Nothing, the London-based tech startup founded by former OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, has announced its second smartphone, the Nothing Phone 2a. The phone is expected to launch in early 2024, and it promises to be one of the most eye-catching and affordable phones of the year. But will it also be one of the best?
The Nothing Phone 2a is a mid-range device that features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, a 5000mAh battery with 35W fast charging and 5W reverse charging, a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, both with optical image stabilization, and a 16MP front-facing camera. The phone runs on Android 14 with Nothing’s custom OS 2.5 on top, which offers a monochrome interface option and larger app icons for a minimalist and distraction-free experience.
The phone also has some unique design elements that set it apart from other phones. The most noticeable one is the glyph interface, which consists of three LED lights on the back of the phone that can change colors and patterns depending on the context. For example, the glyphs can show the battery level, the charging status, the notification alerts, the music playback, the weather, and more. The glyphs can also be customized by the user to create their own patterns and meanings.
Another distinctive feature of the Nothing Phone 2a is the transparent back cover, which reveals some of the internal components of the phone, such as the battery, the wireless charging coil, the camera module, and the speaker. The transparent back cover is made of polycarbonate, which is durable and scratch-resistant, but also lightweight and comfortable to hold. The phone also has a rounded shape and a matte finish, which give it a sleek and futuristic look.
The Nothing Phone 2a is expected to cost around $399 for the 8GB/128GB variant and $449 for the 12GB/256GB variant, which is very competitive for a phone with such specifications and features. The phone will be available in two color options: Nothing Black and Nothing White.
The Nothing Phone 2a is a phone that tries to be different and innovative, but it might not be able to deliver on its promises. The phone has some strengths and advantages, such as the display, the performance, the battery, and the design, but it also has some weaknesses and disadvantages, such as the camera, the software, the durability, and the usefulness. The phone might appeal to some users who value style and novelty over substance and functionality, but it might also disappoint others who expect more from their phones. The phone might be nothing more than a flash in the pan, and it might not be able to compete with the established brands and models in the market.