The London-based phone company Nothing has always been known for their unique approach to releasing new devices. Rather than flooding the market with constant announcements, they prefer to slowly reveal tidbits of information over time. While this tactic can be frustrating for those of us who cover the tech industry, it has proven to be successful in generating buzz around their first-generation products, capturing the interest of their loyal fanbase and beyond.
Now, Nothing is back with their third handset, the Nothing Phone (2a). This budget-friendly option is a departure from the company’s previous flagship devices, the Phone (1) and Phone (2), and is targeted towards a different demographic. As denoted by the “a”, this phone is designed with affordability in mind. This often means sacrificing certain features to reduce costs, but Nothing is determined to maintain a premium feel.
After much teasing and a few official images, the Phone (2a) was finally revealed to the public at MWC 2024. The device made its debut at Nothing’s after-show party, encased in a glass box and basking in the warm glow of a Barcelona night. While Nothing has opted out of a floor presence at the mobile trade show, they certainly made a statement with this unveiling.
To quote Operation Ivy paraphrasing Plato’s account of Socrates, “all I know is that I don’t know Nothing.”
While details are currently scarce, the design of the Phone (2a) provides some insight into its capabilities. Staying true to Nothing’s transparent aesthetic, the device features the iconic light-up Glyphs. However, they are limited to three bands at the top as opposed to covering the entire device like other models.
The Phone (2a) also boasts a dual-camera setup, similar to the Phone (2), but now centered on the back of the phone. It’s unclear if this was a practical or aesthetic decision, but it certainly sets the device apart from its flagship counterparts. As expected from a company focused on design, the Phone (2a) is visually appealing and appears to be well-built. The rear design may be a bit busy for some, but it offers a refreshing departure from the typical smartphone design we see from most manufacturers.
Unfortunately, specific information on the camera setup is still unknown, but it’s safe to assume that it may be a step down from the Phone (2). Camera configurations often contribute to manufacturing costs, and Nothing is determined to keep the price of their budget phone as low as possible. However, we do know that the Phone (2a) will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chip, specially built for this device.
One crucial piece of information that remains a mystery is the price. As a budget phone, the cost will undoubtedly play a significant role in its success.
