The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo iQOO Z9 and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent compelling options for users seeking performance without breaking the bank. Both leverage MediaTek's Dimensity series, but diverge in their approach to battery, charging, and display technology. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus emerges as the stronger contender. Its Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset and impressive 16:34h active use battery life provide a smoother, longer-lasting experience, despite the iQOO Z9's aggressive pricing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, March 12 | 2024, July 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March 13 | Available. Released 2024, August 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm (6.43 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Dragontrail Star 2 Plus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR, 1800 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G610 MC4 | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens | 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 | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 50% in 30 min | 50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Brushed Green, Graphene Blue | Black, Grey |
| Models | I2302, I2218 | A142P |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 269.90 / ₹ 22,599 |
| SAR | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.94 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo iQOO Z9
- Potentially more affordable price point
- 44W fast charging is still respectable
- MediaTek Dimensity 7200 offers solid performance
- Slower charging speed compared to the competition
- Limited display brightness information
- Battery life likely shorter than Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
- Superior battery life (16:34h active use)
- Faster 50W charging (56 minutes to 100%)
- Brighter display (1097 nits)
- Higher price tag than the iQOO Z9
- Dimensity 7350 Pro may run warmer under sustained load
- Software experience is a matter of personal preference
Display Comparison
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1097 nits. This is a substantial advantage for outdoor visibility compared to the iQOO Z9, where peak brightness data is unavailable. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s higher brightness suggests a more advanced panel capable of delivering a more vibrant and readable image in challenging lighting conditions. The iQOO Z9’s display specifications are currently limited, making a detailed comparison of color accuracy and other parameters difficult.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are lacking for both devices. However, given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both will feature multi-camera setups. The focus should be on the primary sensor resolution and aperture. Without this data, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The iQOO Z9’s camera system is likely tuned for vibrant, social media-ready images, while Nothing typically aims for a more natural and balanced look. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the main sensor will be a key differentiator, impacting low-light performance and video stabilization.
Performance
Both phones are powered by MediaTek Dimensity chips built on a 4nm process, ensuring good efficiency. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus utilizes the Dimensity 7350 Pro, featuring a slightly faster CPU configuration with 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 cores versus the iQOO Z9’s 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 cores. This clock speed difference, combined with potential optimizations within the 7350 Pro, should translate to a noticeable performance edge in demanding applications and gaming. Both devices likely pair their chipsets with ample RAM, though specific speeds (LPDDR5x) are not provided. Thermal management will be crucial; the 7350 Pro’s slightly higher performance ceiling may require more robust cooling to prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus demonstrates a clear advantage in battery endurance, achieving an impressive 16:34h of active use. While the iQOO Z9’s battery capacity is not specified, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s longevity suggests a well-optimized combination of hardware and software. Charging speeds also favor the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, reaching 50% in just 21 minutes and 100% in 56 minutes with its 50W wired charging. The iQOO Z9’s 44W charging is slower, taking 30 minutes to reach 50%. This faster charging on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Z9 if you need a highly affordable device with respectable performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming, and are willing to compromise on charging speed and potentially battery longevity. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prioritize a brighter display, longer battery life in real-world usage, and faster charging, even if it means spending a bit more upfront. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is geared towards users who value a refined software experience and a more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 7350 Pro is a capable chipset, its higher performance ceiling compared to the Dimensity 7200 in the iQOO Z9 means it *could* generate more heat under sustained load. Nothing's thermal management implementation will be crucial. User reviews will be key to determining if throttling becomes a significant issue during extended gaming.
❓ How does the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's charging compare to other phones in its price range?
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 50W charging is relatively fast for its price bracket. Many competitors offer 33W or 44W charging. Reaching 100% in 56 minutes is competitive and provides a noticeable convenience advantage over slower charging solutions.
❓ Is the iQOO Z9 a good choice for playing graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact or PUBG?
The iQOO Z9’s Dimensity 7200 is capable of running these games, but you may need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, with its Dimensity 7350 Pro, will likely offer a smoother experience at higher settings, but both phones are mid-range devices and won't match the performance of flagship models.
