So here we go again, meet the new Nothing Phone 2a Plus Community Edition, the latest in this evolving lineup. Now, this limited edition release has a glow-in-the-dark design, fan-made customizations, and, well, only 1,000 units, which makes it more collector’s item than a daily driver.
The Nothing Phone 2a Journey
So it’s March 2024, I’m watching Carl and Akis talk about the Nothing Phone 2a, a budget-friendly model that was in Black, White, and Milk finishes. It was sleek, simple, and maintained that transparent design Nothing is known for, but with a more wallet friendly price point and I was all over the place about this particular model. With a MediaTek Dimensity 7000 chip and straightforward specs, this was a solid, no frills choice that aimed to bring a bit of Nothing’s minimalist aesthetic to a larger audience at a cheaper price, and it was and still is neat. As soon as the phone got launched, talks of the Community Edition began, but we never expected what we got in-between.
Come April, the company made waves by releasing a Blue Edition, exclusive to India. And for the record, this wasn’t just a paint job, it was a statement. The blue back panel was a first for them, and it added a fresh aesthetic to the lineup. For a brief moment, the Blue Edition was the coolest thing on the block in the Nothing Phone community.
But Nothing wasn’t finished, we’re now in May 2024, which brought the Special Edition, which took things a step further by incorporating the primary colors, red, yellow, and blue into its transparent design. This model let a bit of playfulness shine through the back, giving the phone an artsy look that felt right in line with Nothing’s quirky, design-forward ethos, and as usual, the fans loved it, to be fair, who wouldn’t?
Phone 2a Plus and Plus Community Edition
This is where things get crazy, now Nothing cranked things up a notch in July 2024 with the Phone 2a Plus. With this one we saw a few more meaningful upgrades to the model itself, a faster MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G processor and a new 50 MP front camera. The Phone 2a Plus offered a bit more power and appeal for those wanting a blend of “midrange” performance with the signature Nothing style (Midrange is in quotes considering that the base model is the budget one). It was the first hint that Nothing could push this budget line a bit further without losing what made it stand out in the first place.
Then now in October 2024, Nothing announced the Phone 2a Plus Community Edition, a glow-in-the-dark model created in collaboration with the brand’s own community. Now this is the only variant we were anticipating, since we knew it was being made from the beginning. So what’s new you may ask. The back glows green in the dark, creating a unique “Phosphorescence” effect that doesn’t just look good but also helps you locate your phone in the depths of a dimly lit room. The packaging even glows, I just love their attention to detail.
2a Plus Community Edition vs 2a
This limited edition doesn’t just bring a new look, it also carries the hardware upgrades from the Phone 2a Plus. Here’s how the specs of the Community Edition compare to the original Phone 2a:
| Specification | Standard Phone (2a) | Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7000 | MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G |
| Front Camera | 16 MP | 50 MP |
| Glow-in-the-Dark Design | No, duh | Yes |
| Screen Size | 6.5 inches, 1080p OLED | 6.5 inches, 1080p OLED |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage Options | 128 GB | 128/256 GB |
| Color Options | Black, White, Milk | Glow-in-the-Dark Green |
| Special Packaging | No | Yes, glow-in-the-dark packaging |
| Price | $299 | $399 |
| Availability | Regular production | Limited to 1,000 units |
All The Models in One Table
Here’s a detailed comparison table of all Nothing Phone (2a) variants, including the CMF Phone 1 for additional context since I thought it’d be relevant to compare it to the 2a’s since it’s also a budget device. This should help highlight how each version differs in design, specs, and special features.
| Feature | Nothing Phone 2a Standard | Nothing Phone 2a Blue Edition | Nothing Phone 2a Special Edition | Nothing Phone 2a Plus | Nothing Phone 2a Plus Community Edition | CMF Phone 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | March 2024 | April 2024 | May 2024 | July 2024 | October 2024 | September 2024 |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7000 | MediaTek Dimensity 7000 | MediaTek Dimensity 7000 | MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G | MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G | Snapdragon 782G |
| Front Camera | 16 MP | 16 MP | 16 MP | 50 MP | 50 MP | 32 MP |
| Rear Cameras | 50 MP + 16 MP | 50 MP + 16 MP | 50 MP + 16 MP | 50 MP + 16 MP | 50 MP + 16 MP | 50 MP |
| Glow-in-the-Dark Feature | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Screen Size & Type | 6.5-inch OLED, 1080p | 6.5-inch OLED, 1080p | 6.5-inch OLED, 1080p | 6.5-inch OLED, 1080p | 6.5-inch OLED, 1080p | 6.43-inch AMOLED, 120Hz |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage Options | 128 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | 128 GB |
| Color Options | Black, White, Milk | Blue | Red, Yellow, Blue accents | Black, White, Milk | Glow-in-the-Dark Green | Interchangable back |
| Special Packaging | No | No | No | No | Yes, glow-in-the-dark packaging | No |
| Operating System | Nothing OS (based on Android) | Nothing OS (based on Android) | Nothing OS (based on Android) | Nothing OS (based on Android) | Nothing OS (based on Android) | CMF OS (based on Android) |
| Battery Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Price | $299 | $299 | $299 | $349 | $399 | $149 |
| Availability | Regular | India-exclusive | Limited Edition | Regular | Limited to 1,000 units | Regular |
Is It Worth the Hype?
For $399, the Community Edition is pricier than the standard Phone 2a, but that extra cost goes towards a unique design that’s unlikely to be repeated. With only 1,000 units out there, this phone is mainly made for collecters I guess. However, the glow-in-the-dark feature is gimmicky but in a fun, nostalgic way that adds to its personality, especially if you’re someone who values design as much as performance.
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