Motorola Moto G86 Power vs. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: A Deep Dive into Battery, Performance, and Value

The Motorola Moto G86 Power and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The G86 Power doubles down on exceptional battery life, while the 2a Plus aims for a more balanced experience with faster charging and a brighter display. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing all-day (and multi-day) battery life, the Motorola Moto G86 Power is the clear winner, boasting a remarkable 67:39h endurance. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a more modern experience with its brighter 1097 nit display and significantly faster 50W charging, making it ideal for those who value convenience and responsiveness.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G86 Power Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 71 - EMEA & AP1, 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, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - EMEA & AP1, 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
Announced2025, May 292024, July 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, July 30Available. Released 2024, August 03
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), plastic frame, silicone polymer (eco leather) backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions161.2 x 74.7 x 8.7 mm (6.35 x 2.94 x 0.34 in)161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 or 198 g (6.98 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 4Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 4500 nits peakAMOLED, 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) - GlobalOcta-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - IndiaOcta-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) - GlobalMediatek Dimensity 7400 (4 nm) - IndiaMediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
GPUMali-G615 MC2Mali-G610 MC4
OSAndroid 15, up to 2 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
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/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 12mm, 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
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.7µm50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76"
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes, 360˚
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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 wired50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min
Type6720 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsPantone: Spellbound, Golden Cypress, Cosmic Sky, ChrysanthemumBlack, Grey
ModelsXT2527-7A142P
Price$ 472.00 / € 269.90 / ₹ 17,000€ 269.90 / ₹ 22,599
EU LABEL
Battery67:39h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass B (180 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Motorola Moto G86 Power

  • Unrivaled battery life (67:39h endurance)
  • Long-term battery health (1000 charge cycles)
  • Potentially more affordable price point

  • Slower charging speed (30W)
  • Likely less vibrant display
  • Potentially less powerful chipset

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

  • Faster charging (50W, 0-50% in 21 min)
  • Brighter display (1097 nits)
  • More powerful chipset (Dimensity 7350 Pro)

  • Significantly shorter battery life (16:34h)
  • Higher price point
  • Potentially less focus on long-term battery health

Display Comparison

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus immediately stands out with its significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1097 nits. This is a substantial advantage over what we'd expect from the Moto G86 Power, making the 2a Plus far more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. While the G86 Power’s panel specs aren’t provided, the 2a Plus’s brightness suggests a superior viewing experience. The 2a Plus’s panel likely utilizes a higher contrast ratio, further enhancing image quality. The G86 Power likely prioritizes power efficiency over peak brightness.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market positioning suggests the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will likely offer a more refined camera experience. Nothing typically focuses on computational photography and image processing, potentially delivering more visually appealing results. The G86 Power, while likely capable, will probably prioritize simplicity and ease of use. The absence of information regarding sensor size and OIS makes it difficult to assess low-light performance, but the 2a Plus’s higher price point suggests a more advanced camera system.

Performance

Both phones utilize Mediatek Dimensity chipsets fabricated on a 4nm process, promising good efficiency. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus employs the Dimensity 7350 Pro, a step up from the Moto G86 Power’s Dimensity 7300 (or 7400 in India). The 2a Plus’s CPU configuration – 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 – offers a higher peak clock speed compared to the G86 Power’s 4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 (or 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 in India). This translates to snappier performance in demanding tasks and potentially better gaming frame rates. The 2a Plus’s chipset also benefits from architectural improvements in the Cortex-A715 cores, offering better single-core performance.

Battery Life

The Motorola Moto G86 Power’s defining feature is its exceptional battery endurance, achieving a remarkable 67:39h in testing. This is significantly longer than the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 16:34h active use score. While the 2a Plus compensates with 50W wired charging (50% in 21 minutes, 100% in 56 minutes), the G86 Power’s longevity is unmatched. The G86 Power’s 30W charging is slower, but the massive battery capacity means you’ll likely need to charge it less frequently. The G86 Power also claims 1000 charge cycles, suggesting long-term battery health.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto G86 Power if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use, or if you frequently travel and have limited access to power outlets. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prefer a phone with a vibrant, easily visible display, and appreciate the convenience of rapid charging – getting from 0 to 50% in just 21 minutes. The 2a Plus also appeals to users who value a cleaner software experience and a more distinctive design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 7300/7400 in the Moto G86 Power struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 7300/7400 is a capable chipset, Genshin Impact may require reduced graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. The chipset's Cortex-A78 cores provide good performance, but the game's demands can push it to its limits. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s Dimensity 7350 Pro will offer a more consistent high-framerate experience.
❓ How does the 30W charging on the Moto G86 Power compare to the 50W charging on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus in real-world usage?
The 50W charging on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is significantly faster, fully charging the device in 56 minutes. The Moto G86 Power’s 30W charging will take considerably longer. However, the G86 Power’s massive battery means you’re less likely to need to top it up as frequently, mitigating the slower charging speed.
❓ Is the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s Glyph Interface useful, or is it just a gimmick?
The Glyph Interface is largely a matter of personal preference. It can be customized to display notifications, charging progress, and even act as a visual timer. Some users find it genuinely helpful and visually appealing, while others may consider it unnecessary. It's a unique feature that sets the 2a Plus apart.