The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent compelling options. The Poco M6 Pro aims for aggressive value with a Snapdragon chipset, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus prioritizes a refined experience with a more powerful Dimensity processor and faster charging. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-around performance and a faster charging experience, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset and 50W charging significantly outperform the Poco M6 Pro’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 and 18W charging, justifying the potential price difference.
| 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, 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, 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, August 05 | 2024, July 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August 05 | Available. Released 2024, August 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame, glass back (Gorilla Glass) | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 613 | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 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, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm | 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes, 360˚ |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | 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, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD | 50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Black, Forest Green | Black, Grey |
| Models | 23076PC4BI | A142P |
| Price | ₹ 9,990 | € 269.90 / ₹ 22,599 |
Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro
- More affordable price point
- Efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Less powerful processor for demanding tasks
- Likely lower display brightness
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
- Faster and more powerful Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset
- Significantly faster 50W charging
- Brighter display (1097 nits)
- Potentially better camera performance
- Higher price tag
- May not offer significantly longer battery life than Poco M6 Pro
Display Comparison
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1097 nits, making it far more usable outdoors under direct sunlight compared to the Poco M6 Pro (brightness data unavailable, but expected to be lower based on segment). While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the display’s brightness impacts the overall user experience, especially for media consumption. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s panel likely benefits from better color accuracy and viewing angles, though specific panel technology (OLED vs LCD) isn’t specified. Bezels are expected to be slimmer on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited, but the focus should be on the main sensors. While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is expected to have a larger main sensor and potentially better image processing capabilities. The Poco M6 Pro’s camera will likely prioritize affordability, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus aims for a more balanced approach to image quality. We can safely ignore the presence of low-resolution 2MP macro cameras on either device, as their utility is minimal. OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is a key feature to look for, and its presence on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus would give it a significant advantage in low-light photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro, with its 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 cores, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Poco M6 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78). The Dimensity 7350 Pro’s newer architecture translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. While both are built on a 4nm process, the Dimensity’s higher clock speeds and more advanced core design provide a clear edge. The Poco M6 Pro will handle everyday tasks adequately, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is better equipped for demanding applications. RAM speed (LPDDR4x vs LPDDR5x) is not specified, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is likely to have faster RAM, further enhancing performance.
Battery Life
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus shines in the battery and charging department. Its 50W wired charging can reach 50% in just 21 minutes and 100% in 56 minutes, a significant improvement over the Poco M6 Pro’s 18W charging. While the Poco M6 Pro’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s active use score of 16:34h demonstrates excellent battery life. The faster charging speed of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery capacity, offering a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro if you need a highly affordable smartphone for basic tasks, light gaming, and value battery life over raw speed. It’s ideal for users on a strict budget who don’t demand flagship-level performance. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, faster charging, and a brighter display, even if it means spending a bit more. This phone caters to users who multitask, enjoy mobile gaming, and appreciate a premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus get noticeably warm during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 7350 Pro is a powerful chip, the 4nm process and Nothing’s thermal management should prevent significant overheating. Expect some warmth during prolonged gaming, but likely not to the point of severe throttling. The Poco M6 Pro’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 will likely run cooler, but at the cost of performance.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Poco M6 Pro slow enough to be a major inconvenience for daily use?
Yes, 18W charging is relatively slow compared to the 50W charging on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. It will take considerably longer to fully charge the Poco M6 Pro, potentially requiring overnight charging. This is a significant trade-off for the lower price.
❓ How does Nothing OS compare to Xiaomi's MIUI in terms of bloatware and user experience?
Nothing OS is known for its clean, near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware, offering a smoother and more responsive user interface. MIUI, while feature-rich, often includes pre-installed apps and a more customized (and sometimes cluttered) interface. This is a key differentiator for users who prefer a streamlined Android experience.
❓ Will the Poco M6 Pro be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates (60fps or higher)?
The Poco M6 Pro should be able to run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings and potentially with frame rate limitations to maintain stable performance. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, with its more powerful chipset, will offer a smoother experience at higher settings.
