Nothing, the trendy tech company behind last year’s Phone (1), has just launched their latest smartphone – the Phone (2a) A142. And from the looks of the specs, it seems positioned to give flagship phones a run for their money at a relatively affordable price point.
Specifications
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro |
| OS | Android 14 (3 major Android updates + 4 years security patches) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP Samsung GN9 with OIS + 50MP JN1 |
| Front Camera | 32MP Sony IMX615 |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired |
| Ports | USB Type-C (cable in box, no adapter) |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
| Security | In-display fingerprint scanner |
| Water Resistance | IP54 |
| Audio | Stereo speakers |
| Haptics | Linear motor |
| Dimensions | 8.55mm thickness, 190g weight |
Overview
The headliner is the large 6.7″ FHD+ OLED display with a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate and punchy 1300 nits peak brightness. Under the hood is the capable MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chip paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. On the camera front, you get a versatile 50MP Samsung main camera with OIS, accompanied by another 50MP ultrawide lens and a 32MP selfie shooter.
Despite being a mid-ranger, the Phone (2a) comes packed with premium features like stereo speakers, an in-display fingerprint reader, linear haptic motor, and IP54 water resistance. The generous 5000mAh battery should easily power you through the day, with 45W wired charging to quickly top it up.
Software is the latest Android 14 out of the box, and Nothing promises three years of OS upgrades along with four years of security patches – fantastic longevity for the price. Design-wise, the signature transparent back with subtle glow and thin 8.55mm profile continue Nothing’s fresh aesthetic.
Price:
Nothing is pricing the Phone (2a) incredibly aggressively. In India, it starts at just ₹23,999 ($299) for the base 8/128GB version. European buyers can pick it up for €329. A higher 12/256GB tier tops out at ₹27,999 ($329/€379) – a steal for what’s on offer.
Verdict:
The Nothing Phone (2a) A142 is shaping up to be an incredibly compelling option in the mid-range segment. It checks almost all the flagship boxes – great display, capable processor, impressive cameras, all-day battery, and clean software with longterm updates. Yet it manages to drastically undercut premium pricing.
The combination of a large 120Hz OLED panel, Dimensity 7200 chip, 50MP main camera with OIS, 5000mAh battery with 45W charging and a promised 3 Android upgrades is unheard of at this ~$300 price point. The premium features like IP54, stereo speakers and linear haptics are the icing on the cake.
If Nothing can nail the camera tuning and overall optimization, the Phone (2a) could emerge as a knockout value option that outperforms phones costing twice as much. For Android fans on a budget, this is definitely one to watch out for when it releases later in 2024.
With an imminent launch in Nepal expected, the Phone (2a) is likely to be priced around NPR 40,000 – 45,000 for the base variant. This would make it the best smartphone to buy under NPR 50,000 in the Nepali market. The compelling specs combined with Nothing’s brand appeal could make it an instant hit with Nepali consumers looking for a premium flagship experience without burning a hole in their pockets.
