ZTE nubia Focus 2 Ultra vs. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: A Deep Dive Comparison

The ZTE nubia Focus 2 Ultra and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The nubia prioritizes exceptional battery life and sustained performance, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus focuses on a brighter display and faster processing power. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day (and then some) battery life, the ZTE nubia Focus 2 Ultra is the clear winner. Its 40:41h endurance significantly outpaces the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 16:34h. However, if you value a brighter screen and snappier performance for demanding tasks, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better choice.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Focus 2 Ultra Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 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
Announced2025, March 032024, July 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, JuneAvailable. Released 2024, August 03
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.2 x 77.2 x 7.5 mm (6.43 x 3.04 x 0.30 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
Weight200 g (7.05 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 4Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2392 pixels (~386 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 111.9 cm2 (~88.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, 2800 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetUnisoc T8100 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57Mali-G610 MC4
OSAndroid 15Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.5, 24mm (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), AF Auxiliary lens50 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, rotatable lens ringLED flash, panorama, HDR
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single32 MP, (wide)50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76"
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
BluetoothYes5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes, 360˚
PositioningGPSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANYesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsForest Green, Sunrise WhiteBlack, Grey
ModelsZ2463NA142P
Price£ 279.00 / € 243.55€ 269.90 / ₹ 22,599
EU LABEL
Battery40:41h endurance, 800 cycles-
EnergyClass C-
Free fallClass D (45 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

ZTE nubia Focus 2 Ultra

  • Exceptional battery life (40:41h endurance)
  • High battery cycle count (800 cycles)
  • Potentially lower price point

  • Slower charging speed (33W)
  • Less powerful processor
  • Display specs unknown, likely inferior to Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

  • Brighter display (1097 nits)
  • Faster processor (Dimensity 7350 Pro)
  • Faster charging (50W)

  • Significantly shorter battery life (16:34h)
  • Potentially higher price
  • Less battery longevity (unknown cycle count)

Display Comparison

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a significantly brighter display, peaking at 1097 nits, making it far more usable outdoors under direct sunlight. While the nubia Focus 2 Ultra’s display specs are not provided, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s brightness advantage is substantial. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus likely utilizes an AMOLED panel, common in this price bracket, offering excellent contrast and color accuracy. The lack of LTPO technology on either device suggests neither offers adaptive refresh rates for optimal power efficiency, but the brighter panel on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a key differentiator.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the nubia Focus 2 Ultra, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus likely features a more advanced camera system, benefiting from Mediatek’s image signal processor (ISP). The focus should be on the main sensor resolution and aperture. While both phones may include auxiliary lenses, their quality is often secondary. Image processing algorithms on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus are likely more refined, offering better dynamic range and low-light performance. The absence of details on the nubia’s camera system suggests it may not be a primary selling point.

Performance

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro, fabricated on a 4nm process, offers a clear architectural advantage over the ZTE nubia Focus 2 Ultra’s Unisoc T8100 (6nm). The Dimensity 7350 Pro’s Cortex-A715 cores, clocked at 3.0 GHz, provide a substantial performance uplift compared to the nubia’s Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. The 4nm node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While the nubia’s octa-core CPU is competent, it’s outmatched by the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s more modern and efficient chipset.

Battery Life

The ZTE nubia Focus 2 Ultra’s standout feature is its exceptional battery endurance, rated at 40:41h. This is significantly longer than the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 16:34h active use score. While the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus compensates with faster charging – 50W wired, achieving 50% charge in 21 minutes and 100% in 56 minutes – the nubia’s longevity is unmatched. The nubia’s 33W charging is slower, but the massive battery capacity minimizes the need for frequent top-ups. The nubia also boasts an impressive 800 charge cycles, suggesting long-term battery health.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia Focus 2 Ultra if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use, or if you frequently find yourself away from a charger. It’s ideal for travelers, commuters, or anyone who dislikes battery anxiety. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prefer a more responsive user experience, enjoy media consumption on a vibrant display, and appreciate faster charging speeds – even if it means charging more frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Unisoc T8100 in the nubia Focus 2 Ultra struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Unisoc T8100 is a capable chipset, but it won't deliver the same gaming experience as the Dimensity 7350 Pro. Expect to play Genshin Impact on medium settings with moderate frame rates. The 6nm process will likely result in some thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does the 50W charging on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus compare to other phones with similar wattage?
While 50W is a respectable charging speed, the actual charging time depends on the battery capacity and charging protocol implementation. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus achieves 50% in 21 minutes and 100% in 56 minutes, which is competitive but not class-leading. Some phones with similar wattage utilize more efficient charging technologies for faster results.
❓ Is the difference in battery endurance between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The 40:41h endurance of the nubia Focus 2 Ultra translates to comfortably lasting two full days for most users, even with moderate usage. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, with 16:34h, will likely require daily charging, especially with heavier use.