The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has officially landed in Europe following its initial announcement in July and subsequent release in select markets. At this year’s IFA event in Berlin, Nothing confirmed that the smartphone is now available for European customers. Pre-orders began on September 6, with sales and shipments starting on September 10, marking the company’s entry into major European markets. If you’re considering this smartphone, here’s everything you need to know before making your decision.
Design and Build
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus maintains the brand’s distinctive design with its minimalist, transparent aesthetic. Available in Black and Grey, it features a premium glass and aluminum build that gives it a solid yet lightweight feel. The back of the phone houses the LED Glyph Interface, a signature feature of the Nothing Phone series, offering customizable lighting patterns for notifications and alerts.
This transparent design showcases internal components, providing a futuristic look that differentiates the device from the typical smartphone offerings. The phone’s size, materials, and attention to detail make it a standout in terms of aesthetics, particularly for those who want a unique-looking device.
Display
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is equipped with a 6.7-inch OLED display that delivers a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. These features ensure smooth scrolling and vibrant colors, making the display ideal for media consumption, gaming, and general use. The high brightness levels, combined with HDR10+ support, enhance the viewing experience with deep blacks and rich colors.
Whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, or simply browsing the web, the phone’s display offers excellent sharpness and clarity, catering to users who demand visual quality from their devices.
Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus delivers smooth and reliable performance. With 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the phone handles multitasking, gaming, and resource-heavy applications with ease. However, it is worth noting that the device does not support expandable storage, so users will need to rely on the 256GB of built-in memory.
Nothing OS 2.0, which is based on Android 13, provides a clean and minimal user interface. The lightweight operating system is designed to reduce bloatware and unnecessary apps, allowing for a streamlined and efficient experience. This uncluttered interface ensures quick navigation, responsive performance, and an overall smooth user experience.
Camera System
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus comes with a dual-camera setup, consisting of a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The main sensor captures detailed images with good color reproduction, while the ultra-wide lens allows for wider shots, ideal for landscapes and group photos.
The phone also supports several photography modes, including Night Mode for low-light photography and Portrait Mode for creating depth effects. On the front, there’s a 16MP selfie camera, which produces clear and well-balanced images.
The overall camera performance is solid, especially for users who enjoy taking photos and videos on the go. While the phone may not compete with flagship devices in terms of advanced camera features, it offers a reliable and versatile camera system for everyday photography.
Battery Life and Charging
With a 4,500mAh battery, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is designed to last through a full day of moderate use. For users who engage in more demanding tasks like gaming or video streaming, the battery still provides respectable longevity. The phone supports 33W fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups when needed. Wireless charging at 15W and reverse wireless charging at 5W are also supported, making it convenient for charging accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.
Pricing and Availability
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is available in various European markets, with prices varying by region. In the UK, it is priced at £399, while in Switzerland, the phone retails for CHF 399. In the Nordic countries, it is available for €459. For markets like Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain, the price is set at €429. Meanwhile, in countries such as France, Italy, Ireland, and Portugal, consumers will pay a slightly higher price of €449.
The device will be sold at major retailers across the continent, including Amazon, Saturn, and MediaMarkt, providing easy access for consumers in different regions.
Is the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Worth Buying?
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is an intriguing option for buyers looking for a unique design and solid performance. Its transparent back and customizable Glyph Interface offer something different from the typical smartphone design, making it an attractive choice for those who prioritize aesthetics.
In terms of performance, the phone’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and 12GB of RAM ensure smooth operation for most tasks, from gaming to multitasking. The 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is another strong point, offering excellent visuals for entertainment and general use.
However, potential buyers should consider the lack of expandable storage and the relatively higher price in some European markets. If these factors aren’t deal-breakers for you, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers great value with its unique design and reliable performance.
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus brings a fresh perspective to the smartphone market with its minimalistic and transparent design. It combines solid performance, a versatile camera system, and a high-quality display, making it a strong contender in the mid-range market. With its availability across Europe, this phone is poised to appeal to users looking for something different without compromising on essential features.
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