The Nothing Phone 2a wants to make budget phones exciting again

Photo: Nothing

Budget phones are often overlooked for their lacklustre features, but the Nothing Phone 2a tries to break that stereotype. As Nothing's third phone and their first foray into the realm of budget-friendly devices, the Phone 2a impresses with its accessible pricing.  

It offers considerable value, starting at just €329 (around CA$484) for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage model and €379 (~CA$559) for the 12GB and 256GB variant. Preorders are now open, with shipping slated for March 12.

The Phone 2a boasts a 6.7-inch, 120Hz OLED screen protected by Gorilla Glass 5, delivering a sharp 1084 x 2412 resolution. Its substantial 5,000mAh battery supports 45W wired charging, although wireless charging is absent. The handset runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset and carries an IP54 rating for some level of durability.

Photo: Nothing

Aesthetically, the Phone 2a is unmistakably Nothing, featuring the pseudo transparent back panel that shows the shape of the components and a sleek monochrome UI. Its camera setup is impressive for its price point, with a 50-megapixel main lens with optical stabilization, a 50-megapixel ultrawide, and a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. 

The unique Glyph Interface, consisting of three light strips around the rear cameras, adds a touch of novelty. It offers features like "Flip to Glyph" for convenient notifications, a timer watch, and a camera fill light, among others.

While it may lack premium materials and advanced features like a higher IP rating, its affordability makes such compromises understandable. The Glyph Interface and always-on display add to its appeal, along with features like NFC for contactless payments and Nothing's clean UI.

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