Nothing Phone (2a) Review: Glyph Lights, Big Battery, Camera and Mid-Range Might

The Nothing Phone (2a), launched on March 12, 2024, by Nothing—a London-based tech company founded by Carl Pei—represents a bold entry into the mid-range smartphone market. Announced on March 5, 2024, it sold over 100,000 units within its first 24 hours, signaling strong consumer interest. Priced at £319 (8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage) and £349 (12 GB + 256 GB) in the UK, €329–€379 in Europe, ₹23,999 in India, and $349 in the US (12 GB + 256 GB via a developer program), the Phone (2a) blends eye-catching design with practical performance. As of March 4, 2025, it remains a notable contender, balancing affordability with a premium feel. This 3000-word exploration covers its design, display, performance, software, camera, battery, connectivity, reception, and market standing.

Design and Build: A Transparent Statement

Nothing’s design ethos—transparency and minimalism—defines the Phone (2a). Its back, crafted from clear polycarbonate, reveals internal components like screws, the NFC coil, and ribbon connectors, evoking a futuristic, industrial vibe. This isn’t just cosmetic; it’s a deliberate rejection of the opaque, uniform slabs dominating the market. The plastic frame, while cost-effective, contrasts with the Gorilla Glass 5 front, offering durability against drops but not scratches. At 190 grams and 8.55 mm thick, it’s lightweight and comfortable, though the plastic attracts smudges and dust.

The "90° infinity back cover" curves at the edges, enhancing grip and structural integrity. An IP54 rating provides splash and dust resistance—enough for rain or spills, but not submersion. Available in Black, White, Milk (a soft off-white), and a region-specific Blue, the color palette caters to varied tastes. The dual 50 MP rear cameras sit centrally within the NFC coil, dubbed "the eyes," adding a playful yet functional aesthetic. Critics note the plastic build’s fingerprint-prone nature, but for its price, the Phone (2a) feels premium.

The Glyph Interface, a signature Nothing feature, returns with three LED strips (down from eleven on the Phone (2)). These lights flash for notifications, calls, timers, and music visualization, customizable via Nothing OS. While scaled back, they retain utility—say, signaling a delivery driver’s call without unlocking the phone. It’s a gimmick to some, a delight to others, but undeniably distinctive.

Display: Vibrant and Fluid

The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is a standout, boasting Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2412), a 120 Hz refresh rate, and 1300 nits peak brightness. It’s sharp, colorful, and smooth, rivaling pricier devices like the Samsung Galaxy A54. Adaptive refresh rates (30–120 Hz) balance fluidity and efficiency, dropping to 30 Hz for static content like eBooks and ramping up for gaming or scrolling. The 10-bit panel supports over a billion colors, with good contrast and viewing angles, though it lacks HDR10+ or Dolby Vision—omissions noticeable in HDR-heavy streaming.

Brightness is a strength: 700 nits typical and 1300 nits peak ensure legibility in sunlight. Compared to the Nothing Phone (2)’s LTPO panel (1–120 Hz), the (2a)’s fixed-range AMOLED is less power-efficient but still impressive. Bezels are slim, with a punch-hole 32 MP front camera that doesn’t intrude. For media, gaming (e.g., Genshin Impact), or browsing, it’s a joy, though the plastic frame’s smudginess slightly mars the premium vibe.

Performance: Mid-Range Muscle

The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4nm) powers the Phone (2a), a chipset co-engineered with Nothing for optimized efficiency. Built on TSMC’s 4nm process, it features an octa-core CPU (2x Cortex-A715 at 2.8 GHz, 6x Cortex-A510 at 2.0 GHz) and a Mali-G610 MC4 GPU. Configurations include 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage, 8 GB + 256 GB, and 12 GB + 256 GB (UFS 3.1 storage, LPDDR5 RAM). Benchmarks like AnTuTu score it around 700,000—below Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 devices (e.g., ~750,000) but ahead of the Dimensity 6020 in the Galaxy A54.

Real-world performance shines. Multitasking—say, juggling Chrome, Spotify, and WhatsApp—is seamless, with RAM Plus (virtual RAM expansion up to 8 GB) boosting capacity. Gaming handles titles like PUBG at medium settings (40–50 FPS) or Asphalt 9 at high settings (stable 60 FPS), though prolonged sessions warm the device slightly. Thermal management is solid, avoiding throttling during extended use. It’s not a flagship killer, but for its class, it punches above its weight.

Software: Nothing OS’s Minimalist Charm

Running Nothing OS 2.5 on Android 14 (upgradable to Nothing OS 3.0 with Android 15), the Phone (2a) offers a bloatware-free experience. The monochromatic, dot-matrix-inspired UI is clean and intuitive, with customizable icons, widgets, and layouts. Unique features include the Dot Engine (pixelated aesthetics), Shared Widgets (syncing with Nothing earbuds), and Glyph Composer (custom light patterns). It’s a stark contrast to cluttered skins like Samsung’s One UI or Xiaomi’s MIUI.

Nothing promises three years of OS updates (until 2027) and four years of security patches (until 2028)—decent but trailing Google’s seven years for the Pixel 8 or Samsung’s five for the Galaxy A55. Updates roll out bimonthly, keeping it secure, though enthusiasts may lament the shorter lifecycle. Pre-installed apps are minimal (Google suite, Nothing Recorder), preserving storage and performance.

Camera: Capable but Not Class-Leading

The dual 50 MP rear cameras feature a main sensor (Samsung GN9, f/1.88, OIS) and an ultra-wide (Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114° FOV). Nothing’s True Lens Engine enhances shots with computational tweaks—HDR, night mode, and portrait effects. Daylight photos are detailed, with natural colors and good dynamic range; the OIS steadies shots and video. The ultra-wide holds up, though edge distortion and softer details emerge. The 32 MP front camera (f/2.2) excels for selfies, with punchy colors and sharp output.

Low-light performance is the Achilles’ heel. Night mode brightens scenes, but noise and detail loss creep in, lagging behind the Google Pixel 7a’s computational prowess. Video recording hits 4K 30fps (main) and 1080p 60fps, with EIS stabilizing footage—functional but not cinematic. For casual users, it’s solid; for photography buffs, it’s middling.

Battery and Charging: Endurance Champ

The 5000 mAh battery is a highlight, lasting up to two days with moderate use (social media, browsing, YouTube) or a full day with heavy gaming and GPS. The Dimensity 7200 Pro’s efficiency and Nothing OS’s optimizations stretch longevity. Charging is 45W fast (no charger included), hitting 50% in 20 minutes and 100% in under an hour. Nothing claims over 90% capacity retention after 1,000 cycles—about three years—thanks to smart charging algorithms. Wireless charging is absent, a fair trade-off at this price.

Connectivity and Audio

The Phone (2a) supports 5G (SA/NSA), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and dual SIM. US 5G compatibility is limited (T-Mobile works best; Verizon/AT&T are spotty due to missing bands), restricting its appeal stateside. Dual stereo speakers deliver clear, balanced sound—good for podcasts or music, though bass lacks depth. There’s no 3.5mm jack, aligning with modern trends.

Reception: Praise and Pitfalls

The Phone (2a) has earned acclaim. British GQ called it "2024’s phone of the year" for its design and value. Users laud its display, battery, and software, with the Glyph lights splitting opinions—novelty or nuisance? Critics highlight the plastic build’s wear (scratches after months), average low-light camera, and shorter software support. In the US, limited retail availability and network issues dampen enthusiasm.

Market Position: A Mid-Range Maverick

Against the Galaxy A54 (better camera, longer updates), Pixel 7a (superior photography), or Redmi Note 13 Pro (higher specs), the Phone (2a) carves a niche with style and simplicity. It’s ideal for design lovers and Android purists, less so for US buyers or longevity seekers. As of March 4, 2025, it’s a mid-range maverick—flawed yet unforgettable.