Nothing Phone 2(a) Long-term Review: I’ve been using the Nothing Phone 2(a) for the past 6 months and what really impressed me is its overall performance. The device offers a well-balanced profile and lives up to expectations in almost every aspect, especially the multimedia experience when watching content across multiple platforms. The device feels durable with a few exceptions.
Nothing Phone 2(a) Long-Term Review: Feels good in the hand
Nothing Phone 2(a) Long-Term Review: The feel in the hand is satisfying, the device fits comfortably in the palm and the weight is well distributed. It never felt too heavy even after extended use. The build is solid and adds to its durability. However, the back panel does get dirty easily, so a case is a must. Another notable issue is the polycarbonate frame, which feels disappointing given the price range of the device. On the positive side, there aren’t many noticeable scratches.
Nothing Phone 2(a) long-term review: Outstanding display and great multimedia experience
The 6.7-inch Full HD AMOLED display is one of the highlights of the Nothing Phone 2(a). Content is crisp, with excellent contrast, detail, and natural color reproduction. Thin bezels add to the immersive experience, and with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, this display is dynamic. The device’s adaptive brightness is one of the best, if not the best, and is backed by high 2160Hz PWM dimming for good performance. The multimedia experience is also powered by stereo speakers, which are loud enough to be clearly heard even with two fans spinning above your head.
Nothing Phone 2(a) Review: Better performance, cleaner Android
The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, while not the most powerful, performs well. After testing the device in several usage scenarios, I can personally vouch for the device’s capabilities in multitasking. Whether watching content, browsing social media, taking photos, or multitasking, there were no noticeable stutters. Even during gaming sessions on medium settings, the Nothing Phone 2(a) handles everything. The smartphone currently runs on Nothing OS 2.5.6 based on Android 14. The smartphone has received some useful updates and the company has also fixed some bugs. The UI is responsive and most importantly clean. It probably offers the cleanest Android experience among other modern devices in this segment.
Nothing Phone 2(a) review: daylight vs low light photography showdown
The dual camera setup on Nothing Phone 2(a) takes satisfying photos. And it seems to lack vibrancy, albeit by a small margin. The 50MP primary sensor takes great daylight photos with decent details and contrast. But it can’t maintain the momentum of daylight in low light shots. The 50MP ultra-wide camera effectively complements the primary camera, making the camera setup competitive in its segment. The selfie camera is decent, capturing details and skin tones well even in sunlight. The cameras on this smartphone have been consistent so far.
Nothing Phone 2(a) Review: I wish it could charge faster
While the 5,000mAh battery is a reassuring proposition, the 45W charging speed is what makes users nervous. It takes almost an hour to fill up the tank, which is relatively slow compared to other higher-priced devices. Another drawback is that you have to spend extra money on the charger, which adds to the overall cost. But the good thing is that it consistently provides more than a day of backup with normal usage.
Nothing Phone 2(a) review: Pros and cons with clear selling points
Overall, the Nothing Phone 2(a) is a solid device with a unique look and all-around profile. Its solid build and promise of three years of major Android updates make it durable both physically and technically. However, charging speed and low light photography are areas that need improvement. Still, given its price point, the device has some decent selling points, and this is one device that won’t disappoint in the long run and could be your best companion.
