Motorola Moto G85 vs Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: A Detailed Comparison

The Motorola Moto G85 and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus both aim for the competitive mid-range market, but approach it from different angles. The Moto G85 focuses on delivering a solid all-around experience at a potentially lower price point, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus emphasizes a faster charging experience and a brighter display. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a brighter display and significantly faster charging, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset also offers a performance edge. However, the Moto G85 remains a compelling option for those on a tighter budget who value efficiency.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G85 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, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 421, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 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, June 252024, July 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, June 25Available. Released 2024, August 03
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer (eco leather) backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions161.9 x 73.1 x 7.6 mm (6.37 x 2.88 x 0.30 in)161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight171 g or 173 g (6.03 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1600 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G610 MC4
OSAndroid 14Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF50 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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 0.7µm50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76"
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes, 360˚
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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
Charging30W wired - International 33W wired - India50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsOlive Green, Cobalt Blue, Urban Grey, MagentaBlack, Grey
ModelsXT2427-3A142P
Price$ 289.99 / C$ 287.10 / £ 214.58 / € 194.79€ 269.90 / ₹ 22,599

Motorola Moto G85

  • Potentially more affordable price point
  • Efficient Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset
  • Reliable Motorola software experience

  • Slower charging speeds (30W/33W)
  • Likely less powerful processor
  • Display likely less bright than the competition

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

  • Significantly faster 50W charging
  • Brighter and more vibrant display (1097 nits)
  • More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro processor

  • Potentially higher price
  • Mediatek chipset may have less long-term software support
  • Nothing OS may not appeal to all users

Display Comparison

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1097 nits. This is a substantial advantage over what we'd expect from the Moto G85, making it far more usable in direct sunlight. While the Moto G85’s panel specifications aren’t provided, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s brightness level suggests a superior viewing experience. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s display technology is likely to offer better color accuracy and contrast, enhancing media consumption. The lack of LTPO on either device means neither will dynamically adjust refresh rates for maximum efficiency.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the Moto G85, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus likely benefits from a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Dimensity 7350 Pro. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s image processing will likely deliver more detailed and dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions. We can assume the Moto G85 will offer a competent camera experience for casual photography, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is expected to provide a more refined and versatile camera system.

Performance

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro, built on a 4nm process, holds a clear advantage over the Motorola Moto G85’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6nm). The Dimensity 7350 Pro features newer Cortex-A715 cores clocked at 3.0 GHz, compared to the G85’s Cortex-A78 cores at 2.3 GHz. This translates to faster application loading times and smoother multitasking. While both utilize a 6-core Cortex-A510/A55 efficiency cluster, the 4nm node of the Dimensity 7350 Pro offers superior thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The G85 will be adequate for everyday tasks, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better choice for gamers and power users.

Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus shines in the charging department with its 50W wired charging, achieving 50% charge in just 21 minutes and a full charge in 56 minutes. The Moto G85 lags behind with 30W (International) or 33W (India) charging, resulting in a significantly longer charging time. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the Moto G85, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus demonstrates excellent real-world battery life, achieving 16 hours and 34 minutes of active use. The faster charging of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus mitigates any potential concerns about battery life, offering greater convenience for users who frequently need to top up their device.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto G85 if you need a dependable daily driver with a focus on efficient power usage and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prioritize a vibrant, bright display, rapid 50W charging, and a more powerful processor for demanding applications and gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7350 Pro, built on a 4nm process, is generally efficient and well-managed. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s thermal design should prevent significant throttling, allowing for sustained performance. However, prolonged gaming at maximum settings will likely result in some temperature increase.
❓ How does the 30W/33W charging on the Moto G85 compare to typical fast charging solutions in this price range?
30W/33W charging is relatively standard for phones in this price bracket, but it's considerably slower than the 50W charging offered by the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. Expect a full charge to take well over an hour with the Moto G85, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus can achieve a full charge in under an hour.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture (Cortex-A78 vs Cortex-A715) noticeable in everyday tasks?
While both CPUs are capable, the Cortex-A715 cores in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent a newer generation with improved performance and efficiency. This difference will be most noticeable when multitasking, opening demanding applications, or playing graphically intensive games. For basic tasks like browsing and social media, the difference may be less pronounced.