The Nothing Phone 2A has become an even more attractive option with its recent price drop, now available for just $179, with the 256GB variant going for $199. At this price, it raises an important question: Should you buy the Nothing Phone 2A now, or is it better to wait for upcoming models?
Even in 2025, the Nothing Phone 2A manages to stand out in this segment. Its transparent design remains a unique selling point, making it one of the most stylish options in this price range. While other phones like the Moto Edge 50 Neo bring a vegan leather back and a compact design, the Nothing Phone 2A maintains its unified bezels, soft-touch plastic frame, and signature Glyph LED lights. These features may not be the most practical, but they certainly add to the phone’s appeal.
Beyond aesthetics, the phone offers a smooth in-display fingerprint scanner, loud stereo speakers, and solid microphone quality. Other notable inclusions are dual SIM support, NFC capabilities, and an IR blaster for added convenience.
The performance remains strong, thanks to the Dimensity 7200 chipset, which ensures smooth day-to-day usage. Despite having UFS 2.2 storage instead of UFS 3.1, the optimization in Nothing OS keeps the experience snappy. Gaming performance is reliable, though it’s surprising that BGMI is limited to 90 FPS, considering that the CMF Phone 1 supports 120 FPS.
Nothing OS itself sets this phone apart in the sub-20K category. The software experience remains one of the cleanest, completely free from bloatware, ads, or pre-installed apps. Even Motorola, known for its stock Android approach, has started adding unwanted apps through updates, making Nothing OS a refreshing alternative.
The 120Hz AMOLED display delivers a smooth experience, though it doesn’t reach the 1.5K resolution offered by some competitors. While the brightness levels aren’t the highest, the deep blacks and sharp visuals make it a good display overall. Some early units had a green tint issue, but Nothing claims this was limited to a small batch.
The 50MP dual-camera setup produces decent results, capturing accurate exposure and solid dynamic range. Portrait mode has seen improvements through software updates, and the ultra-wide camera performs well. The front camera, however, struggles when dealing with harsh lighting conditions. In video recording, 4K 30FPS footage looks sharp, but some OIS-related shakiness is noticeable while walking. Side-by-side comparisons suggest that Moto Edge 50 Neo captures more detail and vibrant colors, making it a better option for photography enthusiasts.
Software updates are an important factor to consider. The Nothing Phone 2A will receive two more major Android updates, which is reasonable for this price range but doesn’t match what brands like Samsung or Motorola offer.
Battery life is reliable, with a 5,000mAh capacity delivering around six hours of screen-on time. However, some upcoming phones will feature larger 5,500mAh, 6,000mAh, or even 7,000mAh batteries, potentially offering superior endurance.
There are a few downsides to consider. The lack of a charger in the box adds to the overall cost. The IP54 rating provides basic protection, but competitors now offer IP68 and even IP69 ratings for enhanced durability. Additionally, the base variant comes with just 128GB of storage, which might feel limiting for some users.
With all these factors in mind, the decision comes down to what you prioritize in a smartphone. If you’re looking for a well-balanced phone with a standout design and a clean software experience, the Nothing Phone 2A is a great buy at this price. However, waiting for upcoming models could be worth it, especially with options like the CMF Phone 2, which is expected to feature similar specs but without the transparent design and Glyph LEDs. Other competitors, such as the Realme Narzo 80 Pro, are rumored to bring Dimensity 7400 power, a 6,000mAh battery, and 80W fast charging.
Ultimately, if the Nothing Phone 2A’s aesthetics and software are appealing, now might be the right time to grab it. However, if you’re looking for higher-end specifications, waiting for upcoming releases could be a smarter move.
Would you choose the Nothing Phone 2A, or are you holding out for something better? Let us know in the comments!
