Smartphone design these days often devolves into who can fit more cameras into the sleekest, most rectangular metallic case. But Nothing has decided to zig while everyone else zags.
Meet the special edition of the Nothing Phone 2(a) which embraces the colours that the usually minimalist brand has been playing with lately.
First, there was the bright yellow Ear (a) earbuds, then a striking Blue version of the Phone 2(a). Now, the latest iteration is here, and it’s like someone smashed a paint palette over your tech. The Phone 2(a) sports components in red, yellow, black, and blue which just might just be the boldest move from the brand known for its distinctive, affordable smartphones.
Design & Build: The New Look of Nothing
At first glance, the Phone 2(a) seems to carry forward the see-through aesthetic that Nothing is famous for. But look closer, and you’ll notice the evolution. The clear polycarbonate body now features a design inspired by the New York subway map, with circuit boards snaking their way across the back. The twin camera lenses, positioned centrally, give the phone a unique look—as if it’s watching you.
This design isn’t just for show; it’s functional too. The polycarbonate shell bulges out to keep the phone stable when laid face-up, which is great except it covers up the Glyph lights that have been streamlined for this model. The Glyph lights—now in just three sections—still flash for calls and notifications, and can act as countdown timers or volume indicators. They even show how long until your Uber arrives. Nothing has opened up the developer kit to third-party apps, so expect more functionalities soon.
The Phone 2(a) boasts a 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED display, achieving a screen-to-body ratio of over 90% thanks to its skinny 2.1mm bezels. While it matches the Phone 2 in size, it lacks LTPO technology, capping the adaptive refresh rate at 30Hz for static images and up to 120Hz for motion.
The Nothing Phone 2(a) comes equipped with dual 50MP rear cameras — one with optical image stabilization and a 114-degree ultrawide lens — and a 32MP front camera. The rear cameras default to 12MP shots via pixel binning for enhanced detail, but you can switch to full 50MP mode.
Pricing and Availability
- In the UAE, the Nothing Phone 2(a) costs AED 1,399 for the 12/256GB model, available exclusively at Sharaf DG. The bundle includes CMF Buds and a 65W CMF Adaptor.
- In Saudi Arabia, it is available for SAR 1,549 for the same model at Jarir Bookstore. This bundle also includes CMF Buds and a 65W CMF Adaptor, plus a special offer to buy the CMF Watch Pro for SAR 99, which is worth SAR 279.
- For those in Kuwait, the phone is priced at KWD 118 and is available exclusively at Xcite, bundled with CMF Buds and a 65W CMF Adaptor.