Nothing Phone 2a Plus vs OnePlus Nord 4: Full Comparison
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus and OnePlus Nord 4 are two of the most compelling mid-range smartphones of 2024, and the choice between them comes down to whether you prioritize a distinctive design and clean software or a metal unibody, faster charging, and a more powerful chipset. The Nord 4 wins on raw performance and charging speed, while the Phone 2a Plus offers a more unique aesthetic and a lighter, more customizable software experience. This article breaks down every major difference to help you decide which one fits your needs.
Background: Two Approaches to Mid-Range Value
Both phones target the same price bracket but come from very different design philosophies. Nothing, a London-based startup, made its name with transparent panels and Glyph LED lights. The Phone 2a Plus continues that identity, aiming to bring the brand’s quirky design to a more affordable price point. OnePlus, a veteran in the “flagship killer” space, has traditionally focused on raw speed and performance. The Nord 4 continues that legacy, but with a notable twist: it’s the first Nord with a metal unibody since the original Nord, giving it a premium feel that’s rare in this segment.
Design and Build: Metal vs. Transparent Plastic
The most immediate difference is how they look and feel. The OnePlus Nord 4 uses a single-piece aluminum body, which feels solid, cool to the touch, and is more resistant to fingerprints. It’s also IP65 rated, meaning it can handle splashes and dust. The Nothing Phone 2a Plus, on the other hand, uses a recycled plastic frame with a transparent back that reveals the internal components (or at least, the parts Nothing wants you to see). It’s lighter, but the plastic can scratch more easily. The Glyph lights on the back are the standout feature—they flash for notifications, calls, and can even be used as a fill light for photos. The Nord 4 has no such lights, but its clean, minimalist look is more conventional.
- OnePlus Nord 4: Metal unibody, 199g, IP65, no rear lights.
- Nothing Phone 2a Plus: Plastic transparent back, 190g, IP54, Glyph LED interface.
Display and Audio: Both Excellent, with Minor Differences
Both phones feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1.5K resolution. In daily use, you’ll be hard-pressed to see a difference. Both are bright enough for outdoor use (around 1100 nits peak), and both support HDR10+ and 10-bit color. The main difference is that the Nord 4’s display is slightly larger and has a slightly higher peak brightness in some modes. For audio, both have stereo speakers, but the Nord 4’s are a bit louder and have a touch more bass. Neither has a headphone jack, so you’ll rely on USB-C or Bluetooth.
Performance and Software: The Nord 4 is Faster, but Nothing is Smoother
This is the biggest differentiator. The OnePlus Nord 4 is powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, which is essentially a slightly downclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It’s a flagship-level chip that handles heavy gaming and multitasking with ease. The Nothing Phone 2a Plus uses the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro, a capable mid-range chip, but it’s no match for the 7+ Gen 3 in raw benchmarks. In real-world use, the Nord 4 will load games faster, keep more apps in memory, and will likely stay smoother for longer over the years. However, Nothing’s software is lighter. The Phone 2a Plus runs near-stock Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.6, which is incredibly clean and fast. OnePlus’s OxygenOS 14 is also smooth, but it has more pre-installed apps and some extra features. Both phones promise 3 years of major OS updates and 4 years of security patches, but Nothing’s software is closer to stock, so it feels snappier on a mid-range chip.
Cameras: A Tale of Two Approaches
The camera systems are surprisingly similar, but with different processing styles. Both have a 50MP main sensor with OIS, and both have a 50MP ultrawide (though the Nord 4’s is slightly wider). The Nord 4 also has a 2MP macro lens, which is largely useless, while the Nothing has no macro lens. In good light, both take excellent photos with good dynamic range. The Nord 4 tends to produce more saturated, punchy colors, while the Nothing aims for a more natural look. In low light, the Nord 4’s larger sensor (Sony IMX890) gives it a slight edge, with less noise and better detail. For selfies, the Nothing Phone 2a Plus has a 50MP front camera, while the Nord 4 has a 16MP one. The Nothing’s selfie camera is noticeably sharper and more detailed, especially in good light. Video recording is similar on both: 4K at 30/60fps, with decent stabilization.
Battery and Charging: OnePlus Wins Big
Both phones have a 5,500mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day, and even two days with light use. However, charging speeds are very different. The OnePlus Nord 4 supports 100W SUPERVOOC charging, which can top up the battery from 0 to 100% in about 28 minutes. The Nothing Phone 2a Plus supports 50W charging, which takes about 55 minutes for a full charge. Both are fast, but the Nord 4 is in a different league. Neither phone supports wireless charging, which is a common omission at this price.
How to Choose: A Practical Guide
Your choice should be based on what you value most:
- Choose the OnePlus Nord 4 if: You want the fastest performance for gaming, the fastest charging, a premium metal build, and you don’t mind a more conventional design.
- Choose the Nothing Phone 2a Plus if: You want a unique design with the Glyph lights, a cleaner software experience, a better selfie camera, and you’re okay with slightly slower charging and a less powerful chip.
If you’re a heavy gamer or you’re always in a hurry, the Nord 4 is the obvious choice. If you want a phone that starts conversations and you prefer a minimal, bloat-free OS, the Nothing is more appealing.
Common Problems and Considerations
Neither phone is perfect. Some users have reported that the Nord 4’s metal body can get warm during extended gaming sessions, though it doesn’t seem to throttle heavily. The Nothing Phone 2a Plus’s plastic back can scratch easily, and the Glyph lights, while fun, can be a battery drain if you enable them for every notification. Also, the Nord 4’s 2MP macro lens is widely considered a pointless addition. Both phones have an in-display fingerprint sensor that is fast and reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better processor?
The OnePlus Nord 4 has a significantly better processor (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3) compared to the Nothing Phone 2a Plus (MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro). The Nord 4 will handle heavy games and multitasking more smoothly.
Does the Nothing Phone 2a Plus have wireless charging?
No, neither the Nothing Phone 2a Plus nor the OnePlus Nord 4 supports wireless charging. Both rely on wired charging.
Which phone has a better camera for selfies?
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus has a 50MP front camera, which produces sharper, more detailed selfies than the OnePlus Nord 4’s 16MP camera.
How long do the batteries last?
Both phones have a 5,500mAh battery, so battery life is similar—easily a full day, sometimes two. However, the OnePlus Nord 4 charges much faster (100W vs 50W).
Will both phones get Android updates?
Yes, both are promised 3 years of major Android updates and 4 years of security patches. The Nothing Phone 2a Plus will get Android 17, and the OnePlus Nord 4 will get Android 17.
Which phone is more durable?
The OnePlus Nord 4 has a metal unibody and IP65 rating, making it more resistant to drops and water splashes. The Nothing Phone 2a Plus uses plastic and has a lower IP54 rating, so it’s less durable.
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