Nothing Phone (2A) Plus: Unexpected Upgrades

London-based tech innovator Nothing has been making waves in the smartphone industry, and its latest release, the Phone (2A) Plus, continues this trend. Following the launch of the Phone (2A) earlier this year, which was positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative to the flagship Phone (2), many anticipated a period of stability. However, Nothing has once again surprised the market with the introduction of the Phone (2A) Plus, which defies conventional expectations.

At first glance, the naming of the Phone (2A) Plus might suggest a larger or more advanced version of its predecessor. One might assume that similar to how the iPhone 15 Plus compares to the iPhone 15, the “Plus” would denote an increased size or enhanced features in that regard. However, this assumption quickly unravels as the Phone (2A) Plus maintains the same physical dimensions as the Phone (2A). The display, too, remains unchanged, featuring the same 6.7-inch 120Hz panel with identical brightness levels. Additionally, the 5,000mAh battery and the distinctive Glyphs—Nothing’s signature LED lights on the back—remain consistent with the previous model. The rear cameras, both 50-megapixels each, also retain the same design and specifications as their predecessors.

So, what exactly differentiates the Phone (2A) Plus from its forebear? The answer lies in several key upgrades that enhance performance and user experience without altering the phone’s fundamental design. The most significant change is under the hood. The Phone (2A) Plus is equipped with the new MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G processor. This chip represents a notable leap from the Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Profound in the Phone (2A). Specifically, the Dimensity 7350 Pro offers a 10% increase in overall processing speed and a 30% boost in GPU performance. This enhancement promises a smoother, more responsive experience for users, particularly for gaming and high-performance applications. Importantly, this processor is a Nothing exclusive for now, providing the Phone (2A) Plus with a unique edge in the market.

The front camera also sees a substantial upgrade. While the Phone (2A) featured a 32-megapixel front-facing camera, the Phone (2A) Plus introduced a 50-megapixel sensor. This improvement not only increases image resolution but also contributes to enhanced overall image quality. Nothing has also indicated that software improvements will accompany this hardware upgrade, further enhancing photography capabilities. Although these software enhancements may eventually be made available for the Phone (2A) as well, the combination of improved hardware and software in the Phone (2A) Plus promises a superior camera experience.

Charging speed is another area where the Phone (2A) Plus shines. The device supports 50W fast charging, an increase from the 45W support of its predecessor. This upgrade translates to approximately 10% faster charging times, allowing users to gain a full day’s worth of power in just 20 minutes of charging. This improvement not only enhances convenience but also ensures that users can quickly get back to using their phones with minimal downtime.

Despite maintaining the same dimensions and display as the Phone (2A), the Phone (2A) Plus introduces new design elements that elevate its overall aesthetic. The phone now features premium metallic finishes, available in both black and gray versions. These updates enhance the phone’s visual appeal, giving it a more high-end look and feel compared to the previous model’s more budget-conscious design.

Despite these upgrades, the Phone (2A) Plus remains competitively priced at $399 (£399 U.K.), which is a $50 increase over the Phone (2A). This pricing strategy positions the Phone (2A) Plus as a strong value proposition for consumers seeking enhanced performance and features without a significant price hike. The Phone (2A) Plus will be available for purchase starting Saturday, August 3, exclusively at Nothing’s Soho store in London. For U.S. consumers, it will be accessible from Wednesday, August 7, through the Nothing beta program, bypassing traditional carrier channels.

In summary, the Nothing Phone (2A) Plus represents a thoughtful evolution rather than a complete overhaul. While it does not feature a larger screen or significantly altered design, the enhancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and charging speed offer substantial improvements over its predecessor. The introduction of exclusive hardware and refined aesthetics further solidifies its position as a compelling option in the competitive smartphone market. Even without the expected size increase, the Phone (2A) Plus proves to be a worthwhile upgrade, providing users with notable advancements and maintaining the brand’s commitment to delivering value.