The budget phone crowd is usually awash in bland, samey devices. But the Nothing Phone 2a arrives to offer a much-needed injection of personality. This is Nothing’s first foray into truly affordable territory, and with prices starting at £319 (€329), it seems the company may have something special on its hands.
Let’s be clear: the Nothing Phone 2a isn’t going to dethrone any flagship handset. But its value proposition is undeniable. You get a 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED display, a fairly potent MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, a generous 5,000mAh battery (with 45W wired charging), and a surprisingly capable main camera with a 50-megapixel sensor. It even has an IP54 rating for basic dust and water resistance.
None of these specs alone would set it apart from other players in the race, but collectively they look impressive on a budget device. Still, compromises are inevitable, especially if look for a device that’s low on cash. And Nothing Phone 2a is no different. The frame and back panel are plastic, and you don’t get a wireless charging option. Though these aren’t a trade-off I would nitpick on honestly.
The real star of the show is the design. It’s instantly recognizable as a Nothing product. The transparent back, the Glyph lights, and the minimalist software combine for an aesthetic that pops, especially in contrast to its generic competitors.
| Nothing Phone 2a | |
| Display | 6.7-inch AMOLED, FHD+ resolution 120Hz display refresh rate (30Hz-120Hz) HDR10+ |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro |
| RAM | 8 or 12GB |
| Storage | 128 or 256GB |
| Power | 5,000mAh 45W wired charging (No charger in box) |
| Cameras | Rear: – 50MP main f/1.88, 1/1.56-inch sensor, OIS & EIS, AF -50MP ultrawide, f/2.2, 114-degree FoV, 1/2.76-inch sensor Front: – 32MP f/2.2, 1/2.74-inch sensor |
| Video | Rear: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, 1080p at 120fps (Slo-Mo) Front: 1080p at 60fps |
| Audio | Dual stereo speakers Dual mics No 3.5mm port |
| Connectivity | 5G (Sub6 only) Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.3 NFC |
| SIM | Dual nano-SIM tray |
| Security | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor 3 years of OS updates 4 years of security updates |
| Durability/Materials | IP54 Polycarbonate back Aluminum chassis |
| Software | Android 14 Nothing OS 2.5 |
| Dimensions and weight | 161.74 x 76.32 x 8.55mm 190g |
| Colors | White, Black, Blue (India Exclusive), Special Edition |
| Extras | Glyph lights on the back Supports countdown timer light |
Value That’s Hard to Beat
At $349, the Nothing Phone 2a comes out as an interesting choice. It’s not perfect, but considering the overall package, those compromises seem much easier to swallow. The well-designed interface, fun Glyph lights, and informative always-on display all feel like premium perks on a budget phone.
But there is a unfortunate news for US-based tech fans. The Phone 2a is available only via Nothing’s developer program in the country, and network support is also rather shaky. It has some T-Mobile 5G compatibility, while Verizon and AT&T users are stuck with LTE. This kind of inconsistency makes the Phone 2a a risky choice as an everyday phone in the US.
The Nothing Phone 2A is a reminder that the budget phone category doesn’t have to be completely devoid of style and substance. It makes its imperfections easy to forgive thanks to a bold take on design and a price that’s tough to argue with.
The US carrier situation is a major bummer, but for those in supported regions, the Phone 2a could very well be the most unique and exciting budget phone of the year.
