Nothing Phone (2a)

Review of the Nothing Phone (2a)

The Nothing Phone (2a) launched in March 2024 is making waves with its impressive design, robust performance, and innovative features. Positioned as a mid-range contender with some flagship-worthy elements, it strikes a strong balance between aesthetics and functionality. It is a stylish, feature-packed smartphone with impressive performance. See also Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.

Nothing Phone (2a) specs and price in Kenya

Design and Build

The Nothing Phone (2a) sports a sleek, modern design with a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), a plastic frame, and a plastic back. The standout feature here is the back panel, where you’ll find three LED light strips. These strips are not just for show – they serve functional purposes, including notifications, a camera fill light, and customizable addressable zones, adding an element of interactivity. One of the standout features of Nothing phones is their unique LED light strips on the back, which set the device apart from other smartphones. These light strips go beyond aesthetics, serving practical functions as well.

Nothing Phone (2a)’s splash, water, and dust-resistant with an IP54 rating, making it more durable than many other phones in this price range. At 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6 mm and weighing 190g, it feels premium in hand without being too bulky.

Display

The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is a visual treat. With 1 billion colors, HDR10+ support, and a refresh rate of 120Hz, it provides a buttery-smooth experience. The display’s brightness levels are impressive too, reaching up to 1300 nits at peak brightness, making it easy to view in bright sunlight. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection ensures durability, and the 1080 x 2412 resolution provides sharp, vibrant visuals. The screen-to-body ratio of ~87.6% is also commendable, offering a near-full-screen experience for media consumption and gaming.

Performance

Under the hood, the Nothing Phone (2a) is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, built on the efficient 4nm architecture. The octa-core CPU (2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) and the Mali-G610 MC4 GPU ensure smooth performance, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or just browsing. With configurations offering up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage (non-expandable), there’s plenty of room for apps, media, and files. The phone runs Android 14, and with up to 3 major OS upgrades promised, it’s future-proof for some time.

Cameras

The dual-camera setup on the rear is impressive, especially for a mid-range device. The 50MP wide camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and PDAF ensures sharp and stable images, even in low light. The 50MP ultrawide camera offers a 114-degree field of view, providing great versatility in shots. Both lenses can shoot in 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60/120fps, with gyro-EIS for smooth video recording.

The 32MP front camera is ideal for selfies, producing crisp, detailed shots. Whether for social media or video calls, it’s one of the better selfie cameras available in this price range.

Battery Life

The phone houses a 5000mAh battery, which provides excellent endurance for daily tasks. The 45W wired charging is a standout feature, as it can charge the device to 50% in just 23 minutes and reach 100% in around an hour. This is a great option for users who need a quick charge while on the go.

Connectivity and Features

Connectivity options are solid with Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C 2.0, OTG support, and 5G capability. The in-display fingerprint scanner works smoothly, and the suite of sensors (accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass) ensures a responsive user experience. The inclusion of the “Circle to Search” feature adds a fun, practical element to the interface.

Price and Value

Priced at Ksh 46,000 in Kenya, the Nothing Phone (2a) offers excellent value for money. It provides a flagship-like experience with solid performance, premium design, and great camera capabilities, making it a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market. It competes well with other devices in its price range, especially for users looking for a sleek design, fast performance, and a high-quality display.

Conclusion

The Nothing Phone (2a) brings something fresh to the table with its innovative design, high-quality display, and powerful performance. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or someone looking for a stylish device that delivers on all fronts, the Nothing Phone (2a) is definitely worth considering. With its strong camera setup, fast charging, and solid battery life, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a feature-packed smartphone at a competitive price.