42. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: A Weirdly Specific Mid-Cycle Update

The smartphone industry usually follows a predictable rhythm: a standard release, maybe a “Pro” version, and then silence for a year. Nothing, the tech startup led by Carl Pei, decided to break that rhythm just months after releasing their budget hit, the Phone (2a). Enter the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. Despite the name, it is not bigger. Instead, it offers a handful of specific internal tweaks and a new finish. If you are eyeing a budget-friendly Android device, understanding these subtle differences is critical to deciding if the “Plus” premium is worth your money.

What Does "Plus" Actually Mean Here?

When consumers see “Plus,” they typically expect a larger screen or a significantly bigger battery. With the Phone (2a) Plus, Nothing subverts those expectations. The device retains the exact same 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED display and the same 5,000 mAh battery as the standard (2a).

The “Plus” in this context refers strictly to performance bumps and aesthetic changes. It is priced approximately $50 to £50 higher than the standard model (depending on your region and current sales), positioning it in a crowded mid-range market alongside heavy hitters like the Google Pixel 8a and the OnePlus Nord 4.

The Processor: Dimensity 7350 Pro

The most significant change lies under the hood. While the original Phone (2a) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro, the Plus model upgrades this to the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro.

This chip is exclusive to Nothing for the time being. Here is what the numbers actually translate to:

  • Clock Speed: The CPU cores operate at up to 3.0 GHz, which is roughly a 10% increase over the standard model.
  • Graphics: The GPU (Mali-G610 MC4) runs at 1.3 GHz, offering a claimed 30% boost in graphical performance.

Real-World Translation: In daily tasks like scrolling Instagram, checking emails, or navigating the Nothing OS interface, you will likely not notice a difference. The standard (2a) was already smooth. However, if you play mobile games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, the Plus model will sustain higher frame rates for longer periods, justifying the upgrade for budget-conscious gamers.

The Camera: A Selfie-Centric Update

If you look at the back of the phone, the distinct “eyes” camera module remains unchanged. It still houses two 50MP sensors:

  1. Main: 50MP (Samsung GN9 sensor)
  2. Ultrawide: 50MP (Samsung JN1 sensor)

The images from the rear cameras remain largely consistent with the non-Plus version, delivering punchy, high-contrast photos typical of Nothing’s image processing.

The real change is on the front. The Phone (2a) Plus swaps the previous 32MP selfie cam for a new 50MP front-facing sensor. This isn’t just a resolution bump; it enables 4K video recording at 30fps on the selfie camera. For content creators, TikTok users, or vloggers who rely on front-facing video, this is a massive functionality upgrade that the standard model lacks.

Charging and Battery Life

As mentioned earlier, the battery size remains a solid 5,000 mAh, which easily lasts a full day of heavy use. Nothing did, however, tweak the charging speed.

  • Phone (2a): Supports 45W wired charging.
  • Phone (2a) Plus: Supports 50W wired charging.

While “50W” sounds faster, the real-world difference is marginal. You are looking at shaving roughly 4 to 5 minutes off a 0-100% charge cycle. It is a welcome addition, but certainly not a reason to upgrade on its own. It is also important to note that, like its predecessor, the Plus model does not support wireless charging.

Aesthetics: The Metallic Finish

The final differentiator is the look. The standard Phone (2a) features a playful, almost toy-like plastic transparency in black, white, or milk colors. The Plus model adopts a more industrial aesthetic.

Nothing utilizes a metallic nanocoating underneath the transparent back panel. This gives the internal “circuitry” design a shiny, reflective look reminiscent of liquid metal. It comes in two colors: Metallic Grey and Updated Black. If you found the original white plastic to look a bit cheap, the Plus version offers a decidedly more premium, mature appearance while still using plastic materials for the frame and back.

Is the "Plus" Worth the Premium?

This mid-cycle refresh puts the consumer in a tricky spot. The Phone (2a) Plus is objectively better than the standard version, but only by a very slim margin.

You should buy the Phone (2a) Plus if:

  • You are a heavy mobile gamer and need that extra 30% GPU boost.
  • You record 4K vlogs using your front-facing camera.
  • You prefer the metallic, industrial look over the flat colors of the standard model.

You should stick with the standard Phone (2a) if:

  • You want to save $50/ÂŁ50.
  • Your usage is limited to social media, messaging, and light browsing.
  • You already own a Phone (2a)—the upgrade is definitely not worth the switch.

Ultimately, the Phone (2a) Plus is a niche refinement. It creates a “good, better, best” ladder within Nothing’s own lineup, filling a gap between the budget segment and their flagship Phone (2).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus come with a charger in the box? No. Like the other recent models from Nothing, the box includes the phone and a USB-C to USB-C cable (with the cool transparent ends), but you must provide your own charging brick. To get the max speed, you need a 50W+ PD charger.

Is the Phone (2a) Plus water resistant? It carries an IP54 rating. This protects against dust ingress and splashes of water (like rain), but it is not fully waterproof. You cannot submerge it.

Does the Glyph Interface work differently on the Plus? The Glyph Interface (the lights on the back) functions exactly the same as on the standard Phone (2a). It has three light strips around the camera module that can serve as notification LEDs, volume indicators, or timers.

Is the screen size larger on the Plus model? No. Despite the “Plus” name, the screen is the exact same 6.7-inch AMOLED panel found on the non-Plus model.