Nothing has expanded its budget smartphone lineup with the introduction of the Phone 2A Plus. Announced on Wednesday, this new device is available as part of Nothing’s “beta program” for $399 in the US and £399 in the UK.
Availability and Pricing
- US Market: Available only in grey, orders start on August 7 at 9 am ET.
- UK Market: Available in both black and grey, with a “limited drop” at Nothing’s London Soho store.
- Global Release: Set for September, with exact regions and pricing yet to be announced.
Key Features and Specifications
- Display: The Phone 2A Plus retains the same 6.7-inch display as the original Phone 2A, which debuted at $349 in March.
- Processor: Upgraded to a faster MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G chip.
- Camera: Improved front camera with a 50-megapixel Samsung sensor, compared to the 32-megapixel Sony shooter on the Phone 2A.
- Charging: Slightly faster with 50W wired charging, up from 45W.
- Battery: Maintains a 5,000-mAh battery, promising up to two days of use on a full charge and over 90% capacity retention after 1,000 cycles.
Software and Updates
- Operating System: Runs on Android 14.
- Updates: Promises three years of software updates and four years of security updates.
Unique Features
- Glyph Interface: The distinctive lights on the rear of the device remain a standout feature.
- Storage and RAM: Comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
5G Connectivity Challenges
Despite its appealing features, the Phone 2A Plus has limited 5G support in the US:
- AT&T: Limited to 4G LTE.
- Verizon: No 5G support; requires contacting Verizon to add the IMEI to its database for limited 4G LTE band support (bands 4/5/66).
- T-Mobile: Limited 5G support with access to the N41 band, part of the carrier’s faster “Ultra Capacity” network, but missing crucial low-band 5G for broader coverage.
Conclusion
The Nothing Phone 2A Plus brings several hardware upgrades over its predecessor, including a faster processor, an improved camera, and enhanced charging speeds, while maintaining its unique design and robust battery life.
However, US customers should be aware of its limited 5G support, which might affect connectivity on major carriers.
As Nothing continues to expand its product line, the Phone 2A Plus offers a compelling option for those looking for a budget-friendly device with premium features, provided they can work around the connectivity limitations.
