another unique factor that further elevates the phone is its semi-transparent industrial design, which was penned by none other than Teenage Engineering.
Spec Sheet
Brand: Nothing
Model: Phone (2a) Plus
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G
Core Count: 8
GPU: ARM Mali-G610 MC4 at 1.3 GHz
Display: 6.7” Flexible AMOLED
Peak Brightness: 1,300 Nits
Main Camera: 50MP
Ultra-Wide Camera: 50MP
Front Camera: 50MP
Battery Size: 5,000mAh
Max Charing Speed: 50W
IP Rating: IP54
Pricing & Availability
Available for order beginning August 7, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has been priced starting from $399.
Recap
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Nothing debuts a more advanced yet still highly affordable “Plus” version of its value-laden Phone (2a) that gains improved clock speed, better benchmarking, faster charging speeds, and an upgraded front camera, amongst other tweaks — all while keeping the starting MSRP at below the $400 mark.
