NOTHING is working on a cheaper version of its Phone 2 and rumours are swirling about what the android mobile will have.
The Carl Pei-led firm took its time addressing the problems with its Phone 1 and launched Phone 2 in 2023, with Nothing targeting a premium price and added improvements for a better experience.
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But with a higher price it didn’t deliver the same value for money as other budget android phones.
Speculation indicates the Phone 2a will be a cheaper version of the Phone 2 and be launched next year.
While nothing has been officially confirmed, here’s what the leaks and rumours indicate.
Design and specs
Nothing’s first two phones stood out thanks to their design which incorporated Glyph lights at the back.
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It seems that same design will be continues with the Phone 2a.
Photos of the Phone 2a have been leaked, but they are of a PVT unit and don’t reveal the final design.
Those images indicate the cameras might change to a vertical layout and sit in the centre, which differs from the Phone 2, where the dual cameras are placed horizontally in the upper-left corner.
It’s said the Phone 2a will also have a redesigned back with the Glyph lights scaled down.
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Even with the scaled down LED lights, the device will still provide controls similar to Phone 2, reports suggest.
Reports also say Nothing could use a Visionix and BOE-supplied 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED panel on its new phone but there is no word yet on particular specifications.
It’s thought the phone will be paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage.
A leak from SmartPrix indicates the Nothing Phone 2a will house dual-50MP rear cameras.
Nothing will supposedly use a 1/1.5-inch 50MP Samsung S5KGM9 shooter for the primary camera, while a 50MP 1/2.76-inch 0.6μm Samsung S5KJN1 sensor will do the ultrawide duty.
It’s also speculated Nothing might use the 32MP SonyIMX615 sensor for selfies.
Details about the phone’s battery capacity haven’t so far been leaked but the website Android Police suggests that with a 6.7-inch display it will feature a 4,500mAh to 4,800mAh cell, giving it an all-day battery life.
Software
Along with its unique design, the firm also made a name for itself with its Nothing OS 2 experience.
It’s expected the Phone 2a will continue with that.
The device will apparently launch with Android 14-based Nothing OS 2.5 and deliver almost the same experience as its more expensive sibling.
Price and release date
With Phone 2a, Nothing aims to target a lower price point than Phone 2, allowing it to reach more customers, particularly in a price-conscious market.
Rumours indicate the Nothing Phone 2a will retail at around £314 ($400), making it more affordable than the Phone 2.
Leaks suggest the Nothing Phone 2a could make its debut at MWC 2024, which is scheduled to run from February 26-29, 2024.
It’s thought Nothing is developing four variants of the Phone 2a, with the company seemingly planning to release the phone in more markets.
The competition
If the rumoured price tag of £314 is correct, the Nothing Phone 2a will face some stern competition from the likes of Samsung and Google.
Both the Samsung Galaxy A54 and the Google Pixel 7a feature excellent displays and imaging performance.
Those phones usually retail for £392 ($500) but are often discounted.
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While the Nothing Phone 2a might not be able to rival the same photo quality, the rumoured MediaTek SoC should help it deliver a better performance.
The Phone 2a could become a great alternative to either brand.
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