Oppo Reno12 vs Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: A Deep Dive into Battery, Performance, and Value

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Oppo Reno12 and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent compelling options. The Reno12 focuses on refined design and fast charging, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus aims to disrupt with its unique aesthetic and a slightly more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right phone.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus emerges as the winner. Its 16:34 active use score significantly surpasses the Reno12’s 14:53h, and while charging is slower, the overall endurance advantage is substantial. However, the Reno12’s 80W charging is a compelling feature for those who need quick top-ups.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno12 Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - version 1HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - version 11, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - version 11, 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 182024, July 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, June 25Available. Released 2024, August 03
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), plastic frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions161.4 x 74.1 x 7.6 mm (6.35 x 2.92 x 0.30 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
Weight177 g (6.24 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 7iCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.3% 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 7300 Energy (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
GPUMali-G615 MC2Mali-G610 MC4
OSAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, ColorOS 14.1Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB 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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, HDR4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanorama, HDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/3.1", PDAF50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76"
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes, 360˚ (market/region dependent)Yes, 360˚
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB 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
Charging80W wired, PD2.0, 47% in 18 min, 100% in 46 min, Reverse wired50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMatte Brown, Sunset Pink, Astro SilverBlack, Grey
ModelsCPH2625A142P
Price€ 303.99€ 269.90 / ₹ 22,599

Oppo Reno12

  • Significantly faster 80W wired charging.
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility.
  • Potentially more efficient chipset for sustained performance.

  • Shorter battery life compared to the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
  • Less distinctive design.

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

  • Longer battery life for all-day use.
  • More powerful processor for demanding tasks.
  • Unique and eye-catching design.

  • Slower 50W wired charging.
  • Lower peak display brightness.

Display Comparison

The Oppo Reno12 boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1378 nits, compared to the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 1097 nits. This translates to better visibility under direct sunlight for the Reno12. While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the display brightness difference is a tangible benefit for outdoor users. The Reno12’s panel likely benefits from more aggressive power delivery, impacting battery life slightly. We lack data on panel technology (LTPO vs standard OLED) which would further refine this comparison.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset differences suggest the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus may have a slight advantage in image signal processing (ISP) capabilities due to the newer Dimensity 7350 Pro. The ISP handles noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. We can assume both phones will offer competent camera systems for social media and casual photography, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s processor could provide a marginal improvement in challenging lighting conditions. Ignoring the likely presence of low-resolution macro lenses on both devices, the main sensor and its associated OIS system will be the key differentiators.

Performance

Both phones utilize Mediatek Dimensity chipsets fabricated on a 4nm process, but differ in their core configurations. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus features the Dimensity 7350 Pro with a 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 core configuration, suggesting a slight edge in peak CPU performance compared to the Reno12’s Dimensity 7300 Energy and its 4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 cores. However, the Reno12’s chipset is specifically tuned for ‘Energy’ efficiency, potentially offering better sustained performance under load. The A715 cores in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus are newer architecture, offering improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock) over the A78 cores in the Reno12. The impact of RAM speed (LPDDR5x is likely on both) is minimal in this comparison.

Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus demonstrably wins in battery endurance, achieving 16:34 hours of active use versus the Oppo Reno12’s 14:53 hours. This nearly 2-hour difference is significant for users who heavily rely on their smartphones throughout the day. While the Reno12 compensates with 80W wired charging (47% in 18 minutes, 100% in 46 minutes), the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 50W charging (50% in 21 minutes, 100% in 56 minutes) is slower. The Reno12’s faster charging is ideal for quick top-ups, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s superior battery life reduces the need for frequent charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno12 if you prioritize incredibly fast charging and a sleek, conventional design. It’s ideal for users who frequently need to quickly replenish their battery throughout the day. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you value exceptional battery life, a distinctive design, and a slightly more powerful processor for demanding tasks, even if it means sacrificing some charging speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Reno12’s Dimensity 7300 Energy?
While the Dimensity 7350 Pro is more powerful, the Reno12’s ‘Energy’ optimized chipset is designed for efficiency. It’s likely the Reno12 will maintain slightly cooler temperatures during prolonged gaming, potentially avoiding thermal throttling. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s larger battery capacity could mitigate any temperature concerns by distributing heat more effectively.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the charging speed disparity make? Is the Reno12’s 80W charging a game-changer?
The Reno12’s 80W charging is significantly faster, offering a substantial top-up in a short amount of time. If you frequently find yourself needing to quickly recharge your phone, it’s a major benefit. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s longer battery life reduces the reliance on frequent charging, making the slower speed less of an issue for many users. The convenience of not needing to charge as often often outweighs the speed advantage.
❓ Given the chipset differences, is the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus a better choice for running demanding applications like video editing software?
The Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus possesses a more modern CPU core configuration and likely a more capable GPU, making it the better choice for demanding applications like video editing. While both phones can handle everyday tasks, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will offer smoother performance and faster processing times for resource-intensive workloads.