Nothing Phone (2a) Plus vs. vivo Y36 5G: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range 5G Contenders
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus emerges as the stronger contender. Its significantly more powerful Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset and brighter display deliver a smoother, more enjoyable experience. However, the vivo Y36 5G remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing affordability.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo Y36 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus |
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 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 | 2023, May 27 | 2024, July 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June 13 | Available. Released 2024, August 03 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 76.2 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.64 inches, 106.8 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 650 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13, Funtouch 13 | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 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 | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes, 360˚ |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 30% in 15 min Reverse wired | 50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Crystal Green, Mystic Black | Black, Grey |
| Models | V2248 | A142P |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 269.90 / ₹ 22,599 |
vivo Y36 5G
- Superior performance with Dimensity 7350 Pro
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Faster charging speeds (50W)
- Longer battery life (16:34h active use)
- Likely higher price point
- Design may not appeal to all
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
- More affordable price
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially more conservative design
- Slower processor (Dimensity 6020)
- Lower display brightness
- Slower charging speeds (44W)
Display Comparison
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1097 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors and a more engaging viewing experience compared to the vivo Y36 5G, whose brightness is not specified but is likely lower given its market positioning. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage for media consumption and gaming. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests standard refresh rate operation, impacting power efficiency during dynamic content.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market positioning suggests the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus likely features a more sophisticated camera system. While both phones may include multiple lenses, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is expected to have a larger main sensor and more advanced image processing capabilities. The vivo Y36 5G likely focuses on providing adequate image quality for social media sharing, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus aims for a more refined photographic experience. We can assume the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will have better low-light performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4nm), featuring a more modern CPU configuration with 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 cores. This contrasts with the vivo Y36 5G’s Dimensity 6020 (7nm), which uses older Cortex-A76 and A55 cores. The 4nm process node of the Dimensity 7350 Pro offers improved power efficiency and thermal performance, meaning sustained performance will be higher on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, especially during demanding tasks. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will demonstrably outperform the vivo Y36 5G in gaming and multitasking.
Battery Life
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus showcases a strong battery performance, achieving an active use score of 16:34 hours. While the vivo Y36 5G’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s endurance is a significant advantage. Charging speeds differ considerably: the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus reaches 50% in 21 minutes and 100% in 56 minutes with its 50W wired charging, while the vivo Y36 5G achieves 30% in 15 minutes with 44W charging. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers faster and more complete charging cycles.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y36 5G if you need a reliable 5G smartphone with decent performance for everyday tasks and prioritize maximizing value for your money. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prefer a more responsive user experience, a brighter and more vibrant display, and are willing to spend a bit more for enhanced performance and a distinctive design.