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[Pre Order] Nothing Phone 2a 8GB/128GB A$529 Delivered @ Nothing

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[Pre Order] Nothing Phone 2a 8GB/128GB A$529 Delivered @ Nothing
Go to Deal
havequick on 07/03/2024 - 15:59 au.nothing.tech (8659 clicks)
Last edited 07/03/2024 - 16:12 by 2 other users

I'm on Nothing's mailing list and received notice of this recently, was actually shocked by how low the price was - at $529 for the 8gb/128gb model and only $70 more for the 12gb/256gb model. Estimated shipping from 12 March.

Chipset seems to benchmark well for a mid-range chip with a ~740,000 Antutu score.

Given the specs, this seems like an excellent deal at RRP vs something like the Pixel 7a, with a 120hz display, vs 90hz and, according to reviewers, significantly bettter battery life at the cost of a worse camera.

Mobile Mobile Phone Nothing Technology Ltd Android

Related Stores

Nothing Australia, UK
Nothing Australia, UK

closed Comments

    • Fobsessive on 07/03/2024 - 17:39
      +1

      Glad the S24 base exists

    • Bisky1 on 07/03/2024 - 23:22

      Zenphone etc. uses components that are produced in far lower volumes, meaning they cost a lot more / lower value.

      And the consumer isn't demanding small phones through their purchasing signals.

      Hence, you'll be stuck with 0 to few options, and paying a premium for them.

  • NigelTufnel on 07/03/2024 - 16:55
    +2

    Given the specs, this seems like an excellent deal at RRP

    You'd think they'd actually have a 'specs' section on the page, but you have to go to a [completely different page to see the specs](Given the specs, this seems like an excellent deal at RRP).
    Bad web UX doesn't fill me with confidence of a good phone experience.

    • lachlantula on 07/03/2024 - 18:32
      +1

      ironic, given that design and ux is the whole reason one would buy a nothing phone lol

    • 1st-Amendment on 07/03/2024 - 18:50

      Bad web UX doesn't fill me with confidence of a good phone experience.

      Ha! I clicked on their site and my immediately reaction was wtf is this crap?! Any chance they had evaporated with that terrible website.

  • lazydesi on 07/03/2024 - 17:09

    LHKGLQ - code to use. takes $20 off

    • hippo2s on 07/03/2024 - 20:27

      Doesn't work

  • jaimex2 on 07/03/2024 - 17:09
    +7

    I'd take the Pixel any day over Nothing.

    • 11112007 on 07/03/2024 - 18:08
      +3

      100% this.

      At least you get local warranty support and guarenteed 4 or 8 years software updates. Google also have been pretty good with many with warranty issues.

      • lachlantula on 07/03/2024 - 18:31
        +1

        and there probably won't be swaths of roms to extend this phone's lifespan given the mediatek chip, too.

      • havequick on 07/03/2024 - 18:36
        +4

        Errr, have you actually owned a Pixel? I can say from significant personal experience that Google are horrible with warranty issues.

        • 11112007 on 07/03/2024 - 18:41

          Yep. Every Nexus and Pixel except for the 4A and 5.

          Google in recent years have provided much better local support through their official channels. For example i had a blown speaker in mine, they charged me for a replacement and sent me for a new phone then refunded me once they received the broken phone. Lots of good examples of positive experiences with Google support on reddit and whirlpool. There are also some subpar experiences, so dont disagree with your perception. At least Google is better than Samsung haha

      • wots on 08/03/2024 - 10:54
        +2

        Google has been horrendous and is actively denying warranty claims. The phones are nice, I love the OS, but buy it from a brick and mortar retailer.

  • OfTheOverflow on 07/03/2024 - 17:44
    +1

    Would cop if my Pixel 7 didn't have a few years in it at least. Hate the battery life on the thing though. Hope this brand is still around when this bites the dust.

    • hippo2s on 07/03/2024 - 18:38
      +3

      Sell the pixel, pay the difference and get this. Enjoy alllll the improvements.

  • Count Shagula on 07/03/2024 - 17:45
    +13

    This really really makes the price of an S24 Ultra/iPhone 15 Pro max look wildly stupid

    • GandalfTheCheap on 07/03/2024 - 18:34
      +7

      It's 2024, flagships have been for morons only, for years.

      5 year old mid range phones have excellent performance, cameras, reliability… tripling the price to buy a flagship gets you absolutely nothing.

      • niknikniknik on 07/03/2024 - 18:37
        +2

        There certainly are benefits to the flagships but the marginal cost exceeds the marginal benefit for most. Morons is a strong word though.

        • GandalfTheCheap on 07/03/2024 - 18:38

          What actual benefits, besides higher numbers?

          Something significant that you can only do on these phones, or even just a performance improvement that's actually noticeable?

          • niknikniknik on 07/03/2024 - 18:44
            +8

            @GandalfTheCheap: Better screens. Benefit of resolution is arguable but refresh rate, brightness and dimness are generally better on high end (LTPO too).

            Cameras on mid range are quite good, high end are noticeably better (varies by brand of course). Especially low light.

            Additional features like SPen for those who value it are also not available on lower end phones. DeX etc too for those who use it.

            High end phones often have better/newer radios for the latest WiFi tech etc too.

            Benefits exist, for which some will pay for the privilege.

      • Count Shagula on 07/03/2024 - 21:11
        +1

        I mean your not wrong. I usually buy the flagship iPhone for whatever contract i go on but this year i bought the S24 Ultra so i could use yuzu to play switch games… (Games i already own… Just higher res and higher framerate than my switch). That actually went spectacularly well for me.

      • Bisky1 on 07/03/2024 - 23:25
        +1

        I like my fold.

        There's often deals for phones. I paid around $1600 AUD pre-order.

        I'm not sure cheaper phones fold. Nor are their cameras nearly as good for capturing important moments in a rush or when you have time, DEX, battery life, future support, build quality and a million other things, on the device we rely upon beyond everything else.

        The one moment you ran outta battery life, or captured a great moment, can literally be life-changing [or ending if you're unlucky enough].

    • shabaka on 07/03/2024 - 19:28
      +3

      well once you get your first S2X Ultra it's smooth sailing from there onwards. just wait for a good trade in deal and upgrade every 2nd generation. don't send phone in, sell it yourself for extra cost reduction.

      • Fobsessive on 07/03/2024 - 20:02

        Where do you sell it?

        • shabaka on 07/03/2024 - 20:18
          +1

          eBay. they have reduced fees listings every month pretty much

  • jedimaster on 07/03/2024 - 17:47
    +5

    Its a mediatek chip which is why its cheaper

    • Count Shagula on 07/03/2024 - 17:48
      +1

      Yeah not as good for yuzu

      • ldd-mn on 07/03/2024 - 20:17
        +1

        Bad news man

        • Count Shagula on 07/03/2024 - 21:15
          +1

          I just went from an iPhone 12 plus or whatever it was to an S24 ultra so i could use yuzu for switch games instead of my switch for higher res and better framerate and not have to carry around the switch too and well yeah. Not gone well

    • jaimex2 on 07/03/2024 - 20:21
      +2

      Mediatek… Like the old Aldi tech brand?

  • koole on 07/03/2024 - 17:48
    +1

    does it support call over 4G

  • noscopedJFK on 07/03/2024 - 17:49
    +1

    Shame about the processor, otherwise the specs are excellent

    • Paligu on 08/03/2024 - 10:07

      Its a new company and the processor is 4nm

  • mkh1991 on 07/03/2024 - 18:01
    +5

    go Moto G54

  • slam6000 on 07/03/2024 - 18:04
    +1

    Good post . Worth watching the progress of this company.

  • Poor Ass on 07/03/2024 - 18:07
    -2

    never heard of it

  • GTR12 on 07/03/2024 - 18:25

    Nothing to see here people, move along.

  • neonlight on 07/03/2024 - 19:32

    I'm not seeing how this beats or better than when Oneplus was first announced. Nothing is nothing it will never match

    Oneplus failed. Their Oxygen OS was so good they ruined it with high price and poor software

    • Droz on 09/03/2024 - 09:39

      They're a puppet company of Oppo, what did you expect?

      • neonlight on 09/03/2024 - 10:11
        +1

        Oneplus had strong community. Company ruined it after Ceo left currently running Nothing phone.

        But Nothing has not been able to relive what Oneplus did.

        Time has passed. And they can't replicate early success of Oneplus up to 7T was a great handset

        And was Ozbargain favourite before Motorola and Xiaomi

        • Droz on 10/03/2024 - 11:47

          Yes, the OnePlus 5 was my favourite phone I owned, and ran for years.

          I think the companies realised that is they don't their own android with their own services, they could profit off your data.

          Making money off hardware is hard, making money off services is easy, unfortunately.

          Xiaomi's MIUI has become the same thing, which is sad.

          Seems like there won't be a clean , well specced handset where the user is left to their own devices to I install whatever ROMs they want.

          Maybe Nothing will come out with a high-end banger in the future, but really they just seem like a marketing stunt at the moment.

          • neonlight on 10/03/2024 - 14:14

            @Droz: Yeah my favourite handset was Oneplus 6T I ran it for a few years. Was thinking of upgrading to 7t but by that time 8 came out and everything just went downhill gave up supporting them

  • hopper on 07/03/2024 - 19:33

    Volte and vowifi?

    • namenotspecified on 07/03/2024 - 20:04

      This is a good point because even if it does have VOLTE (and I assume it does) unless Vodafone specifically support it you can forget it. And there are a long list of Chinese phones they don't support.

      • namenotspecified on 08/03/2024 - 05:54

        I'm not sure why I was negged for this comment. There's a good explanation below as to why these phones aren't being supported (source: have a Realme phone that's now a brick with the Vodafone 4G network)

      • cycleri3 on 13/03/2024 - 07:55

        In that case just return it for a refund? I mean there are being sold officially in Australia, even website is au specific.

        I know Vodafone have turned 3g off so you will get no calling without volte

  • kaleidoscope on 07/03/2024 - 19:37
    -1

    Thats a lot of money for “Nothing”

  • SeanConnery on 07/03/2024 - 19:39
    -1

    Very cool design. Wonder how it stacks up with the Poco X6 Pro as the Poco is twice as fast and cheaper but cameras aren't the best.

    • Deltadeals on 07/03/2024 - 20:23
      +2

      100% I would get x6 or x6 pro over this
      12gb x6 on Kogan for 499 plus the 67w charger. No charger provided by nothing… I guess that's why it's called nothing….nothing extra

      • magic8ballgag on 09/03/2024 - 08:03

        Yeah, because my collection definitely needs more USB-C cables/adapters.

  • hippo2s on 07/03/2024 - 20:24
    +4

    Umm… Hey guys I ordered the night of the announcement and the charge came in today on my credit card and guess what, I was slapped foreign transaction fee on my Westpac CC. So 579 became 596.

    So take care and use a card that is foreign transaction fee-free like ol'reliable ING or 28 degrees card.

    • life is suffering on 07/03/2024 - 21:01

      Huh they don’t have a au entity ?

      • hippo2s on 07/03/2024 - 21:02
        +5

        Merchant name is 'SL *Nothing AU HK HKG'

        So I assume merchant is Hong Kong based.

        • Paligu on 12/03/2024 - 22:39

          You went to AU or HK?
          My pre order came in AUD

          • hippo2s on 13/03/2024 - 20:00

            @Paligu: Pretty sure AU. Email confirmation etc all sender 'Nothing Australia'.

            Got the phone today. Wife wants iPhone :(

  • blakPanther on 07/03/2024 - 21:07
    -1

    Good luck! You just paid A$529 for nothing!

  • Daddy Chill on 07/03/2024 - 21:29

    I'm using a OnePlus 5T is this a significant step up

  • 0806449 on 07/03/2024 - 21:39

    Hoping to wait until p8a, 🤞🏻iPhone SE 4 and also Asus still release a small ZenFone 11.

    Then will make a decision

  • mick1 on 07/03/2024 - 21:51

    Doesn't support eSim ??

  • Look Up on 07/03/2024 - 22:54
    +2

    Nothing Phone (1)
    Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G

    Nothing Phone (2)
    Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

    Nothing Phone (2a)
    Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro

    There's a reason why Motorola and now Nothing are dumping these disposable MTK phones

    Once Optus switch off 3G in September and all 3 carriers are 4G/5G exclusive, the Big 3 plus MVNO's will be changing all manner of VoLTE, VoWiFi and VoNR settings

    With MTK's non-existent software support, MTK's C tier modems plus Nothing's unproven Australian carrier support with those C tier modems, you would not even think about touching this phone until the end of the year when it was a) confirmed 100% working with your provider and b) closer to $300

    • hippo2s on 07/03/2024 - 23:35
      +6

      Fair comment but only applicable if you are still 'completely' reliant on 3G still….and it is 2024. Plus usually phones are set to prefer 5G>4G>3.5G>3G, not the other way round, so unless where you need coverage is ALL 3G ONLY, then in that scenario you are right. However i would think you would have coverage in other bands which makes your comment sound scary, but not really a problem.

      I also don't think the hate towards Mediatek is warranted, sure it's no Qualcomm, but there's been plenty of phones with their chips for ages and they perform fine. Plus this is their current gen chip. If memory serves me correct Mediatek's SOC were the first one with Wifi-6 Gigabit, they were also there first offering dual 5G standby before Qualcomm. I saw a battery longevity test in my research that this phone outlasted comparable device with SD7+ Gen 2, so power efficient too. As such I have no concern about the future compatibility/reliability simply because it is 'a Mediatek'. I'd have more concern about battery longevity or my dropping of phone or dipping it in the pool as more likely to happen.

      • bargaineer on 08/03/2024 - 00:01
        +5

        @Look Up wasn’t talking about bands and 3G networks, he was talking about its compatibility with network settings and the configuration changes that will come with the shutdown of 3G.

        If the phones don’t support changes carriers make to VoLTE, NSA and SA 5G and VoNR settings, then the phone will have problems.

        Getting a phone with a Qualcomm modem is probably a much better idea.

        • hippo2s on 08/03/2024 - 01:23

          I see. Thanks for the info. My misunderstanding of how this tech works. I still can't imagine a situation where telcos would implement settings that will nerf their budget range phones that uses mediatek chips.

          • namenotspecified on 08/03/2024 - 05:52
            +2

            @hippo2s: My partner has a Realme 7 5G (with a MediaTek chip) that we now have to upgrade because it's incompatible with Vodafone 4G VOLTE.

            • hippo2s on 08/03/2024 - 07:01

              @namenotspecified: What about other telco? Surely cheaper to change telco at least until such time there's absolutely no telco support for even standard 4G.

              https://support.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/2275389558350…

              https://www.mediatek.com/products/smartphones-2/mediatek-dim…

              Dual VoNR, NSA support details here. But I guess the others are right in that the carrier's may not support the standards supported by the chipset.

              • namenotspecified on 08/03/2024 - 07:06

                @hippo2s: You're right it would be cheaper but it's only 2 months into a 12 month Sim whereas the phone is almost 3 years old so we're tossing up both options. Boost currently works in the phone but I didn't check whether the calls were on 4g or 3g

                • hippo2s on 08/03/2024 - 07:34

                  @namenotspecified: The chipset in realme 7 5g looks like Dimensity 800U. Quite a bit older. Albeit the data sheet still mention NSA, VoNR etc. https://i.mediatek.com/dimensity-800u

                  Thinking about this…this is a problem of old tech in modern network I would think newer chipsets have better support for modern standards. Dimensity 7000, 8000, 9000 are current lineup.

            • nguyenlucky on 05/04/2024 - 22:30

              @namenotspecified: It's because Realme is too lazy to provide proper Volte configs for Oz market, not because of Mediatek.

              Samsung A34 and A15 with Mediatek chips work just fine.

    • ab c on 10/03/2024 - 09:19

      @Look Up: Feel free to provide support to your claims & it seems to suggest that 'Motorola G54' is likely to have CALL issues with 'VoLTE, VoWiFi and VoNR' once Telstra/Optus/Vodafone' switch-off their 3G-network…reputable-links ?

      • ab c on 19/03/2024 - 22:55

        @look up comments & others who seems to support it… 'There's a reason why Motorola and now Nothing are dumping these disposable MTK phones'

        May be there is a reason why AU-retailers (eg JB-HiFi) don't stock certain brand (eg Realme 7 5G) & hence they have to go it alone. And now Vodafone 4G network users know why…& so will others later this year.

        May be 'disposable MTK phones' & 'Moto G54 5G' are perception-issue ?

        • hippo2s on 20/03/2024 - 07:37

          I searched Telstra and they currently have 2 models that is using MediaTek SOC. Altho they are older phones at the budget end, I would only guess the same at most telcos. I doubt they will abandon customers or continue to sell phones that will soon be incompatible, as in they should continue to support.

          IMO MTK SOC phones are not being dumped, they are now competitive performance wise as an alternative that's why you are seeing more phones offered. Phone 2a is the brand's first MediaTek SOC phone, and it's less than a month since announcement and a brand new SOC that's more capable than past MediaTeks. And 2a is a budget phone which is why it's priced competitively. I don't understand why you think brands are dumping them.

          And retailers don't stock certain brands is absolutely NOT because they have a few phones with MediaTek. That's pretty dramatic.

          Anyway it's obviously where you stand but I just want to throw in my counter arguments and everyone can make up their own mind.

          • ab c on 20/03/2024 - 09:21

            @hippo2s:

            I don't understand why you think brands are dumping them.

            I am saying the OPPOSITE…pls read carefully 🧐

            What makes this a little more complicated is the fact that VoLTE compatibility can differ between Telstra and Optus. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S6 supports VoLTE on Optus, but it doesn't support it on Telstra. The Galaxy S7 was the first VoLTE-compatible S-series phone for Telstra customers.

            Anyone, see if you can work out why…above-quotes are from here-> https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/News/4G-phones-st…

            We'll see the faith of users who took risk with parallel-imports (& phone NOT-distributed by AU-retailers, eg JB-Hifi) later this year when Telstra & Optus turn-off their 3G network…more-phones will be impacted than thoses who uses Vodafone-network.

            Realme 7 5G released in AU 2021: it's amazing that a recent-phone can't CALL @ 4G via Vodafone…& likely same-problem with Telstra & Optus: later this year.
            https://www.google.com/search?q=Realme+7+5g+calls+problems+i…

            • hippo2s on 20/03/2024 - 18:13

              @ab c: Basically you take your chances. No one is asking you to buy this phone BTW, plenty of reasons to want to use a grey import phone. Better value. More features, cooler better phone than the isheeps and samesung's or pixelmetoo phones.

              Mind you if telcos are still selling MediaTek soc phones today. That means they are willing to turf it's customers, then you really have no guarantee at all even getting an 'carrier supplied' phone. Eg. You get one of those phones…later this year it may still be useless too. I guess if you buy phone on plan then you might have some recourse. But yeah you pay for that luxury as well. There's no benefit in this case IMO to get an 'approved' phone thru carrier or Aussie retailer. Whether or not the phone is approved by Austel or carrier or bought at JB has nothing much to do with the limitations of older MediaTek SOCs.

              Your best bet as you are unconvinced is to NOT buy this phone if you are uncomfortable with it, and buy a Qualcomm SOC phone. Go ahead there's lots of deals too. I highly recommend Poco F5.

    • mick1 on 11/03/2024 - 14:19

      Useful info - thanks Lookup. Will be interesting to see what happens after 3G is gone.

    • nguyenlucky on 03/04/2024 - 13:49

      A15 5G is sold through the big 3, and it has a MTK chip…

      A34 as well

  • Paligu on 08/03/2024 - 00:14
    +1

    Got the 12gb 256g last night for AUD570 something now its AUD599 what happened

    • hippo2s on 09/03/2024 - 17:31

      Promotional price for launch.

  • YoursTruly on 08/03/2024 - 03:56
    -2

    Wow!

    that’s like paying next to nothing! for this nothing of a phone.

  • XeKayeM on 08/03/2024 - 08:42
    +2

    Was interested in this but my Oppo find x2 pro is still going strong, got it from the $596 deal a couple of years ago. 512GB, 12GB ram, great cameras even by todays standards, 65W fast charge, 120hz screen. It's such a great phone that I haven't found a phone around the $600 range worth upgrading to yet.
    I'm surprised phones haven't come further tbh.

    • Caped Baldy on 21/03/2024 - 11:31

      I'm rocking the x3 pro and love it. Really hoping Oppo release the new flagships in Aus.

  • Geoff01 on 08/03/2024 - 09:27

    If your not buying this phone for the camera which makes it quite expensive then why not buy a cheap $200 phone for calls and texts. Surely people aren't that desperate to game on a tiny screen.

  • cycleri3 on 08/03/2024 - 12:45
    -1

    This is a thick boy like A54. 76.2mm! What happen to 21:9 aspect ratios?

  • Skeksys on 08/03/2024 - 14:35

    We believe in nothing, Lebowski. Nothing! And tomorrow we come back and we cut off your chonson…

  • Paligu on 13/03/2024 - 10:24

    Did anyone get their phone delivered yet? mine is still in transit it's been 6 days and DPEX delivering it, fingers crossed!

    • hippo2s on 13/03/2024 - 20:01

      Got mine 9am this morning. It comes via Toll. You will get out for delivery email and SMS on the day.

      • Paligu on 14/03/2024 - 00:22
        +1

        yasss got mine around 12 pm, this phone is a beast, this one is definitely a iPhone killer

  • verden on 18/03/2024 - 07:58

    Does anyone know how long this will get Android and security updates?

    • RedRocket21 on 19/03/2024 - 08:31
      +2

      3 years of major android updates and 4 years of security updates

  • hippo2s on 27/03/2024 - 07:20
    +3

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/nothing-phone-2a-5g-128gb…

    Here. JB will retail the phone. Naysayers (about it not being a legit phone brand or those scared about MediaTek being incompatible once 3G is shut down) be gone.

    • Look Up on 28/03/2024 - 23:27
      -2

      So what has actually changed? This comment is still true:

      … you would not even think about touching this phone until the end of the year when it was a) confirmed 100% working with your provider and b) closer to $300

      There are already VoLTE issues being reported using the 2a in South Korea

      Bottom line, if you currently use Vodafone or related MVNO, you are the guinea pig testing network compatibility

      If you use Telstra (July) or Optus (September), you won't know until until those dates at the absolute earliest if the phone:

      1/ Works in mixed 4G/5G mode with VoLTE/VoWiFi/VoNR
      2/ Maintains reception without dropouts when roaming across towers at typical car or train speeds

      • wombat81 on 03/04/2024 - 12:49

        There are already VoLTE issues being reported using the 2a in South Korea

        But that "issue" seemed to be resolved very easily in that thread…

  • wombat81 on 03/04/2024 - 12:47

    So I've been reading up about the potential VOLTE issues with the 2a once 3G is deactivated. Has any new info emerged about this issue?

  • wombat81 on 03/04/2024 - 13:02

    Have any tests or reviews been done with this device on Telstra/Optus with VOLTE? Does anyone have it working currently?

    Edit: old mate here saying VoLTE is working on Telstra. https://whrl.pl/RgHgAz

    Telstra state VOLTE will work assuming:

    Voice calls on 4G need a VoLTE-capable device on 700 MHz (Band 28).

    https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/3g-closur…

    It has band 28 so I'm assuming VOLTE currently works on Telstra. It would be pretty slack of Telstra to change things after the 3G shutdown to cause some devices to stop working. I'd find it very hard to believe that they'd do that when they're actively trying to get customers off old 3G devices.

    • hippo2s on 03/04/2024 - 23:47

      The AMTA is saying B28 needs to be supported (i guess it's what the networks agreed on) From the info sheet at https://amta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3G-closure-fa…

      "If your device is compatible with 4G 700 MHz (B28) spectrum / L700MHz is low band 4G spectrum used by Optus and some other providers for optimal 4G coverage."

      We know B28 is supported on the phone. So i'm sold.

      But the techies here suggests there's more to it than that tho.

      • wombat81 on 04/04/2024 - 00:52

        Yeah I can only imagine the backlash that Telstra and Optus would cop if people had phones working on VOLTE before the 3g shut down, and then they stopped working after the shut down. Surely they wouldn't allow that to happen.

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