ZTE nubia Focus Pro vs. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the ZTE nubia Focus Pro and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent compelling options at different price points. The nubia Focus Pro aims for affordability, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus pushes the boundaries of what's possible in the sub-$300 segment. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a brighter display, faster charging, and a more refined software experience, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset and 50W charging significantly outperform the nubia Focus Pro's Unisoc T760 and 33W charging, justifying the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Focus Pro 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
Announced2024, February 282024, July 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, Q2Available. Released 2024, August 03
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions166 x 76.1 x 8.5 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.33 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
Weight222 g (7.83 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzAMOLED, 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 T760 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57Mali-G610 MC4
OSAndroid 13Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM256GB 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
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS 5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), AF Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide)50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76"
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes, 360˚
PositioningGPSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), 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
ColorsBlack, GoldBlack, Grey
ModelsZ2351NA142P
PriceAbout 220 EUR€ 269.90 / ₹ 22,599

ZTE nubia Focus Pro

  • Highly affordable price point
  • Decent performance for basic tasks
  • Functional for everyday use

  • Slower charging speed (33W)
  • Likely lower display brightness
  • Less powerful chipset compared to the competition

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

  • Faster charging (50W)
  • Brighter and more vibrant display (1097 nits)
  • More powerful and efficient chipset (Dimensity 7350 Pro)
  • Longer battery life (16:34h active use)

  • Higher price compared to the nubia Focus Pro
  • May not be the absolute best for extreme gaming
  • Software experience may not appeal to all users

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 nubia Focus Pro, whose display brightness is not specified but is likely lower given its focus on cost reduction. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the higher brightness of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus translates to a more enjoyable viewing experience in all lighting conditions. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's display is also likely to have better color accuracy and viewing angles, contributing to a more immersive experience.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the nubia Focus Pro, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus likely benefits from Mediatek’s image signal processor (ISP) and potentially a larger sensor. While both phones may include multiple rear cameras, the quality of the main sensor and image processing algorithms are paramount. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s ISP is optimized for detail capture and dynamic range, resulting in better photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, if present, would further enhance image quality and video stability.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro, fabricated on a 4nm process, offers a substantial performance leap over the ZTE nubia Focus Pro’s 6nm Unisoc T760. The Dimensity 7350 Pro’s Cortex-A715 cores, clocked at 3.0 GHz, are architecturally superior to the T760’s Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 4nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. While the nubia Focus Pro is adequate for everyday tasks, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is better equipped for demanding applications and gaming.

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 nubia Focus Pro’s 33W charging is considerably slower. While the nubia Focus Pro’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s active use score of 16:34h indicates excellent battery life. The combination of a power-efficient chipset and optimized software contributes to this impressive endurance. Faster charging is a significant convenience factor, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia Focus Pro if you need a highly affordable device for basic tasks and light gaming, and are willing to compromise on display quality and charging speed. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster performance for demanding apps, a brighter and more vibrant display, and significantly quicker charging times – even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Unisoc T760 in the nubia Focus Pro capable of running demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Unisoc T760 can *run* Genshin Impact, expect to play at lower graphics settings and potentially experience frame rate drops. The chipset isn't optimized for sustained high performance like the Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, which offers a smoother gaming experience.
❓ How does the 50W charging on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus compare to other phones with similar wattage?
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's 50W charging is relatively efficient due to the optimized charging circuitry and battery management. It achieves 50% charge in 21 minutes, which is competitive with other phones utilizing similar charging technologies. The key is not just the wattage, but how effectively the phone manages heat and power delivery during charging.
❓ Does the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus support software updates for an extended period?
Nothing has committed to providing 3 years of Android OS updates and 4 years of security patches for the Phone (2a) Plus. This is a competitive level of software support, ensuring the device remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features for a considerable time.