Nothing Phone (2a) vs Samsung Galaxy A35
The Verdict
Nothing Phone (2a) delivers superior value in the mid-range segment with its brighter 1300-nit AMOLED display, faster MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, and more versatile camera setup featuring dual 50MP sensors with better ultrawide coverage. Samsung Galaxy A35 compensates with premium build quality,aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection,plus IP67 dust/water resistance versus IP54, justifying its $50 premium. Performance-wise, the Nothing edges out meaningfully with Mali-G610 GPU handling gaming better than Exynos 1380's Mali-G68. Both pack identical 5000mAh batteries, but Nothing's 45W charging substantially outpaces Samsung's 25W. Camera quality remains competitive; Samsung's 50MP f/1.8 main sensor matches optical performance despite lacking ultrawide versatility. For budget-conscious users prioritizing performance and display brightness, Nothing Phone (2a) offers exceptional value. Samsung targets those preferring durability and brand ecosystem integration. Nothing Phone (2a) emerges as the stronger choice for most buyers.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) if…
- →Distinctive transparent design with Glyph Interface
- →Clean Nothing OS with minimal bloat
- →Solid 50 MP dual camera setup
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A35 if…
- →Solid build with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides
- →Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display
- →Long-lasting 5000 mAh battery
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Nothing Phone (2a)
Pros
- Distinctive transparent design with Glyph Interface
- Clean Nothing OS with minimal bloat
- Solid 50 MP dual camera setup
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Plastic build at this price
- No wireless charging
- Only IP54 splash resistance
- Mid-tier Dimensity chipset rather than Snapdragon
Samsung Galaxy A35
Pros
- Solid build with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides
- Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display
- Long-lasting 5000 mAh battery
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Four years of OS upgrades promised
Cons
- Only 6 GB RAM in base configuration
- Wi-Fi 5 is dated for 2024
- Exynos 1380 trails Snapdragon 7 chips
- Slow 25W charging with no in-box charger
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Phone (2a) | Samsung Galaxy A35 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14, Nothing OS 2.5 | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 190 g | 209 g |
| Material | Plastic frame, plastic back | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| IP rating | IP54 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6 mm | 161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.88, OIS, Samsung GN9 | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 32 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Ultrawide | 50 MP, f/2.2, 114-degree | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 5 MP macro |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB / 12 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2412 x 1084 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 1000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 + 6x2.0 GHz A510) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-G610 MC4 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro | Exynos 1380 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 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.
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