Nothing Phone 2a Review: Something Else

[NOTHING PHONE (2A) REVIEW]

The last time I reviewed a true midrange smartphone was nearly two years ago, with the Google Pixel 6a. So when London-based design, tech, clothing (and phone) company Nothing announced a more affordable version of its flashy Phone (2) … I spent a few days with it between New York and San Francisco to see what $349 gets ya in 2024.

Spoiler alert: quite a bit!

[ABOUT MRMOBILE'S NOTHING PHONE (2A) REVIEW]

This video was produced following eight days with a Nothing Phone 2a review sample provided by Nothing. The device was tested on T-Mobile US between New York City and San Francisco.

MrMobile does not offer manufacturers the opportunity to preview, edit or approve content before publication. Neither Nothing nor any other manufacturer provided compensation in exchange for this coverage. The lone sponsor of this video is Surfshark.

[CHAPTERS]

00:00 It's a good year to spend $349
00:39 Depth of Design
01:52 Let there be (3) lights
03:34 Android ... but not!
04:46 Not much "mid" in this midrange
06:00 Surfshark
06:57 Even the cameras ain't bad
09:01 (Almost) Nothing to complain about
10:24 Disclosures

[SOCIALIZE]

[DISCLOSURES]

This post may contain affiliate links, which afford Future plc a commission should you make a purchase. This does not affect MrMobile’s editorial content. See Future's disclosure policy for more details:

Additional information concerning MrMobile’s ethics policy can be found here:

#nothing #nothingphone2 #nothingphone2a #nothingphone1 #android #tech #smartphone

[twalker]

"Gimmick isn't a dirty word." Very well said.

[passivaggressor]

Glad they are making more affordable solid options. Spending $1200 on a phone is making less and less sense.

[RideOnTimePH]

Mr Mobile reviewing a phone later than most reviewers. You know his priority is not the views but the quality of his content.

[cr]

I keep banging on about this but there’s something about this guy that feels so old school tech reviewer. Feels like I’m sat watching YouTube from 2011-2012. Love the nostalgia

[whiskeyshots]

I've been sucked into the world of foldables, but I am very attracted to Nothing's design language. I can't wait for them to enter the foldable market.

[afmo]

My S22 Ultra met an unfortunate demise in a washing machine. Have one of these on the way now. A lot of the other buyers I've seen seem to be 'downgrading' from flagships to this and absolutely loving it, seems to be an amazing product at an amazing price point and actually FUN

[DannyFenton]

It's a great phone. I think we're getting to the point where a lot of these devices are getting better and better performance for less and less cost. So manufacturers are going to figure out different ways to figure out how to sell us a phone

[DannerBanks]

If I hadn't bought a flagship a year ago, I would've picked this up in a heartbeat. Tired of spending $1000+ on 6.7"+ phones

[FoxxFire]

'After the jump, ' Michael was the most amusing, clever and simple segue to a sponsor spot that I've heard in quite some time. After all these years, you still tend to surprise even the most avid of your viewers. I suppose that's why so many of us have followed, and will continue to follow, your work. Cheers, my friend.

[engadgetnerd]

I have a pixel 8 pro and an iPhone 15. Since putting my sim in the Nothing Phone 2a I have not felt compelled once to put my sim back into those other phones. This phone is amazing. Nothing has been great at updates with it too. I think it has had 3 since it's release.

Glad to see Mr Mobile agree at how great of a value this phone is.

[madmann]

Really goes to show that depending on your use case you really don't have to drop a grand to get a good smartphone experience. We're in desperate need of more choice in the US.

[MegaDizz]

I own a S24 Ultra, with all it's fancy features and AI talk. I'm tempted to order this phone because it looks... FUN. Thanks for the great content Michael.

[ReinoldFZ]

The reference to Windows Phone is indeed a smart one, the nothing phone indeed embraces the design with digital pixels with the same pride and boldness as in Window phones. It looks fun in a honest way.

[rjpearson]

As someone who upgraded from a Pixel 4a to the 8 pro, I have come to appreciate midrange phones personalities more. The photos just have a kind of style that isn't crazily detailed like the 8 pro or lack of in a lot of cheaper Samsung A phones, but a balance of detail and color science that is just special. I am really glad that Nothing has joined Google in keeping these midrange phones competitive when companies like Apple and Samsung seem to just make them fit the price.

[KunalDuttKDUTT]

Mr. MOBILE is one the best Tech YouTuber... Such a fan of his articulate analysis. He deserves more subscribers.

[AtrocityEquine]

This is my default face every time I'm enjoying a great MrMobile video
> Michael gushes about a cool phone despite it's compromises
Me: :D
> Michael: but it won't be sold in carrier stores
Me: D:

[GFourGadget]

I think Nothing's doing a pretty good job at making midrange phone, from Phone (1) to (2) and now even a more affordable 2(a). Who says cheaper phones can't be fun and exciting? 💯

[sburns]

So happy someone mentioned the windows nokia lumia phones. The lumia 1520 was my favourite phone ever. Im going to get a 2a.

[kindofanmol]

Got one last week and its been such a solid experience all around. The design and software experience make me forget its price. Its also recieved 4 big updates already!

[GGori_]

Honestly if Nothing makes a smaller phone.. they'll prolly sky rocketing their sells..