Realme P1 Pro vs Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme P1 Pro and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent compelling options for users seeking a balance of features and affordability. The Realme P1 Pro focuses on delivering solid performance with a Snapdragon chipset, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus aims to stand out with its unique design and emphasis on battery endurance. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and a brighter display, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus emerges as the stronger contender. Its 16:34h active use score and 1097 nits peak brightness provide a tangible advantage. However, users focused on maximizing performance per dollar may find the Realme P1 Pro a viable alternative.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme P1 Pro Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 411, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 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, April 152024, July 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, April 22Available. Released 2024, August 03
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions161.5 x 74 x 8.4 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.33 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
Weight217 g (7.65 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning 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 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM), 950 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 710Mali-G610 MC4
OSAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/1.7, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm50 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@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76"
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes, 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
Charging45W wired50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsPhoenix Red, Parrot BlueBlack, Grey
ModelsRMX3844A142P
Price₹ 22,999€ 269.90 / ₹ 22,599

Realme P1 Pro

  • Potentially better sustained performance due to thermal efficiency.
  • Snapdragon chipset offers good app compatibility.
  • Competitive price point.

  • Likely lower peak display brightness.
  • Slower charging speed (45W).
  • Less information available regarding camera capabilities.

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

  • Exceptional battery life (16:34h active use).
  • Bright and vibrant display (1097 nits).
  • Faster charging (50W).

  • CPU architecture may not be as efficient in all tasks.
  • Software experience may not appeal to all users.
  • Potentially higher price compared to the Realme P1 Pro.

Display Comparison

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a significant advantage in display brightness, reaching a measured 1097 nits. This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight compared to the Realme P1 Pro, which lacks published brightness data and likely falls short. While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the display’s power draw will impact overall efficiency. Nothing’s design language also contributes to a more immersive experience, though subjective. We expect both to use AMOLED panels, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s higher peak brightness is a clear win for outdoor usability.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the Realme P1 Pro, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market positioning suggests both phones will feature capable main sensors. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus likely benefits from Nothing’s image processing algorithms, focusing on natural color reproduction. The absence of information regarding OIS on the Realme P1 Pro suggests the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus may offer better low-light performance and video stabilization. We anticipate both phones will include standard auxiliary lenses, but their quality is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Performance

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is equipped with the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro, featuring a more modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A715) clocked at 3.0 GHz, compared to the Realme P1 Pro’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (Cortex-A78 at 2.2 GHz). This architectural difference, combined with the higher clock speeds, suggests the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will deliver superior multi-core performance. However, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s 4nm process node offers competitive efficiency. The Realme P1 Pro may excel in sustained performance due to potentially better thermal management, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has the edge in burst performance and responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus shines in battery life, achieving an impressive 16:34h of active use. While the Realme P1 Pro’s battery capacity is unknown, its 45W charging is slower than the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 50W charging, which can reach 50% in 21 minutes and 100% in 56 minutes. This faster charging speed is a significant convenience factor. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s combination of efficient chipset and longer battery life makes it the clear winner for users prioritizing all-day usage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme P1 Pro if you need a phone that prioritizes raw processing power for tasks like video editing or demanding mobile games, and are willing to compromise slightly on battery life. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prefer a phone with exceptional battery endurance, a vibrant and bright display for outdoor use, and a more refined software experience, even if it means a slight trade-off in peak CPU performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7350 Pro is a relatively efficient chipset. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s thermal design should be adequate to prevent significant throttling. User reports and independent reviews will be crucial to confirm real-world thermal performance, but the 4nm process node contributes to better heat management compared to older chipsets.
❓ How does the 45W charging on the Realme P1 Pro compare to the 50W charging on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus in terms of real-world charging times?
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 50W charging is demonstrably faster, reaching 50% charge in 21 minutes and 100% in 56 minutes. While the Realme P1 Pro’s 45W charging is respectable, it will take considerably longer to fully charge the device. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture (Cortex-A78 vs Cortex-A715) noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks like browsing and social media, the difference in CPU architecture will likely be minimal. However, the Cortex-A715 in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers improvements in instruction per clock (IPC), which translates to snappier performance in more demanding applications and multitasking scenarios. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will feel more responsive overall.