Oscal Elite 1 vs. Nothing Phone (2): A Detailed Comparison of Performance and Value

The Oscal Elite 1 and Nothing Phone (2) represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Oscal focuses on delivering solid gaming performance at an aggressive price point, while the Nothing Phone (2) aims for a more premium experience with a flagship-level chipset and unique design. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing overall performance and a refined experience, the Nothing Phone (2) is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and superior battery endurance justify the higher price. However, gamers on a budget will find the Oscal Elite 1 a compelling option, offering respectable performance thanks to the Helio G99.

PHONES
Phone Names Oscal Elite 1 Nothing Phone (2)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, May2023, July 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, MayAvailable. Released 2023, July 17
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions278.5 x 180.5 x 7.4 mm (10.96 x 7.11 x 0.29 in)162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm (6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight587 g (1.29 lb)201.2 g (7.09 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2560 pixels (~230 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size12.1 inches, 338.3 cm2 (~67.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nitsLTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 1600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 730
OSAndroid 14, DokeOS_P 4.0Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 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, AF
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, panorama, HDR
Single12 MP, (wide), 1/2.55"-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, live HDR, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single13 MP32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1), NavIC
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB 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
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity (accessories only), gyroFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired45W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC4, 100% in 55 min 15W wireless, 100% in 130 min 5W reverse wireless
Type8800 mAhLi-Ion 4700 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, White, BlueWhite, Dark Gray
Models-A065
Price-$ 379.99 / £ 370.00

Oscal Elite 1

  • Aggressive price point offers excellent value.
  • Helio G99 provides capable gaming performance.
  • 33W charging is reasonably fast.

  • Likely inferior camera quality compared to the Nothing Phone (2).
  • Less powerful chipset than the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.

Nothing Phone (2)

  • Flagship-level Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance.
  • Excellent battery life and fast charging options.
  • Brighter and potentially more advanced display.

  • Significantly higher price than the Oscal Elite 1.
  • May be overkill for basic smartphone users.

Display Comparison

The Nothing Phone (2) boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 998 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Oscal Elite 1’s display specifications are not provided, it’s likely to be considerably dimmer. The Nothing Phone (2)'s display technology is also likely to be more advanced, potentially including LTPO for adaptive refresh rates, contributing to better battery efficiency. The Nothing Phone (2)'s display is a clear advantage for outdoor use and media consumption.

Camera Comparison

The context data for the Oscal Elite 1’s camera is limited. However, given its price point, it’s reasonable to assume a less sophisticated camera system compared to the Nothing Phone (2). The Nothing Phone (2) offers a more comprehensive camera experience, likely including features like optical image stabilization (OIS) and advanced image processing algorithms. While specific sensor sizes and apertures aren’t provided, the Nothing Phone (2)'s focus on 'Photo / Video' suggests a greater emphasis on image quality and versatility. The Oscal Elite 1 will likely suffice for casual photography, but the Nothing Phone (2) will excel in challenging lighting conditions and offer more creative control.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nothing Phone (2) utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm), a flagship-tier processor featuring an octa-core configuration with a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz. This is a substantial leap over the Oscal Elite 1’s MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm). The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1’s more advanced 4nm process node translates to better thermal efficiency and sustained performance under load, crucial for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The Oscal Elite 1’s Helio G99, while capable, is designed for efficient mid-range performance, prioritizing power efficiency over raw speed. The Nothing Phone (2) will deliver a noticeably smoother and faster experience in virtually all scenarios.

Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (2) demonstrates impressive battery endurance, achieving 14:21 hours of active use and an endurance rating of 103 hours. This is a significant advantage over what we might expect from the Oscal Elite 1, given its unspecified battery capacity. The Nothing Phone (2) also supports faster charging at 45W with multiple protocols (PD3.0, PPS, QC4), reaching 100% in 55 minutes, alongside 15W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging. The Oscal Elite 1’s 33W wired charging is respectable, but slower. The Nothing Phone (2)'s superior battery life and charging options provide greater convenience and peace of mind.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oscal Elite 1 if you need a capable gaming phone without breaking the bank, and are willing to compromise on camera quality and premium features. Buy the Nothing Phone (2) if you prioritize a smooth, responsive user experience, excellent battery life, and a more polished design, and are willing to pay a premium for flagship-level performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Oscal Elite 1 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G99 is a relatively efficient chipset, but prolonged gaming will inevitably generate heat. While the Oscal Elite 1 likely has thermal management features, it won't be as sophisticated as those found in the Nothing Phone (2) with its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and larger chassis. Expect some throttling after extended play.
❓ How does the Nothing Phone (2)'s 45W charging compare to other fast charging standards?
The Nothing Phone (2) supports a wide range of fast charging protocols including PD3.0, PPS, and QC4, ensuring compatibility with a variety of chargers. 45W is a fast charging speed, but not the absolute fastest available. However, the combination of protocol support and the efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 allows for a full charge in just 55 minutes.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Helio G99 and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. While the Helio G99 handles everyday tasks like browsing and social media adequately, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 provides a significantly smoother and more responsive experience, especially when multitasking or launching demanding applications. The Snapdragon's superior CPU and GPU performance translate to faster app loading times and overall system fluidity.