Google Pixel 4a vs Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
The Verdict
Google Pixel 4a delivers exceptional value with its legendary computational photography and pure Android experience, featuring a sharp 5.81-inch OLED display and capable Snapdragon 730G processor. Nothing Phone 2a Plus offers significantly more hardware for only $50 more: a larger 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen, dual 50MP cameras, 5G connectivity, and a substantially larger 5000mAh battery with 50W charging versus the Pixel's modest 3140mAh with 18W charging. Performance-wise, the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro matches or exceeds the older 730G. However, Pixel 4a's camera software remains superior despite lower megapixels, and Android 10 versus 14 represents a significant OS gap. Nothing Phone 2a Plus is the more complete modern phone with better specs across nearly every category. For photography enthusiasts willing to accept a smaller, less capable device, the Pixel 4a remains compelling. For most users seeking a well-rounded experience, the Nothing Phone 2a Plus offers substantially better value and capabilities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 4a if…
- →Incredible value at $349
- →Same 12.2 MP camera quality as Pixel 4
- →Headphone jack retained
Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if…
- →Unique Glyph Interface LEDs for silent notifications and alerts
- →50 MP triple camera system including a strong 50 MP ultrawide
- →Clean, stock-like Nothing OS with fast updates and minimal bloat
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 4a
Pros
- Incredible value at $349
- Same 12.2 MP camera quality as Pixel 4
- Headphone jack retained
- Compact and lightweight at 143 g
- Clean stock Android with fast updates
Cons
- No water resistance rating
- 60Hz display
- No wireless charging
- Single rear camera only
- Plastic build feels cheap
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Pros
- Unique Glyph Interface LEDs for silent notifications and alerts
- 50 MP triple camera system including a strong 50 MP ultrawide
- Clean, stock-like Nothing OS with fast updates and minimal bloat
- 50W fast charging is quick for the 5000 mAh battery
- Premium transparent design stands out in the midrange
Cons
- No wireless charging despite the $399 price
- MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro is less popular with developers
- IP54 splash resistance is below IP68 flagships
- Video limited to 4K@30fps — no 60fps option
- Only 256 GB storage option with no expandable storage
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 4a | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 10 | Android 14 (Nothing OS 2.6) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 143 g | 190 g |
| Material | Polycarbonate unibody | Aluminum frame, Glyph Interface LED back |
| IP rating | No official rating | IP54 |
| Dimensions | 144 x 69.4 x 8.2 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.55 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.88, PDAF, OIS, Sony IMX890 |
| Front camera | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 50 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Ultrawide | — | 50 MP, f/2.2, Samsung JN1 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3140 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 50W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 5.81 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2412 x 1084 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 600 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G | MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Google products or all Nothing products. View full details for the Google Pixel 4a or the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.