The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Note 40X 5G and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent compelling options. The Infinix focuses on delivering a feature-rich experience at an aggressive price point, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus aims for a more refined experience with a focus on design and display quality. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a brighter display and significantly faster charging, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better choice. Its Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset and 50W charging offer a smoother experience and less downtime. However, the Infinix Note 40X 5G remains a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 05 | 2024, July 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 09 | Available. Released 2024, August 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| OS | Android 14, XOS 14 | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes, 360˚ |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, 50% in 31 min
Reverse wired | 50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Palm Blue, Lime Green, Starlit Black | Black, Grey |
| Models | X6838 | A142P |
| Price | About 150 EUR | € 269.90 / ₹ 22,599 |
Infinix Note 40X 5G
- More affordable price point
- Potentially larger storage options (market dependent)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Less powerful chipset (Dimensity 6300)
- Likely lower display brightness and quality
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
- Faster charging (50W)
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 7350 Pro)
- Brighter and higher-quality display (1097 nits)
- Longer battery life (16:34h active use)
- Higher price tag
- May lack reverse wireless charging
- Potentially smaller base storage option
Display Comparison
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a superior display, achieving a measured peak brightness of 1097 nits. This is a substantial advantage over what we'd expect from the Infinix Note 40X 5G, making the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus far more usable in direct sunlight. While the Infinix Note 40X 5G’s panel specifications are not provided, it’s likely to be a standard LCD or lower-tier AMOLED, lacking the brightness and color accuracy of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s higher brightness also suggests a more efficient panel, potentially contributing to better battery life during screen-intensive tasks.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Infinix Note 40X 5G, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus likely benefits from a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Dimensity 7350 Pro. This ISP enhances image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. While both phones likely feature multi-camera systems, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s focus on image quality suggests a more refined camera experience. We can assume the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will have a larger main sensor and better low-light performance.
Performance
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is equipped with the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4nm), a more advanced chipset than the Infinix Note 40X 5G’s Dimensity 6300 (6nm). The 4nm process node of the Dimensity 7350 Pro translates to improved power efficiency and thermal management, allowing for sustained performance during demanding tasks like gaming. The CPU configuration further highlights this difference: the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus features a 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 core pairing, while the Infinix Note 40X 5G uses a 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 setup. The newer A715 cores offer a performance uplift, and the higher clock speeds contribute to snappier responsiveness. The Infinix Note 40X 5G will be adequate for everyday tasks, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provides a more future-proof and smoother experience.
Battery Life
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus demonstrates a clear advantage in charging speed, achieving a 50% charge in just 21 minutes and a full charge in 56 minutes with its 50W wired charging. In contrast, the Infinix Note 40X 5G takes 31 minutes to reach 50% with its 18W charging. While the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its active use score of 16:34h indicates excellent battery life. The faster charging of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus minimizes downtime, making it ideal for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Note 40X 5G if you need a highly affordable 5G smartphone and prioritize maximizing features for your dollar, even if it means compromising on charging speed and peak display brightness. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prefer a more polished user experience, a significantly brighter display for outdoor visibility, and the convenience of much faster 50W charging, and are willing to pay a premium for these benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Dimensity 6300 in the Infinix Note 40X 5G?
The Dimensity 7350 Pro, while more powerful, benefits from a 4nm process node which generally results in better thermal efficiency. While it will generate heat under sustained load, it's likely to manage temperatures more effectively than the 6nm Dimensity 6300, reducing the risk of significant throttling and maintaining higher frame rates for longer periods.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the 50W charging of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus make compared to the 18W charging on the Infinix Note 40X 5G?
The difference is substantial. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus can reach 50% charge in 21 minutes, while the Infinix Note 40X 5G takes 31 minutes. This translates to significantly less downtime, especially for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day. The 50W charging is a key convenience factor.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the two phones noticeable in everyday use, or only in direct sunlight?
The 1097 nits peak brightness of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is noticeable even in moderately bright indoor environments. While the difference is most pronounced in direct sunlight, the brighter display also contributes to a more vibrant and engaging viewing experience overall, with better color pop and contrast.