Nothing Phone (2a) Review: High Design on a Budget
Nothing's first true budget contender combines their transparent Glyph aesthetic with stellar 10-hour battery life.
The Verdict
The Nothing Phone (2a) is a highly creative and visually striking entry in the budget-to-midrange category. Underneath its semi-transparent plastic back panel lies a highly capable 5,000mAh battery that regularly clocks over 10 hours of active screen use. Paired with Nothing OS's clean dot-matrix software, it delivers one of the smoothest, bloat-free experiences on the market for £319.
1. Design: Transparent Innovation
Nothing continues its design-first ethos. The Phone (2a) features a transparent plastic backing that curves around the edges, showing off symmetrical internal routing ribbons and three customizable Glyph light strips surrounding the dual rear cameras.
These lights aren't just for show: they double as progress bars for visual timers, volume indicators, and flash alerts when you receive calls or app notifications.
2. Battery Endurance: Built to Last
Equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, this phone excels in power management. In our battery looping tests, the Phone (2a) lasted comfortably into a second day of active usage, racking up over 10 hours of active screen-on time. It also supports 45W fast charging, filling up from flat to 50% in roughly 23 minutes.
PROS
- Futuristic semi-transparent design
- Exceptional 2-day battery lifespan
- Fast 45W charging compatibility
- Nothing OS is fast and completely ad-free
CONS
- Chassis scratches easier than glass flagships
- Ultrawide camera loses details in low light
- No wireless charging compatibility
Detailed Specifications
| Display | 6.7-inch Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz refresh, HDR10+ (1080 x 2412 pixels) |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4nm) Octa-Core |
| Cameras | Rear: 50 MP (f/1.9, OIS) + 50 MP (f/2.2 ultrawide) | Front: 32 MP (f/2.2) |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 45W Wired charging support (Charger not in box) |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB configurations |
| Operating System | Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.5 (3 guaranteed OS upgrades) |
| Dimensions | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6 mm (Weight: 190g) |