The sub-$300 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Poco M7 Plus aims to deliver solid performance at an aggressive price point, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus attempts to disrupt with its unique design and focus on a streamlined user experience. This comparison dives deep into the specifications and real-world implications of each device to determine which one reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus emerges as the better choice. Its Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset and 50W charging significantly outperform the Poco M7 Plus's Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 and 33W 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, 20, 28, 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, 20, 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 | 2025, August 13 | 2024, July 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 19 | Available. Released 2024, August 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.5 x 80.5 x 8.4 mm (6.63 x 3.17 x 0.33 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 | 217 g (7.65 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~374 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.9 inches, 116.9 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 700 nits (typ), 850 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 2 major Android upgrades, HyperOS 2 | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 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) | 50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes, 360˚ |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 | 33W wired
18W reverse wired | 50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 7000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Chrome Silver, Aqua Blue, Carbon Black | Black, Grey |
| Models | - | A142P |
| Price | ₹ 11,371 | € 269.90 / ₹ 22,599 |
| SAR | 0.86 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Poco M7 Plus
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Slower charging speed (33W)
- Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 6s Gen 3)
- Likely lower display brightness
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
- Faster charging (50W)
- More powerful processor (Dimensity 7350 Pro)
- Brighter display (1097 nits)
- Longer active use battery life (16:34h)
- Higher price
- No reverse wired charging
Display Comparison
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1097 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, a clear advantage over the Poco M7 Plus, whose display brightness is not specified but is likely lower given its price point. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the higher brightness of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus translates to a more usable experience in direct sunlight. The Poco M7 Plus's display specifications are currently unknown, making a detailed comparison of color accuracy and refresh rate impossible, but it's reasonable to assume the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a more vibrant and responsive visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Poco M7 Plus, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is expected to feature a more sophisticated camera system, likely with a larger main sensor and improved image processing capabilities. The focus should be on the primary sensor's megapixel count and aperture, as these directly impact low-light performance and image detail. The Poco M7 Plus likely relies on software optimization to compensate for potentially less capable hardware. It's safe to assume the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will deliver more consistent and higher-quality photos and videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro, built on a more efficient 4nm process, featuring a more powerful CPU configuration with 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 cores compared to the Poco M7 Plus’s 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 cores. This translates to noticeably faster application loading times and smoother multitasking. The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6nm) in the Poco M7 Plus is adequate for everyday tasks, but will struggle with graphically intensive games and demanding applications. The Dimensity 7350 Pro’s superior architecture and process node also suggest better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus demonstrates a clear advantage in charging speed, achieving 50% charge in just 21 minutes and a full charge in 56 minutes with its 50W wired charging. The Poco M7 Plus, with its 33W charging, will take considerably longer to fully replenish. While the Poco M7 Plus’s battery capacity is not specified, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s active use score of 16:34h suggests excellent battery optimization and efficiency. The faster charging of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a significant convenience factor for users who are frequently on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco M7 Plus if you need a highly affordable device for basic tasks, media consumption, and light gaming, and are willing to compromise on charging speed and peak performance. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prefer a more refined software experience, faster charging, and a more powerful processor for demanding applications and smoother multitasking, even if it means spending a bit more.
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 is built on a 4nm process, which generally results in better thermal efficiency compared to the 6nm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3. While some heat generation is inevitable during gaming, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is expected to manage temperatures effectively, minimizing performance throttling and maintaining a stable frame rate for longer periods.
❓ How does the 33W charging on the Poco M7 Plus compare to typical charging speeds of other phones in its price range?
33W charging is relatively standard for phones in the sub-$200 price bracket, but it's noticeably slower than the 50W charging offered by the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. Expect a full charge to take around 1.5 to 2 hours with the Poco M7 Plus, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus can achieve a full charge in under an hour.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 and Dimensity 7350 Pro noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference may not be immediately apparent. However, the Dimensity 7350 Pro's more powerful cores and efficient architecture will result in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking, especially when switching between multiple applications.
