Nothing Phone 2 vs 2a – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Nothing Phone 2 & Nothing Phone 2a share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Nothing Phone 2 rather than the Nothing Phone 2a

Why Do I Recommend The Nothing Phone 2

  • The Nothing Phone 2 has a flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset that powers console-level gaming, faster multitasking, and greater energy efficiency, compared to the Nothing Phone 2a’s Dimensity 7200 Pro.
  • Nothing Phone 2 features an LTPO AMOLED display that scales from 1 Hz to 120 Hz to save battery during static content while keeping motion ultrasmooth, while the Nothing Phone 2a has non-LTPO panel that bottoms out at 30 Hz.
  • It supports 15 W Qi wireless and 5 W reverse wireless charging that lets you refill the phone on any pad and juice accessories on the go, compared to the wired-only Nothing Phone 2a.
  • The Nothing Phone 2 comes with Gorilla Glass 5 panels and an aluminium frame that enhance scratch resistance and give a premium hand-feel, compared to the plastic back and frame of the Nothing Phone 2a.
  • Nothing Phone 2 features a 1,600-nit peak-brightness display that keeps the screen legible in harsh sunlight, compared to the 1,300-nit limit on the Nothing Phone 2a.
  • It includes 33 individually addressable Glyph LED zones that provide richer visual alerts and granular progress indicators, compared to the 26 simpler zones on the Nothing Phone 2a.
  • The Nothing Phone 2 supports 4 K video recording at 60 fps that captures smoother motion for vlogging and action shots, compared to the 4 K 30 fps cap on the Nothing Phone 2a.
  • Nothing Phone 2 has a Sony IMX890 main sensor that delivers superior low-light performance and faster autofocus, compared to the Samsung GN9 sensor in the Nothing Phone 2a.

Maybe the Nothing Phone 2a price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Nothing Phone 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureNothing Phone 2Nothing Phone 2a
SoCSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro
Peak Brightness1600 nits1300 nits
Materials / FrameGorilla Glass 5 front/back + aluminum frameGorilla Glass 5 front + plastic back/frame
Display Min Refresh Rate1 Hz30 Hz
Battery4,700 mAh5,000 mAh
Wireless / Reverse ChargingYesNo
Glyph LED Zones33 zones26 zones
Rear Camera Sensor (main)Sony IMX890Samsung ISOCELL GN9
Macro ModeYesNo
Front Camera32 MP, 1080p video32 MP, 1080p video
OS at LaunchAndroid 13, Nothing OS 2.0Android 14, Nothing OS 2.5
Color OptionsGrey, WhiteWhite, Black, Milk
PriceCheck Phone 2 PriceCheck Phone 2a Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Technology: Both phones use a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution (2412×1080/1084) and 120 Hz refresh rate, enabling smooth scrolling, vivid colors, and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience. Though the Phone 2 has LTPO for extra efficiency, the size and sharpness are shared.
  • Camera System: Each model is equipped with a 50 MP main sensor and a 50 MP ultra-wide lens, along with a 32 MP front camera. This ensures both phones capture detailed shots, wide landscapes, and high-resolution selfies.
  • Charging Capability: Both support 45 W wired fast charging, allowing for rapid battery top-ups despite the size difference in battery capacity.
  • Operating System & Updates: Both run Nothing OS (custom Android skin) and are promised the same software support timeline—3 years of Android OS updates and 4 years of security patches—providing long-term usability and consistency in software experience.
  • 5G Connectivity: They support 5G for high-speed mobile internet, ensuring users can benefit from next-gen network capabilities like faster downloads and lower latency.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Each model features an in-display optical fingerprint scanner, allowing for secure and seamless unlocking directly from the screen.
  • Glyph Interface: While the number of LED zones differs, both phones integrate the signature Glyph Interface—Nothing’s unique rear LED lighting feature—for visual notifications, call alerts, and charging indicators.
  • Stereo Speakers: Both devices deliver stereo sound output for an enhanced audio experience during gaming, streaming, or music playback.
  • NFC Functionality: NFC is present on both models, enabling tap-to-pay functionality and fast pairing with accessories and services.
  • SIM & Connectivity: Dual SIM support and USB-C (2.0) ensure modern and flexible usage options across both phones.

Common Features

FeatureNothing Phone 2Nothing Phone 2a
Display Size6.7-inch AMOLED6.7-inch AMOLED
Display Resolution2412×1080 pixels2412×1084 pixels
Refresh Rate120 Hz adaptive120 Hz adaptive
Main Rear Camera50 MP wide-angle sensor50 MP wide-angle sensor
Ultra-Wide Camera50 MP ultra-wide50 MP ultra-wide
Front Camera32 MP selfie camera32 MP selfie camera
Charging Speed45 W wired charging45 W wired charging
Operating SystemNothing OSNothing OS
Software Support3 years OS, 4 years security updates3 years OS, 4 years security updates
5G SupportYesYes
Fingerprint SensorIn-display optical scannerIn-display optical scanner
Glyph InterfaceYesYes
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
NFC SupportYesYes
Dual SIMYesYes
USB Type-C PortYesYes
Price Check Phone 2 Price Check Phone 2a Price

FAQ

Do both phones have the same display size and refresh rate?
Yes, both phones feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, although only the Phone 2 uses LTPO technology for better power efficiency with a 1–120 Hz adaptive range.

Which device has better performance for gaming and multitasking?
The Nothing Phone 2 has better performance due to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, which handles intensive tasks and gaming more efficiently than the Dimensity 7200 Pro in the Phone 2a.

Is wireless charging supported on both phones?
No, only the Nothing Phone 2 supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, while the Phone 2a does not include this feature.

Do both phones support fast wired charging?
Yes, both phones support 45 W fast wired charging, providing quick top-ups with compatible chargers.

Are the camera systems the same on both devices?
Both have a dual rear setup with 50 MP main and 50 MP ultra-wide cameras, but the Phone 2 uses a Sony IMX890 sensor while the Phone 2a uses a Samsung GN9 sensor, resulting in differences in image processing and quality.

What is the difference in battery capacity between the two?
The Nothing Phone 2a has a larger 5,000 mAh battery compared to the 4,700 mAh battery in the Phone 2, offering slightly longer battery life.

Do both phones run the same software?
Yes, both run Nothing OS, a custom Android skin. Phone 2 launched with Android 13 and Phone 2a with Android 14, but both are promised 3 years of OS and 4 years of security updates.

Is the Glyph interface available on both models?
Yes, both phones feature the Glyph interface on the back with customizable LED lighting, though Phone 2 includes more LED zones and light strips than the simplified version in the Phone 2a.

Are there any differences in video recording capabilities?
Yes, the Phone 2 supports up to 4K at 60fps video recording, while the Phone 2a is limited to 4K at 30fps.

Which phone feels more premium in hand?
The Nothing Phone 2 feels more premium due to its aluminum frame and glass back, compared to the plastic construction of the Phone 2a.

Is there a difference in stereo speaker quality?
Both phones have stereo speakers, but the Phone 2 generally provides louder and clearer audio thanks to better tuning and more advanced audio processing.

Do both phones have IP rating for water and dust resistance?
The Nothing Phone 2 has an IP54 rating for limited splash resistance, while the Phone 2a has no official IP rating, making the Phone 2 more durable in light wet conditions.

Are the front cameras identical in both models?
Yes, both devices come with a 32 MP front-facing camera, providing sharp selfies and 1080p video recording.

Which phone is better for long-term use?
The Nothing Phone 2 is better for long-term use due to its flagship processor, premium build, wireless charging, better video capabilities, and more advanced Glyph lighting system.

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