Poco F6 vs Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: A Deep Dive into Performance and Battery

The Xiaomi Poco F6 and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Poco F6 prioritizes raw processing power with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus focuses on a balanced experience with a strong emphasis on battery life and a unique design aesthetic. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing gaming and demanding tasks, the Poco F6 emerges as the winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus excels in battery endurance, offering over 6 hours more active use, making it ideal for users who value longevity over peak performance.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Poco F6 Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48, 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, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 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, May 232024, July 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, May 23Available. Released 2024, August 03
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions160.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.31 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
Weight179 g (6.31 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HBM), 2400 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 735Mali-G610 MC4
OSAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, HyperOSAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, (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@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.8µm50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76"
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes, 360˚
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c)GPS, 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, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging90W wired, PD3.0, 2-100% in 35 min50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Green, TitaniumBlack, Grey
Models24069PC21G, 24069PC21IA142P
Price$ 319.99 / £ 215.00 / € 284.99 / ₹ 20,499€ 269.90 / ₹ 22,599
SAR EU0.99 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)-

Xiaomi Poco F6

  • Significantly faster processor for gaming and demanding tasks
  • Higher peak display brightness for better outdoor visibility
  • 90W fast charging for quick top-ups

  • Shorter battery life compared to the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
  • Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

  • Exceptional battery life for all-day use
  • Balanced performance for everyday tasks
  • Unique and minimalist design

  • Slower charging speed compared to the Poco F6
  • Less powerful processor for intensive gaming

Display Comparison

Both devices feature 4nm chipsets, allowing for efficient display operation. The Poco F6 boasts a peak brightness of 1218 nits, exceeding the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 1097 nits. This difference translates to better visibility in direct sunlight for the Poco F6. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels (based on market segment), the Poco F6’s higher brightness suggests a potentially more vibrant and punchy image. The absence of LTPO technology in either device means refresh rate scaling won’t be as power-efficient as on flagship models, but both likely offer adaptive refresh rates to balance smoothness and battery consumption.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset’s ISP capabilities play a role. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 generally offers more advanced image processing features. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s Dimensity 7350 Pro is still capable, but may not match the Poco F6’s low-light performance or dynamic range. Given the market positioning, both phones likely prioritize a versatile main camera, but the Poco F6’s more powerful ISP could provide an edge in image quality and video recording.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco F6’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) features a 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 prime core, paired with 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 performance cores and 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520 efficiency cores. This configuration is designed for sustained high performance. In contrast, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus utilizes the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4nm) with a 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 core and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 cores. While the Dimensity 7350 Pro is a capable chip, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s Cortex-X4 prime core provides a significant advantage in single-core performance, crucial for responsiveness and demanding applications. The Poco F6 will likely exhibit superior GPU performance, benefiting gamers.

Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus demonstrably wins in battery life, achieving 16:34 hours of active use compared to the Poco F6’s 10:36 hours. This over 6-hour difference is substantial. While the Poco F6 compensates with 90W wired charging (2-100% in 35 minutes), the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 50W charging (50% in 21 minutes, 100% in 56 minutes) is slower. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s superior battery life suggests a more efficient chipset and potentially a larger battery capacity, despite not being explicitly stated. The Poco F6’s faster charging is convenient, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus minimizes the need to charge frequently.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Poco F6 if you need uncompromising performance for gaming, video editing, or other resource-intensive applications. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset delivers a noticeable advantage in these scenarios. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prioritize all-day battery life, a clean software experience, and a distinctive design. The Dimensity 7350 Pro provides ample power for everyday tasks while maximizing efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the Poco F6 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is a powerful chip, thermal management is crucial. The Poco F6's cooling system will determine how well it handles sustained loads. Expect some heat during prolonged gaming, but the 4nm process should mitigate extreme throttling compared to older generation chips. Reviewers will need to assess real-world thermal performance.
❓ How does the Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus handle graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 7350 Pro is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It's not a dedicated gaming chip like the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, so don't expect the same level of performance. It will be perfectly adequate for most mobile games at medium settings.
❓ Is the 50W charging on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus slow compared to other phones in this price range?
While 90W charging is becoming more common, 50W is still a respectable charging speed. It will fully charge the device in under an hour, and the longer battery life of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus means you won't need to top it up as frequently. The trade-off between charging speed and battery endurance is a key consideration.