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The Nothing Phone (3a) adds a dedicated 2x optical-zoom telephoto camera, a slightly larger display and a higher stated peak brightness. The Phone (2a) Plus counters with a 50 MP ultrawide camera, a 50 MP selfie camera and a specified 50 W charging rate. In the cited European listings, the Phone (3a) started at €329 and the Plus at €399, so the newer model was €70 cheaper in that snapshot—not more expensive.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus vs Phone (3a): specifications at a glance
These are manufacturer-listed specifications, not independent test results. Product details and prices can vary by region and configuration.
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| Specification | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Nothing Phone (3a) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G, up to 3.0 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon platform; cited product page lists an eight-core CPU up to 2.5 GHz |
| Rear cameras | 50 MP main camera with OIS/EIS; 50 MP ultrawide | 50 MP main camera with OIS/EIS; 50 MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom; 8 MP ultrawide |
| Front camera | 50 MP | 32 MP |
| Display | 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED, 120 Hz, stated 1300-nit peak brightness | 6.77-inch AMOLED, adaptive 120 Hz, stated 3000-nit peak brightness, HDR10+ |
| Battery and charging | 5000 mAh; 50 W charging | 5000 mAh; Nothing advertises up to 26 hours of YouTube playback. The cited page does not provide a directly comparable charging-speed figure. |
| Software listed on product page | Nothing OS 2.6, Android 14; page states three Android-version updates and four years of security patches | Nothing OS 3; support duration not established by the cited product-page result |
| Water and dust rating | IP54 | IP64 |
| Starting price in cited European listings | €399 | €329 |
Sources: Nothing Phone (2a) Plus product page, Nothing Phone (3a) product page, and Nothing US Phone (3a) product page.
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The Phone (3a) has a telephoto camera; the Plus has higher-resolution ultrawide and selfie cameras
The most meaningful camera-spec difference is the extra reach on the Phone (3a): it has a dedicated 50 MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. It also includes an 8 MP ultrawide. The Phone (2a) Plus instead lists a 50 MP ultrawide camera and a 50 MP front camera, compared with the 3a’s 32 MP front camera.
#1 Best Overall
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G, 4 nm Gen 2 TSMC process (N4) GPU:ARM Mali-G610 MC4. NOTE:The Nothing Phone 2(a) Plus is mainly for testing purposes. As there are some limitations with carriers inthe US, we can't guarantee full functionality and compatibility with cell carriers
- Battery: 5,000 mAh, 50 W Fast Charging, 56 minutes to 100% charge, 21 minutes to 50% charge
- Camera: 50 MP Main camera f/1.88, 1/1.57" sensor, 84.5° FOV, OIS & EIS, Auto focus,10x digital zoom, 50 MP Ultra-wide camera 50 MP Front camera，4K recording at 30 FPS, 1080p recording at 30 or 60 FPS
- Display & Glyph Interface: Flexible 6.7” AMOLED ,1084 x 2412 (395 PPI)120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, 240 Hz touch sampling rate
- What carrier does US Nothing Phone (2a) Plus support: CDMA is not supported. AT&T: 5G network is not supported. 4G and 3G are supported. Additionally VoLTE and VoWifi will not work. LTE Bands: 4/5/66. 5G Bands: not supported. T-Mobile: T-Mobile: 3G, 4G and 5G are supported, however, not all 5G bands are supported. LTE Bands: 4/5/41/66. 5G Bands: N41. Verizon: Compatibility with Verizon is very limited. We do not recommend using CMF Phone 1 with Verizon. Verizon 5G and CDMA networks are not supported. 4G is supported. Prior to using your CMF Phone 1, you will need to contact Verizon customer service to add CMF Phone 1 IMEI to their database. LTE Bands: 4/5/66. 5G Bands: not supported.
That makes the choice about the kinds of shots you want, not a proven overall image-quality ranking. Choose the 3a if a dedicated optical-zoom camera matters more; the Plus may suit you better if you value its stated ultrawide or selfie-camera resolution. Megapixel counts alone do not establish which phone takes better photos.
The Phone (3a) display is slightly larger and has a higher stated peak brightness
Nothing lists a 6.77-inch, adaptive 120 Hz AMOLED panel with HDR10+ and 3000-nit peak brightness for the Phone (3a). The Plus has a 6.7-inch 120 Hz flexible AMOLED panel with a stated 1300-nit peak. Both specifications point to smooth-refresh AMOLED screens; the 3a is larger on paper and has the higher peak-brightness rating. Peak brightness is not the same as sustained brightness during everyday use.
Battery capacity matches, but charging and endurance are not an even comparison
Both phones list a 5000 mAh battery. The Plus specifies 50 W charging; the cited Phone (3a) product-page information does not give a directly comparable charging-speed figure. Nothing advertises up to 26 hours of YouTube playback for the 3a, but that is a manufacturer claim, not an independent test or a like-for-like result against the Plus. These specifications do not establish which phone lasts longer in real-world use.
The Plus has a stated software-support term; the 3a’s term is not established here
The Phone (2a) Plus page states three Android-version updates and four years of security patches. The cited Phone (3a) page lists Nothing OS 3, but the captured product-page result does not establish its support duration. Do not assume either a longer or shorter support period from the operating-system version alone; check Nothing’s current regional support information before buying for long-term use.
Rank #2
- Made from the high quality tempered-glass for maximum scratch protection and no residue when removed
- 2.5D rounded edge glass for comfort on the fingers and hand
- 9H hardness, 99.99% HD clarity, and maintains the original touch experience
- Hydrophobic and oleo-phobic coating to reduce sweat and reduce fingerprints
- Include 2 pcs tempered glass screen protectors
The Phone (3a) has the higher stated ingress-protection rating
The listed ratings are IP64 for the Phone (3a) and IP54 for the Plus. These ratings describe different levels of tested ingress protection; neither should be read as a guarantee that a phone is waterproof or safe from every exposure. Follow the manufacturer’s care guidance for the specific regional model.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the Nothing Phone (3a) cheaper than the Phone (2a) Plus?
In the cited European product listings, the Phone (3a) was shown at a starting price of €329 and the Phone (2a) Plus at €399—a €70 difference in favor of the 3a at the time those listings were indexed. These are regional, time-sensitive starting prices, not a verified current offer or an apples-to-apples comparison of matching storage configurations. Check both phones in your country and compare the same storage capacity before deciding; discounts and availability can change the result.
Which phone should you choose?
- Choose the Phone (3a) if you want a dedicated 2x optical-zoom camera, the larger and brighter-rated display, or the higher listed water-and-dust protection rating. Its cited European starting-price listing was also lower, though current local pricing may differ.
- Choose the Phone (2a) Plus if a 50 MP selfie camera, a 50 MP ultrawide, or documented 50 W charging is more important to you.
- Compare support terms before choosing for longevity: the Plus page states its update commitment, while the cited 3a page does not establish a comparable duration.
Neither the processor specifications nor the battery figures here show which phone is faster or lasts longer in ordinary use. Treat this as a feature and specification comparison rather than a performance verdict.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
