Nothing has officially rolled out the Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 open beta update for the Nothing Phone (1) and the Phone (2a) Plus. This update introduces a range of new features designed to improve customization, usability, and performance, showcasing Nothing’s focus on enhancing its software.

Update Now Available Across All Devices

With this release, Nothing has ensured that all its smartphones can access the latest software. Whether you use a Phone (2a) Plus or a Phone (1), updating to the beta version is simple. However, since this is a beta version, users are advised to back up their data before starting the update, as a factory reset might be required in case of any issues.

How to Get the Update

To update to Nothing OS 3.0 beta, ensure your device is running Nothing OS version 2.6. Once you download the required APK file (Phone 1 / Phone 2a Plus), follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > System > Update to Beta Version.
2. Tap Check for new version and follow the instructions to complete the process.

Make sure your device build number matches the requirements for your model.

What’s New in Nothing OS 3.0?

Shared Widgets for Better Connectivity

The update introduces shared widgets, allowing users to share and interact with widgets from friends or family directly on their home screen. This adds a fun and unique way to stay connected.

Improved Lock Screen Options

Users can now access a lock screen customization page by long-pressing the lock screen. The update brings new clock styles, more widget space, and better options for personalizing the lock screen.

Smart Drawer for Organized Apps

A new AI-powered Smart Drawer automatically organizes apps into folders for easier access. Users can also pin their most-used apps at the top of the drawer for quicker navigation.

Updated Quick Settings and Camera Features

Quick Settings now have a refreshed design, making it easier to edit and access options. The camera gets significant improvements, including faster launch speeds, better HDR processing, enhanced portrait effects, and improved low-light performance.

Pop-Up View for Multitasking

The update makes multitasking easier with a movable pop-up view. Users can resize the view, pin it to the screen edge, and check notifications without switching apps. This feature can be enabled through Settings > System > Pop-Up View.

Other Key Improvements

• AI-Powered App Prioritization: Keeps frequently used apps within easy reach.
• Auto-Archive: Frees up storage without deleting apps.
• Partial Screen Sharing: Allows users to record only specific apps for better privacy.
• Updated Animations: Adds new fingerprint and charging animations with the brand’s signature design.
• Improved Setup Wizard: Makes the initial setup process smoother for new users.

Nothing OS 3.0 Official Update Changelog

Shared Widgets

● Use widgets to link up with friends and family. See another person’s widgets displayed on your home screen and interact with each other through reactions. A new way to stay connected.

Lock screen

● New lock screen customisation page. Access by long-pressing the lock screen.

● Upgraded clock faces. Choose your favourite style.

● Expanded widget space, allowing you to place more widgets on your lock screen.

Smart Drawer

● Added AI-powered Smart Drawer feature to automatically categorise your apps into folders. For better organisation and easy access.

● For ultimate convenience, you can pin your favourite apps to the top of the app drawer. No scrolling required.

Quick Settings

● Reconsidered Quick Settings design with an optimised editing experience.

● Enhanced widget library design.

● Updated visuals in Settings including better Network & Internet and Bluetooth options.

Camera improvements

● Faster camera launch speed under the Camera Widget.

● Reduced HDR scene processing time.

● Optimised portrait effects by fine-tuning blur intensity based on face size.

● Boosted camera performance in low-light environments.

● Improved zoom slider display.

Enhanced pop-up view

● Movable pop-up view for cleaner and more productive multi-tasking.

● Easily resize the pop-up view by dragging the bottom corners.

● Pin the pop-up view on the screen edge for quick access.

● View information without leaving your current app. Simply swipe down on incoming notifications to enter the pop-up view. Enable via Settings > System > Pop-up view.

Other improvements

● AI-powered selection and prioritisation of your frequently used apps, keeping them at your fingertips for a more efficient experience

● Added support for auto-archive function to automatically free up storage space without removing apps or data from your device.

● Partial screen sharing for more efficient and secure screen recording. Record just an app window rather than the entire screen.

● Updated setup wizard to version 3.0 for the smoothest introduction to Nothing OS.

● Enabled predictive back animations for apps that have opted in.

● New fingerprint animation with signature dot matrix styling.

● New charging animation with signature dot matrix styling.

(Source 1, 2)

The post Nothing OS 3.0 Beta is live for Phone (1) & Phone (2a) Plus: Here’s everything new appeared first on Gizmochina.

Nothing has unveiled a limited-edition Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition, featuring a unique glow-in-the-dark design and user-inspired features. Only 1,000 units will be available worldwide, making it a highly sought-after device for tech enthusiasts and Nothing fans alike.

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition features

Over six months, the company collaborated with users from 47 countries to gather over 900 design and feature ideas, ultimately culminating in a green and silver-grey look. One of the most striking features of the Community Edition is its phosphorescent back panel.

Inspired by fireflies, this glow-in-the-dark material adds a whimsical touch to the phone’s design. But it’s more than just a visual gimmick. The glow-in-the-dark feature has practical applications, allowing users to easily locate their phone in the dark or use the glow as a subtle signal.

The Community Edition comes pre-loaded with six custom wallpapers created by the community. Housed within the transparent casing, the wallpapers reflect Nothing’s signature style, offering a window into the technical elements beneath the surface.

The packaging of the Community Edition also reflects the product’s theme, with a 3D rendering of the glowing phone and subtle reflective accents, underscoring the creative collaboration behind this release.

While the smartphone maintains the core specifications of the original Phone (2a) Plus, it’s the limited availability and user-centric design that make it a coveted device.

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition specs

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition boasts a 6.7-inch FHD+ flexible OLED AMOLED display with a resolution of 2412×1084 pixels. The screen supports an adaptive refresh rate from 30-120Hz, a touch sampling rate of 240Hz, and 2160Hz PWM dimming, along with HDR10+ and a 10-bit color depth. The display achieves brightness levels of 700 nits typically, up to 1100 nits outdoors, and peaks at 1300 nits, all protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Under the hood, it runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro processor, paired with 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, and operates on Android 14 with the Nothing OS 2.6 overlay. The device supports dual SIM (nano + nano) configurations.

The camera system includes a 50MP Samsung GN9 main camera with a 1/1.57″ sensor, f/1.88 aperture, and OIS, along with a 50MP 114° Samsung JN1 ultra-wide camera with a 1/2.76″ sensor and f/2.2 aperture, capable of capturing 4K video at up to 30fps. The front-facing camera is also a 50MP Samsung JN1 with a 1/2.76″ sensor, f/2.4 aperture, and 4K recording at up to 30fps.

Additional features include an in-display optical fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C audio, and stereo speakers. The device measures 161.74 x 76.32 x 8.55mm, weighs 190g, and is rated IP54 for dust and splash resistance. It is powered by a 5000mAh battery, supporting 50W wired charging for quick power-ups.

Pricing & availability

Priced at ₹29,999 (~$357), the Community Edition matches the original Phone (2a) Plus in cost, but its exclusivity and unique features make it a premium offering.

Starting November 12th, Nothing will release the first wave of purchase links via Flipkart, prioritizing users who actively participated in the design process. Interested buyers are encouraged to register early to increase their chances of securing a unit.

In addition to online sales, an exclusive offline drop event will take place for community members, with further details to be shared through Nothing India’s social media channels.

The post Nothing debuts Limited-Edition Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition with Glow-in-the-Dark Design appeared first on Gizmochina.

As September ends, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is receiving the October security patch (Nothing OS U2.6-240924-2223), which also includes several key improvements.

This 51.21MB update brings multiple changes. Connectivity has been improved with better 5G standalone network availability and faster SIM2 VOLTE registration. Issues with MMS sending and data roaming status display have also been fixed.

For the camera, users will notice better HDR effects, sharper zoom clarity, and more stable night video recording. System updates include a refined battery icon, fixes for unresponsiveness, and overall system stability improvements. You can check out the complete official changelog below.

Nothing Phone (2a) October update changelog

• Connectivity enhancements:
  • Improved availability of 5G standalone network option
  • Optimised SIM2 VOLTE registration speed after exiting Airplane Mode
  • Fixed MMS sending issue in certain scenarios
  • Corrected data roaming status display
• Camera optimisations:
  • Enhanced HDR effects for front and rear cameras
  • Improved zoom clarity in certain scenarios
  • Resolved lag issues during night video recording
• System improvements:
  • Optimised battery icon display in Status Bar
  • Resolved instances of system unresponsiveness
  • Enhanced overall stability and smoothness
  • Updated Android Security Patch to October

The October update for the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is being released in stages, so it may take a few days to arrive on your device. To see if it’s available, navigate to Settings > System > System Update.

In other news, Carl Pei and Yuri Levin recently revealed Nothing OS 3.0’s features on the company’s YouTube channel. These include a refreshed Android interface, the addition of the “Nothing Gallery” app, and a Smart Drawer that uses AI to organize apps based on usage. Users can also pin frequently used apps for easier access. Visual updates include a redesigned Quick Settings panel, a lock screen clock, smoother animations, and a new dot matrix style for the Weather app icon.

(Source)

The post Nothing Phone (2a) Plus October update is already out: Here’s everything new appeared first on Gizmochina.

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has begun its global rollout. After its launch a few days ago, the device is now available for purchase at Nothing’s London store for £399. US consumers can get their hands on the phone starting August 7 through the company’s beta program for a price tag of $399.

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus specs:

The phone features a 6.7-inch OLED screen with FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 1,300 nits peak brightness, and an integrated fingerprint scanner. On the back, it has a design quite similar to that of the Phone (2a) integrated fingerprint scanner.

The dual-camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. The front camera is upgraded to 50MP, offering better selfies and 4K video recording. Camera features include Ultra XDR, motion capture, and night mode.

Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro SoC, the phone has a 3GHz CPU and a 30% faster GPU compared to the standard model’s 7200 Pro. It comes with 12GB RAM, 8GB virtual RAM, and up to 512GB storage. The phone includes an advanced liquid cooling system and a 5,000mAh battery with 50W charging. It runs on Nothing OS based on Android 14. Additional features include dual 5G, WiFi-6, battery health technology, and an IP54 rating.

MediaTek is rumored to be developing the Dimensity 8400, a sub-flagship SoC with impressive performance, scoring between 1.7 million and 1.8 million on the AnTuTu benchmark, potentially outperforming the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.

(via)

The post Nothing Phone (2a) Plus goes on sale in the UK appeared first on Gizmochina.

Nothing has expanded its smartphone lineup with the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, positioning it as a performance-oriented upgrade over the well-received Phone (2a).

While both devices share a similar design ethos and core features, there are significant differences in key areas that impact the overall user experience. Let’s delve into the specifics.

Design and Build

Both the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus and the Phone (2a) adopt a similar design philosophy, featuring a transparent back panel adorned with the iconic Glyph Interface.

The unique LED lighting system offers customization options and provides visual alerts for notifications and calls. Both phones boast an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring protection against everyday elements.

However, the Phone (2a) Plus introduces a refined metallic finish on the back, achieved through a complex manufacturing process involving nano-coating, multi-layer printing, and specialized ink formulations. This results in a more premium and visually appealing appearance compared to the Phone (2a)’s plastic back cover.

Display

There’s no change in the display department. Both phones feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a peak brightness of 1300 nits. The display quality is excellent on both devices, offering vibrant colors and good contrast ratios.

Performance

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro SoC, an upgraded chip compared to the Dimensity 7200 Pro in the Phone (2a).

The 7350 Pro offers a higher clock speed of up to 3GHz, resulting in a 10% performance boost. Additionally, the integrated Mali-G610 MC4 GPU in the Plus variant is clocked at 1.3GHz, delivering a 30% improvement in graphics performance over the Phone (2a).

Both devices come with 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for apps and media.

Camera

The primary camera setup remains identical on both phones, featuring a dual 50MP system with a main sensor and an ultrawide lens. However, the Phone (2a) Plus takes a significant leap forward with its front camera. It boasts a 50MP sensor compared to the 32MP unit on the Phone (2a), promising better selfie quality and improved low-light performance.

Battery and Charging

Both phones pack a substantial 5000mAh battery, providing ample juice for a full day of use. However, the Phone (2a) Plus offers faster charging with 50W support, compared to 45W on the Phone (2a). This translates to quicker top-ups, allowing you to spend less time plugged in.

Software

Both devices run Nothing OS based on Android 14, offering a clean and intuitive user interface. The Phone (2a) Plus introduces Nothing OS 2.6, which brings additional features and enhancements, including new functional widgets and AI-powered news aggregation.

Pricing

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus commands a premium over its predecessor. It’s priced at Rs. 27,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant and Rs. 29,999 for the 12GB + 256GB model. In comparison, the Nothing Phone (2a) starts at Rs. 23,999 for the base 8GB + 128GB model and goes up to Rs. 27,999 for the top-end 8GB + 256GB variant.

Conclusion

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus undeniably surpasses its predecessor, the Phone (2a), in terms of performance, camera capabilities, and charging speed. The upgraded processor, improved front camera, and faster charging technology are definite enhancements. However, the question remains whether these advancements justify the price hike.

While the Plus model offers notable improvements, users might have expected more substantial upgrades to warrant the additional expense. Ultimately, the decision to opt for the Phone (2a) Plus hinges on individual priorities and budget constraints. If performance and camera quality are paramount, the Plus model is a compelling choice. But if cost is a primary factor, the Phone (2a) still offers a solid package.

The post Is Nothing Phone (2a) Plus a significant upgrade over Phone (2a)? appeared first on Gizmochina.

It seems that Nothing isn’t done with the Phone (2a). Since its launch earlier in March this year in Black and White color options, the brand later announced an India-exclusive Blue edition and then a Special edition with multi-colored back panel. This time, Nothing has released what is an enhanced version of the Phone (2a). Dubbed the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, it packs various upgrades across the board. Read on to know what the latest offering has in store for us. 

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus specifications

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus retains the same compact design with a Glyph interface, a horizontal pill-shaped camera module, and a running cable on the bottom half part of the transparent back panel. The most noticeable change is that the device has a metallic finish making it stand out from the standard variant. The running cable also looks in shiny metallic finish and on the Black color variant it gives a dual-tone look.

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has the same 6.7-inch OLED screen on the front with thin bezels and a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout. There is an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 1,300 nits peak brightness, and an integrated fingerprint scanner. 

On the optics front, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s dual camera setup comprises the same 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens. Up front, the selfie camera gets upgraded from a 32MP snapper on the standard model to 50MP on the latest offering. This ensures better picture quality for all your selfies and during video calling. It can also record 4K videos now. There are features like Ultra XDR, motion capture, night mode etc.

Nothing has also made changes to the hardware on the Phone (2a) Plus. It is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro SoC compared to 7200 Pro on the standard model. The former is clocked at 3GHz which is 10 percent faster along with a 30 percent faster GPU in contrast to the 2.8GHz on the latter. The device packs 12GB RAM along with 8GB virtual RAM and up to 512GB storage. There is also an advanced liquid cooling system for heat dissipation. The smartphone is backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 50W charging. Software-wise, it ships with Nothing OS based on Android 14.

Other features on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus include dual 5G, WiFi-6, battery health technology, IP54 rating etc.

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus starts at Rs 27,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant whereas the 12GB + 256GB option costs Rs 29,999. The latter carries a price tag of $399/£399 in the US and European markets. The device is offered in metallic Grey and Black colors.

The post Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Launched Globally With Minor Upgrades To SoC, Selfie Camera, And Charging appeared first on Gizmochina.

Nothing recently confirmed that it will unveil the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus phone on July 31 in India. While the brand has confirmed a few details, including the chipset of the device, its design has remained a mystery. However, SmarPrix’s latest report, which carries a leaked image of the device, has revealed its entire rear design.

Nothing Phone (2a) design revealed

The leaked image above shows that the design of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is nearly identical to that of the Phone (2a). The phone has a silver and gray dual-tone finish, as well as a horizontally arranged dual-camera system.

Three glyph LED lights decorate the round module that surrounds the camera unit. The report also states that its retail box design is identical to the Phone (2a). The only noticeable difference appears to be the inclusion of the “Plus” text in the name of the device.

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus specifications (rumored)

According to reports, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus features a 6.7-inch OLED screen that offers an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is also expected to offer a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, an in-screen fingerprint scanner, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

Under the hood, the Phone (2a) Plus features the Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset. It is expected to arrive in LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage options, such as 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage and 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. It is likely to pack a 5,000mAh battery with 50W wired charging,

On the back, the Phone (2a) Plus is expected to feature a pair of 50-megapixel cameras. For selfies, it may flaunt a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.

(source)

The post Nothing Phone (2a) Plus leaked image surfaces before July 31 launch appeared first on Gizmochina.

Nothing is gearing up to launch the Phone (2a) Plus smartphone globally on July 31st. As confirmed officially, it will pack the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 SoC and will be paired with up to 12GB of RAM. Now a new leak has shed light on the remaining specifications of Nothing’s upcoming mid-range phone.

Disappointingly for those expecting a larger screen in the Plus variant, it is said to feature the same 6.7-inch AMOLED display as the standard Phone (2a). The color options are also familiar, with grey and black finishes, though the leak suggests a slightly different finish compared to its predecessor.

The “Plus” in the moniker seems to come in the form of a few key upgrades. The first is the processor, with the Phone (2a) Plus using the Dimensity 7350, an upgrade from the Dimensity 7200 Pro found in the Phone (2a). 

Another notable upgrade is the selfie camera, which has been upgraded from a 32MP sensor in the standard model to a 50MP sensor in the Plus version. Additionally, the Phone (2a) Plus is expected to offer faster charging, improving from 45W in the standard model to 50W.

However, based on the current leak, these changes are the only differentiating factors between the two models. With a nearly identical design, display, and rear camera setup, buyers may need to consider the value proposition and their specific priorities when deciding between the Phone (2a) Plus and the Phone (2a).

The leak also mentions the expected storage options, with the Phone (2a) Plus likely to be available in two configurations: one with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and another with 12GB of RAM and the same 256GB of storage. Pricing details are still under wraps. 

With the launch date fast approaching, it won’t be long before we have official confirmation of these specifications.

(Source)

The post Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Spec Sheet Leaks Ahead of Launch appeared first on Gizmochina.

We shared with you that the news about the upcoming Plus model of Nothing Phone (2a) back in April. At that time, even the marketing name was still under wraps, but a couple months later, Nothing officially announced the arrival of Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. The phone will debut on July 21st in India.

Nothing just posted a new teaser on Twitter. It has been confirmed that the upcoming Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will feature the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro chip. This chip is exclusive to the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, so it’s unlikely we’ll see it in other smartphones.

Thanks to this new chipset, the Phone (2a) Plus will be 10% faster than the regular Phone (2a). The Mali-G610 MC4 GPU in the Dimensity 7350 Pro is also 30% faster. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will debut with 12 GB of RAM and can expand up to 8 GB more. You can check out Nothing’s official Twitter post through the provided link.

The post Nothing Phone (2a) Plus confirmed to come with MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro appeared first on Gizmochina.