Poco X6 Pro vs Nothing Phone (2a): A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Nothing Phone (2a) and Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro represent compelling options. The Poco X6 Pro arrives with a focus on raw performance thanks to the Dimensity 8300 Ultra, while the Nothing Phone (2a) prioritizes a balanced experience with its unique design and efficient Dimensity 7200 Pro. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro emerges as the stronger contender. Its significantly faster Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset and 67W charging provide a noticeable performance and convenience advantage. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) excels in battery optimization, making it a viable choice for those prioritizing longevity.

PHONES
Phone Names Nothing Phone (2a) Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, March 052024, January 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, March 12Available. Released 2024, January 12
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather)
Dimensions161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.34 in)160.5 x 74.3 x 8.3 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)186 g or 190 g (6.56 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.35 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x3.20 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.20 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra (4 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC4Mali G615-MC6
OSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm-
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-64 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@24/30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@60fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYes, 360˚Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-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, compass
Battery
Charging45W wired, 50% in 23 min, 100% in 1 hour67W wired, QC2.0, PD3.0, 100% in 45 min
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Milk, BlueBlack, Yellow, Gray
ModelsA1422311DRK48G, 2311DRK48I
Price€ 192.59 / $ 389.00 / ₹ 21,999€ 195.30 / $ 209.79 / £ 274.99 / ₹ 21,999
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)

Nothing Phone (2a)

  • Exceptional battery life (15:53h active use)
  • Unique and minimalist design
  • Efficient Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset

  • Lower peak display brightness (981 nits)
  • Slower charging speed (1 hour to 100%)
  • Performance lags behind Poco X6 Pro

Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro

  • Powerful Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset
  • Faster 67W charging (100% in 45 min)
  • Brighter display (1148 nits)

  • Shorter battery life (11:46h active use)
  • Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load
  • Software experience may be less refined

Display Comparison

Both phones utilize 4nm chipsets, but their displays differ significantly. The Poco X6 Pro boasts a brighter panel at 1148 nits, compared to the Nothing Phone (2a)'s 981 nits, making it more legible under direct sunlight. While both offer a smooth experience, the Poco’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage for outdoor visibility. Details regarding panel technology (AMOLED vs LCD, refresh rate) are missing, but both are expected to deliver vibrant colors typical of the segment. Bezels are comparable, and without specific color accuracy data, it’s difficult to declare a winner in that regard.

Camera Comparison

The context data for the Poco X6 Pro only mentions 'Photo / Video,' lacking specifics on sensor size or resolution. However, given Xiaomi’s history, it’s likely to feature a high-resolution main sensor. The Nothing Phone (2a) lacks detailed camera specs in the provided data as well. Without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms, a definitive camera comparison is impossible. The presence of OIS on either device is unknown, but would be a significant advantage for video stabilization and low-light photography. We can assume both will include standard wide and ultrawide lenses, but details are lacking.

Performance

The Poco X6 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra is the clear performance leader. Its octa-core configuration, featuring a 3.35 GHz Cortex-A715 core and three additional 3.20 GHz Cortex-A715 cores, significantly outpaces the Nothing Phone (2a)'s Dimensity 7200 Pro (2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 Cortex-A510). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. The Poco’s CPU architecture, with more high-performance cores, provides a substantial advantage. While both utilize a 4nm process, the 8300 Ultra’s more advanced design delivers greater efficiency and sustained performance. RAM specifications are missing, but LPDDR5x is expected on both.

Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (2a) demonstrates superior battery efficiency, achieving an active use score of 15:53h, compared to the Poco X6 Pro’s 11:46h. This suggests the Dimensity 7200 Pro is more power-efficient. However, the Poco X6 Pro compensates with significantly faster 67W charging, reaching 100% in just 45 minutes, while the Nothing Phone (2a) takes a full hour to charge. The Poco’s charging speed is a major convenience factor, while the Nothing Phone (2a) prioritizes maximizing time between charges.

Buying Guide

Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) if you value a unique, minimalist design, a clean software experience, and prioritize all-day battery life over peak performance. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro if you're a power user who demands the fastest possible processing speeds for gaming or demanding applications, and appreciate significantly faster charging capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Poco X6 Pro's Dimensity 8300 Ultra get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 8300 Ultra is a powerful chip, its thermal performance will depend on the Poco X6 Pro's cooling system. Without specific testing data, it's likely to experience some throttling under sustained heavy load, but the 4nm process should mitigate this compared to older chipsets. Expect some warmth, but not necessarily unbearable heat.
❓ Is the Nothing Phone (2a)'s 45W charging slow compared to the Poco X6 Pro's 67W?
Yes, 45W is noticeably slower than 67W. The Poco X6 Pro can fully charge in 45 minutes, while the Nothing Phone (2a) takes a full hour. This difference is significant for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Nothing Phone (2a) and the Poco X6 Pro?
The Nothing Phone (2a) runs Nothing OS, known for its clean, minimalist interface and near-stock Android experience. The Poco X6 Pro runs Xiaomi's MIUI, which is heavily customized and includes numerous features, but can also be prone to bloatware and occasional inconsistencies. Preference here is subjective.
❓ Will the Nothing Phone (2a) receive long-term software support and updates?
Nothing has committed to providing 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches for the Phone (2a), which is competitive within the mid-range segment. This ensures the device will remain secure and up-to-date for a reasonable period.