Lava Agni 3 vs Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?

The Lava Agni 3 and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus both target the competitive mid-range smartphone market, but approach it with different philosophies. The Agni 3 focuses on raw performance with its Dimensity 7300X, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus prioritizes a balanced experience with a focus on battery life and a unique design. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which phone offers the best overall package.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing peak performance and rapid charging, the Lava Agni 3 is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7300X chipset delivers a noticeable edge, and the 66W charging is significantly faster. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus excels in battery endurance, offering over 16 hours of active use, making it ideal for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Lava Agni 3 Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, October 042024, July 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, October 09Available. Released 2024, August 03
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.7 x 75.5 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight212 g (7.48 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1200 x 2652 pixels (~429 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7300X (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
GPUMali-G615 MC2Mali-G610 MC4
OSAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM256GB 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
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple50 MP, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, 112˚ (ultrawide)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.0µm50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76"
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes, 360˚
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS, NavICGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging66W wired, 50% in 19 min50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsHeather Glass, Pristine GlassBlack, Grey
Models-A142P
Price₹ 16,999€ 269.90 / ₹ 22,599

Lava Agni 3

  • Faster 66W charging for quick power boosts
  • Potentially better sustained performance due to efficient A78 cores
  • Likely more affordable price point

  • Unknown battery life performance
  • Less information available on display quality
  • Potentially less refined camera processing

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

  • Excellent 16:34h active use battery life
  • Brighter 1097 nit display for outdoor visibility
  • More powerful Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset

  • Slower 50W charging compared to Lava Agni 3
  • May be more expensive than the Lava Agni 3
  • Design may not appeal to all users

Display Comparison

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1097 nits, which translates to better visibility outdoors. While the Lava Agni 3’s display specs are not provided, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s high brightness is a significant advantage for media consumption in bright environments. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus likely utilizes a standard AMOLED panel, while the Agni 3’s panel characteristics remain unknown. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s brightness is a key differentiator for users who frequently use their phones in sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the Lava Agni 3, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s camera system is likely to prioritize image quality and computational photography. The Dimensity 7350 Pro includes an upgraded ISP (Image Signal Processor) compared to the 7300X, potentially leading to better noise reduction and dynamic range. Users focused on photography will likely find the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a more refined camera experience, assuming it features a competitive main sensor.

Performance

Both phones utilize Mediatek’s 4nm process technology, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus features the Dimensity 7350 Pro, a step up from the Lava Agni 3’s Dimensity 7300X. The 7350 Pro’s CPU configuration – 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 – offers higher peak clock speeds compared to the Agni 3’s 4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. However, the Agni 3’s Cortex-A78 cores are generally more efficient than the A510 cores, potentially offering better sustained performance in certain scenarios. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s chipset is geared towards a more responsive user experience.

Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus shines in battery life, achieving an impressive 16:34 hours of active use. While the Lava Agni 3’s battery capacity is unknown, its 66W wired charging is significantly faster than the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 50W charging. The Agni 3 can reach 50% charge in just 19 minutes, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus takes 21 minutes for the same. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s superior battery endurance means users may not need to charge as frequently. The Agni 3 prioritizes quick top-ups, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus focuses on longevity.

Buying Guide

Buy the Lava Agni 3 if you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing and value the fastest possible charging speeds. You'll benefit from the more powerful processor and quicker top-ups. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prioritize all-day battery life, a clean software experience, and a distinctive aesthetic. It's the better choice for users who want a reliable daily driver that won't leave them searching for a charger.

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 7300X in the Lava Agni 3?
While both chipsets are built on a 4nm process, the Dimensity 7350 Pro’s higher clock speeds and more complex architecture could lead to slightly higher temperatures under sustained load. However, Nothing’s thermal management system likely mitigates this, and the difference in real-world gaming performance is unlikely to be drastic. The Lava Agni 3’s thermal performance remains unknown without testing.
❓ How does the 50W charging on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus compare to the 66W charging on the Lava Agni 3 in terms of real-world usability?
The Lava Agni 3’s 66W charging is demonstrably faster, reaching 50% in 19 minutes versus the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 21 minutes. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus takes 56 minutes for a full charge, while the Agni 3’s full charge time is not specified. For users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery, the Lava Agni 3 is the better option. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s longer battery life may reduce the need for frequent charging.
❓ Is the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s software experience significantly different from the stock Android experience likely found on the Lava Agni 3?
Yes. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus runs Nothing OS, a heavily customized Android skin known for its minimalist design and unique Glyph Interface. Lava typically offers a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. Users who prefer a clean, uncluttered interface will likely prefer the Lava Agni 3, while those who appreciate a distinctive and visually appealing software experience will gravitate towards the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.