The Nothing Phone 2 has received a major price cut in India and is now available at Rs 30,999. This makes it one of the most attractive options in the premium mid-range smartphone category. But with the Nothing Phone 2a being a cheaper alternative, many buyers are confused about which phone to choose. Let us look at the features, specifications, and reasons why you should or should not pick the Phone 2 over the 2a.
Price and Variants
The Nothing Phone 2 was launched in 2023 at a starting price of around Rs 44,999. Now, with a price cut, it costs Rs 30,999, which is nearly Rs 14,000 less than its launch price. At this price, it directly competes with popular phones like the OnePlus 12R, iQOO Neo 9 Pro, and Google Pixel 7a.
On the other hand, the Nothing Phone 2a is a more budget-friendly option, starting at Rs 23,999. This means the difference between the Phone 2 and 2a is around Rs 7,000. For this price gap, you get better performance, camera quality, and design upgrades in the Phone 2.
Design and Display
One of the main highlights of Nothing phones is their unique transparent back design with Glyph lights. Both the Phone 2 and 2a feature this eye-catching design, but the Phone 2 has a more premium build with a glass back and aluminum frame. The Phone 2a, while still stylish, uses a plastic frame, which feels slightly less premium.
The display on the Phone 2 is a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and HDR10+ support. It offers deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and smooth scrolling. In comparison, the Phone 2a has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display but without LTPO technology. This means the Phone 2 offers better battery efficiency and smoother performance when switching between refresh rates.
Performance and Processor
The Nothing Phone 2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. This is a flagship-level chipset that delivers powerful performance for gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps. It is the same processor used in high-end phones from 2022. Even in 2025, it remains a very capable chip.
The Phone 2a, on the other hand, runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro, which is good for daily use and gaming but not as fast or powerful as the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. If you want a phone that will last longer and handle demanding tasks easily, the Phone 2 is clearly the better choice.
Camera Quality
Cameras are another area where the Phone 2 shines. It has a 50MP + 50MP dual rear camera setup with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), which helps capture sharp photos and stable videos. The photos have better dynamic range and low-light performance compared to the Phone 2a.
The Phone 2a also has a dual 50MP camera, but the image processing is not as advanced, and it lacks the same level of detail, especially in challenging lighting conditions. For photography lovers, the Phone 2 is the better pick.
Battery and Charging
The Nothing Phone 2 has a 4700mAh battery with 45W fast charging, while the Phone 2a packs a 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging as well. Both phones have similar battery life, but the LTPO display of the Phone 2 helps in saving more power when the screen refresh rate drops automatically.
Software and Updates
Both phones run Nothing OS 2.5 based on Android 14, and the company promises 3 years of major updates and 4 years of security updates. The software experience is nearly the same on both devices, with clean, smooth animations and minimal bloatware.
Should You Buy the Phone 2 Over the 2a?
If your budget allows you to spend Rs 30,999, the Nothing Phone 2 is a much better deal after the price cut. It offers a premium build, flagship-level performance, better cameras, and a superior display compared to the 2a. The extra Rs 7,000 you spend will give you a more future-proof device that will perform well for the next 2–3 years.
However, if your budget is tight and you just want a stylish phone for daily tasks like social media, videos, and casual gaming, the Phone 2a is still a great option at Rs 23,999.
Conclusion
The new price of Rs 30,999 makes the Nothing Phone 2 one of the best-value smartphones in its category. If you want a powerful, premium, and long-lasting phone, the Phone 2 is worth the extra money compared to the Phone 2a. But if you just want the Nothing experience on a lower budget, the 2a is good enough.