The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo Y36 and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. The Y36 focuses on providing a reliable experience with a familiar chipset, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus aims to disrupt with a more powerful processor and a unique design. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a brighter display, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset and 1097 nits peak brightness offer a smoother experience and better visibility, despite the Y36's slightly faster initial charging speed.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 27 | 2024, July 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 27 | 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 | 202 g (7.13 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13, Funtouch 13 | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 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 |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
* the macro camera availability is market/region dependent
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 | Meteor Black, Gold, Aqua Glitter | Black, Grey |
| Models | V2247 | A142P |
| Price | About 200 EUR | € 269.90 / ₹ 22,599 |
vivo Y36
- Faster initial charging speed (30% in 15 mins)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially lower price point
- Less powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Likely lower display brightness
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
- Significantly more powerful Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset
- Brighter display (1097 nits)
- Longer battery life (16:34h active use)
- Slower initial charging compared to Y36
- Potentially higher price
- Unique design may not appeal to everyone
Display Comparison
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1097 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the vivo Y36. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility. While the Y36’s panel technology isn’t detailed, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s brightness suggests a more modern IPS LCD or AMOLED panel. The lack of information on the Y36’s refresh rate and PWM dimming frequency raises concerns for users sensitive to flicker, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus likely offers a smoother experience with a higher refresh rate (assumed based on market positioning).
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the vivo Y36, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is expected to have a more sophisticated camera system, leveraging the processing power of the Dimensity 7350 Pro. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s image processing capabilities will likely result in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The Y36’s camera is likely geared towards casual photography, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus aims for a more versatile experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the vivo Y36 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus features the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4nm). The Dimensity 7350 Pro, with its Cortex-A715 and A510 cores clocked at 3.0 GHz and 2.0 GHz respectively, offers a substantial performance leap over the Snapdragon 680’s Kryo 265 Gold and Silver cores. The 4nm process node of the Dimensity 7350 Pro also translates to improved thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended use. This means the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will handle demanding apps and multitasking with greater ease.
Battery Life
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus demonstrates impressive battery life, achieving an active use score of 16 hours and 34 minutes. While the vivo Y36’s battery capacity is not specified, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s endurance is a significant advantage. Charging speeds differ: the Y36 supports 44W wired charging, reaching 30% in 15 minutes, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers 50W charging, hitting 50% in 21 minutes and 100% in 56 minutes. Although the Y36 charges faster initially, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s overall charging time is competitive and benefits from its larger battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y36 if you need a dependable phone for basic tasks, prioritize reverse wired charging, and are comfortable with a less powerful processor. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, message, and make calls. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prefer a more responsive user experience, enjoy media consumption with a brighter screen, and value faster overall performance for multitasking and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7350 Pro’s 4nm process node is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during gaming, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is expected to manage temperatures effectively, minimizing throttling and maintaining consistent performance for extended periods. The phone also likely incorporates thermal management solutions like vapor chambers or graphite sheets.
❓ Is the 44W charging on the vivo Y36 fast enough for daily use, or should I consider the 50W charging of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus?
While 44W charging is respectable, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 50W charging offers a more complete solution. The Y36’s faster initial charge (30% in 15 mins) is useful for quick top-ups, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus reaches 100% in 56 minutes, providing a full charge in a reasonable timeframe. Considering the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus also has a larger battery, the 50W charging is a more practical choice for all-day use.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 680 in the vivo Y36 handle multitasking compared to the Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus?
The Dimensity 7350 Pro significantly outperforms the Snapdragon 680 in multitasking scenarios. Its more powerful CPU cores and improved memory bandwidth allow for smoother switching between apps and handling multiple tasks simultaneously. The Snapdragon 680 may struggle with demanding multitasking, leading to lag or slowdowns, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provides a more fluid and responsive experience.
