The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent compelling options. The Nord CE 3 focuses on rapid charging and a familiar Android experience, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus aims to disrupt with a unique design and a newer Mediatek chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right phone.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus emerges as the stronger contender. Its more efficient 4nm Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset, coupled with a brighter display and longer battery life (16:34h active use), provides a smoother and more enjoyable experience. While the Nord CE 3’s 80W charging is impressive, it doesn’t fully compensate for the chipset’s generational gap.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE-A (CA), 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2024, July 31 |
| Status | Rumored | Available. Released 2024, August 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 | 6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | - | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.7 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13, OxygenOS 13 | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| 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 | HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76" |
| Video | - | 4K@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes, 360˚ |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired | 50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black; other colors | Black, Grey |
| Models | - | A142P |
| Price | - | € 269.90 / ₹ 22,599 |
OnePlus Nord CE 3
- 80W SuperVOOC charging is incredibly fast.
- Established brand with a wide support network.
- Potentially more affordable price point.
- Older Snapdragon 782G chipset is less efficient.
- Display likely lacks the brightness of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
- Battery life likely shorter than the competition.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
- More efficient Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset (4nm).
- Brighter display (1097 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
- Longer battery life (16:34h active use).
- Unique and eye-catching design.
- Slower 50W charging compared to the Nord CE 3.
- Newer brand with a less established track record.
- Potentially higher price point.
Display Comparison
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1097 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, a clear advantage over the Nord CE 3 (brightness data unavailable, but typically lower in this price bracket). While both likely utilize OLED panels, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s higher peak brightness translates to a more vibrant and usable experience in direct sunlight. We expect the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus to have a more modern panel with potentially higher refresh rates and better color accuracy, though specific details on the Nord CE 3’s panel are lacking.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs for both devices, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the chipset plays a role. The Dimensity 7350 Pro’s image signal processor (ISP) is likely more advanced, offering better noise reduction and dynamic range. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is expected to have a more sophisticated camera system overall, benefiting from the newer chipset’s capabilities. The Nord CE 3’s camera performance will likely be adequate, but may struggle in low-light conditions compared to the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4nm) offers a substantial advantage over the OnePlus Nord CE 3’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G (6nm). The 4nm process node inherently provides better power efficiency and thermal management, meaning the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is less likely to throttle under sustained load. The Dimensity 7350 Pro’s CPU configuration (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) also represents a newer architecture than the Snapdragon 782G’s (1x2.7 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), resulting in improved single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
Battery Life
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus shines in battery life, achieving an impressive 16:34h of active use. While the Nord CE 3’s battery capacity is unknown, the Dimensity 7350 Pro’s 4nm efficiency gives the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus a clear edge. The Nord CE 3 compensates with 80W wired charging, significantly faster than the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 50W charging (50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min). However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s longer battery life reduces the need for frequent top-ups, mitigating the charging speed difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 3 if you prioritize the absolute fastest charging speeds and prefer a more established brand with a proven track record. It’s ideal for users who frequently top up their phones and don’t want to wait. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you value battery life, a brighter and more modern display, and a more efficient processor for sustained performance. This phone is best for users who want a phone that lasts all day and offers a unique aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7350 Pro’s 4nm process node is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during gaming, it’s significantly less prone to throttling compared to the 6nm Snapdragon 782G in the Nord CE 3. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus should maintain higher frame rates for longer periods.
❓ How does the 50W charging on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus compare to the 80W charging on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 in real-world use?
While 80W is faster on paper, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s superior battery life (16:34h active use) means you’ll likely need to charge it less frequently. The 50W charging still provides a usable top-up speed (50% in 21 minutes), and the longer battery life offsets the charging speed difference for most users.
❓ Is the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s design durable, or is the transparent back prone to scratches?
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus features a durable glass back with a unique transparent design. While aesthetically striking, it's still susceptible to scratches. Using a screen protector and case is recommended to maintain its pristine appearance.
