London-based tech company Nothing recently launched its first A-series phone, a prefix usually used by Google to distinguish between its premium and budget offerings. The Phone 2(a) is getting a lot of limelight for its design and price. However, the Nothing Phone 2(a) faces tough competition from last year’s Google Pixel 7a. In fact, the Phone 2(a) undercuts the Pixel 7a on specifications as well as the price. Design and aesthetics When it comes to design, the Google Pixel 7a and the Nothing Phone (2a) couldn't be any more different. Both have excellent designs that make them stand out in a world full of similar-looking smartphones. The Pixel 7a has a minimalistic look and is available in a multitude of colours whereas the Nothing Phone (2a) is available in white and black with a transparent back panel that lets you see the internal components. However, Nothing seems to have cut down on the number of Glyph LEDs, with the Phone (2a) having only three LEDs on the top half of the phone. Both devices have rounded corners that make them comfortable to use for hours on end and have a unique camera island. The Pixel 7a camera sensors are packed in a huge pill-shaped island that covers the entire length of the phone. On the other hand, the Nothing Phone (2a) has two cameras placed almost in the center. While both phones sport a plastic back panel, Nothing and Google have opted for an aluminium frame which makes these phones look premium while offering a comfortable grip. One area where the Google Pixel 7a is miles ahead of the Nothing Phone (2a) is in terms of durability. Google's budget phone comes with IP67 dust and water resistance, meaning you can take it for a swim. However, the Phone (2a) with its IP54 certification nly handle splashes of water. In terms of design, you can't go wrong with either one. However, if you want a water and dust-resistant device, the Pixel 7a is the way to go. What about the display? Another area where the two differ by a lot is display. While the Pixel 7a has a 6.1-inch 90Hz FullHD+ OLED screen, the Nothing Phone (2a) packs a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz. While 90Hz is usable, if you are coming from a higher refresh rate screen, the scrolling experience and user interface may look a bit janky at times. Both screens are excellent when it comes to viewing angles and are usable even under direct sunlight. If you are looking for a compact phone that will fit your palm, the Google Pixel 7a is the way to go. However, those who watch a lot of videos, read e-books and articles and want a bigger screen will like the Nothing Phone (2a). Performance and battery The Google Pixel 7a is powered by yesteryear's flagship chipset - the Tensor G2. The original Tensor G1 was known to heat a lot, but Google seems to have a good job of controlling thermals. On the contrary, the Nothing Phone (2a) is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, which may be newer on paper but is slower than the Tensor G2 when it comes to benchmarks and clock speeds. However, when it comes to day-to-day tasks, the difference between the two is not that apparent. Both devices can comfortably multiple apps in the background and run the latest titles with some settings dialled down. The Google Pixel 7a is currently available in India in 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant, the Nothing Phone (2a) comes with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Both phones do not come with a microSD card slot, meaning you are stuck with limited on-board storage. In the battery department, the Google Pixel 7a packs a smaller 4,385mAh battery compared to the Nothing Phone (2a)'s 5,000mAh battery, but both devices should offer similar battery life due to different screen sizes. The Google Pixel 7a with 18W charging support loses to the Nothing Phone (2a)'s significantly faster 45W, but the latter misses out on wireless charging. Software experience Google launched the Pixel 7a in March last year with stock Android 13, which was the latest version of Android back then. However, the recently launched Nothing Phone (2a) comes with Nothing OS 2.5 based on Android 14. But Google says the Pixel 7a will get four years of Android updates and five years of security patches compared to the Nothing Phone (2a)'s three OS updates and four-year security patches. With an additional year of Android update, the Google Pixel 7a, which shipped with Android 13 will be updated till Android 17, which is also the case for the Nothing Phone (2a). However, these devices offer a different software experience. The Google Pixel 7a runs on stock Android, which is clean and fluid for the most part. On the other hand, the Nothing Phone (2a) comes with Nothing OS, which offers several customisation features and a smooth look and feel that makes it stand out from other devices. If you want a clean stock Android experience, the Google Pixel 7a is the clear winner but those looking for customisation options and a more intuitive user interface should opt for the Nothing Phone (2a). Camera Google's budget phone has a 50MP primary camera alongside a 13MP ultrawide shooter compared to the Nothing Phone (2a)'s 50MP + 50MP setup. Google's 13MP ultrawide camera has a slightly better 120-degree field of view compared to the latter's 114-degree field of view, meaning it can capture a wider photo. On paper, the Google Pixel 7a has a better primary camera but loses in the megapixel war when it comes to the ultrawide sensor. But in real-world usage, both devices take good daytime images. However, the story is different when it comes to nighttime or low-light photography. The Google Pixel 7a takes sharp photos with most of the details and colours feeling close to natural whereas the Nothing Phone (2a) takes brighter photos with fewer details. While both camera setups are highly capable in their respective price segments, the Google Pixel 7a with its AI features and accurate colours is the clear winner between the two. Google Pixel 7a vs Nothing Phone (2a): Which one to buy? Google is currently selling the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant of the Pixel 7a (review) on Flipkart for Rs 39,999. On the other hand, the recently launched Nothing Phone (2a) starts from Rs 23,999. If your budget is limited, the Nothing Phone (2a) (review) offers great value for money but misses out on features like water and dust resistance, so if you want a phone that takes good photos during both day and night time, the Pixel 7a is the clear winner between the two. But if you don't want to spend much, the Nothing Phone (2a) with its unique design and smooth performance is an easy recommendation.
