vivo V30 vs. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Champions

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo V30 and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent compelling options. The V30 focuses on a balance of style and performance, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus aims to disrupt with its unique design and competitive chipset. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus emerges as the winner, boasting a 16:34 active use score. However, the vivo V30’s brighter display and faster 80W charging offer compelling advantages for media consumers and those valuing quick top-ups.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo V30 Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 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, February 042024, July 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, March 04Available. Released 2024, August 03
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.4 x 75.1 x 7.5 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.30 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-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight186 g (6.56 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
ProtectionSchott AlphaCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2800 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 720Mali-G610 MC4
OSAndroid 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 14Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 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
FeaturesRing-LED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, 15mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF 2 MP, f/2.4 (market/region dependent)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRHDR
Single50 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76"
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes, 360˚
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDSGPS, 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-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-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, PD, 100% in 48 min Reverse wired50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBloom White, Waving Aqua, Lush Green, Noble BlackBlack, Grey
ModelsV2318A142P
PriceAbout 690 EUR€ 269.90 / ₹ 22,599

vivo V30

  • Faster 80W wired charging for quick power-ups.
  • Brighter display for improved outdoor visibility.
  • Potentially better multi-core efficiency with Snapdragon 7 Gen 3.

  • Shorter battery life compared to the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
  • Charging speed advantage may not offset battery life difference for heavy users.

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

  • Longer battery life for all-day usage.
  • Competitive Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset for strong performance.
  • Unique and minimalist design aesthetic.

  • Slower 50W charging compared to the vivo V30.
  • Lower peak display brightness may struggle in direct sunlight.

Display Comparison

The vivo V30 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1253 nits, compared to the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 1097 nits. This difference translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the V30’s brighter panel will draw slightly more power. Neither specification details refresh rate or panel type, but the brightness advantage clearly favors the V30 for users who consume a lot of HDR content or spend significant time outdoors.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market positioning of both devices suggests a focus on versatile camera systems. The absence of megapixel counts or sensor sizes in the provided data makes it difficult to assess image quality. We can infer that both phones will likely feature multi-camera setups, but the quality will depend heavily on image processing algorithms and lens quality, which are not specified.

Performance

Both phones employ 4nm chipsets, but differ in their architecture. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro with a 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 core configuration, suggesting a focus on peak performance. The vivo V30, however, features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, utilizing a 1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 and 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 configuration alongside 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510 cores. This suggests a more balanced approach to sustained performance and efficiency. The Dimensity 7350 Pro’s higher clock speeds may offer a slight edge in bursty tasks, but the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3’s architecture could provide better multi-core efficiency. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's CPU configuration suggests a stronger focus on single-core performance, potentially benefiting less-threaded applications.

Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus demonstrably wins in battery endurance, achieving an active use score of 16:34h versus the vivo V30’s 15:01h. This nearly 1.5-hour difference is significant for users who prioritize all-day battery life. While the vivo V30 compensates with 80W wired charging, reaching 100% in just 48 minutes, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 50W charging, while slower (100% in 56 minutes), is still respectable. The V30’s faster charging is beneficial for quick top-ups, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s superior battery life reduces the need for frequent charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo V30 if you prioritize a brighter, more vibrant display for media consumption and value the convenience of significantly faster 80W charging. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you need maximum battery endurance, appreciate a clean software experience, and prefer a more unique and minimalist aesthetic. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better choice for users who frequently find themselves away from a power outlet.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus exhibit thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the 4nm process helps with thermal efficiency, sustained high loads like gaming can still generate heat. Without dedicated thermal testing, it's difficult to definitively say if throttling occurs, but the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the vivo V30 may offer slightly better sustained performance due to its architecture.
❓ How does the 80W charging on the vivo V30 compare to real-world charging speeds with different chargers and cable types?
The 80W charging is rated for a full charge in 48 minutes, but this assumes optimal conditions – a compatible 80W PD charger and cable. Using a lower wattage charger will significantly increase charging times. The V30 supports PD, allowing for flexibility, but achieving the full 80W requires the correct accessories.
❓ Is the difference in active use battery life between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
A difference of nearly 1.5 hours in active use is substantial. Users who frequently use their phones for navigation, streaming, or gaming will likely notice the longer battery life of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. Lighter users may not perceive the difference as dramatically.