Nothing Phone (2a) Plus First Impressions: A Refined Mid-Ranger with a Familiar Flair and a Few Surprises

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, the latest iteration of Nothing’s mid-range smartphone lineup, arrives with subtle refinements that elevate the familiar design language of its predecessor. While the transparent back and captivating Glyph Interface remain, the phone’s edges are now more rounded, resulting in a more comfortable and ergonomic feel in hand. The overall build quality remains exceptional, with a robust aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 protecting both sides, ensuring durability. The addition of IP54 dust and water resistance adds a layer of practicality to the phone’s premium construction.
The 6.7-inch FHD+ flexible AMOLED display continues to be a highlight of the device, delivering a visual feast with its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. However, the most notable improvement is the upgrade to a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which translates to incredibly smooth scrolling and animations, making navigation and interactions a joy. HDR10+ support further enhances the display’s capabilities, providing a more immersive and engaging viewing experience, especially for compatible content.
One of the most significant upgrades lies under the hood, where the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus houses the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G chipset. This powerful processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM, promises a substantial boost in performance compared to its predecessor. In my initial hands-on experience, the phone felt incredibly snappy and responsive, effortlessly handling everyday tasks and multitasking without any noticeable lag or stuttering. While intensive gaming tests are pending, the upgraded chipset and ample RAM suggest a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
The camera setup, while seemingly unchanged from the previous model, comprises a 50MP primary sensor and a 50MP ultrawide sensor on the rear, along with a 32MP front-facing camera. Initial impressions indicate that the camera system continues to excel in well-lit conditions, producing detailed images with impressive dynamic range. The true test of its capabilities will lie in its low-light performance, which I will thoroughly evaluate in my upcoming full review.
Nothing OS 2.0, based on Android 13, offers a clean and clutter-free software experience, devoid of unnecessary bloatware. The introduction of new features like the Glyph Composer, which allows for personalized ringtones and notification sounds, and Glyph Progress, which displays task progress through the Glyph Interface, further enhances the phone’s unique charm and customization options.
A 5000mAh battery powers the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, promising ample endurance for a full day of moderate to heavy usage. This claim will be put to the test in my comprehensive review. Additionally, the phone supports 45W wired charging and wireless charging, providing convenient and fast charging options.
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will be available in two configurations: 8GB/128GB and 12GB/256GB, with prices starting at $499. The phone is set to launch in the US and Canada in late July, making it an attractive option for those seeking a distinctive and capable mid-range smartphone.
In summary, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing meaningful upgrades that enhance the overall user experience. The refined design, upgraded display, improved performance, and unique software features make it a compelling choice in the competitive mid-range market. Stay tuned for my in-depth review, where I will dive deeper into the camera performance, battery life, and overall user experience of this intriguing device.