Smartphone Comparison: Oppo Find X3 Neo vs. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Neo | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-19 | 2024-08-03 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a significantly newer device, likely offering more modern features and software support. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 72.5 x 8 mm, 184g | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm, 190g | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is slightly larger and heavier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use for some users. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a slightly larger screen, which can be better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both phones offer very similar sharpness, with no noticeable difference in day-to-day usage. |
| PPI | 402 | 395 | The pixel density difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a smoother display with more fluid animations, beneficial for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1300 nits | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provides better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 865 5G (7nm+) | Dimensity 7350 Pro (4nm) | While the Snapdragon 865 is a flagship chipset from 2020, the newer Dimensity 7350 Pro offers comparable performance and greater efficiency with better power management. |
| Antutu Score | 743,500 | 805,721 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus demonstrates slightly better overall performance based on benchmarks, likely handling demanding tasks slightly more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Both GPUs are capable of handling modern games and graphics-intensive tasks with minimal issues. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a larger battery, generally translating to longer battery life, particularly during heavy usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 50W Fast Charging | The Oppo Find X3 Neo charges slightly faster, reducing the downtime needed to recharge. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable, No charger | Oppo Find X3 Neo can charge other devices wirelessly, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus does not include a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.56", IMX766 | 50MP f/1.88, 1/1.56", GN9 | Both have similar main camera specs, and should perform similarly in most lighting conditions, with slight differences in image processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.4, 1/2.74", IMX615 | 50MP f/2.2, 1/2.76", S5KJN1 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a higher resolution front camera with a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | 13MP f/2.4 | Not available | Oppo has telephoto zoom while Nothing does not. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP f/2.2 | Not available | Oppo has a separate wide angle while Nothing does not. |
| Macro | 2MP f/2.4 | Not available | Oppo has a dedicated macro lens while Nothing does not. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Available | 50MP f/2.2, 1/2.76", S5KJN1 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus combines wide angle and macro lens into a single 50MP camera. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Both phones offer 4K recording with stabilization. The Oppo Find X3 Neo offers 4K@60 fps which allows smoother recording while nothing phone offers 1080p@120fps for better slow-mo. |
| DXOMark | 106 Mobile (Photo: 104, Video: 106) | Not tested | The Oppo Find X3 Neo has a tested camera score, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has not been benchmarked. |
| Features | OIS, Quadruple, Optical zoom | OIS, Dual camera, RAW | Oppo Find X3 Neo offers more camera versatility with optical zoom, while the Nothing Phone 2a offers RAW image capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus runs on a much newer version of Android and has more guaranteed updates which means a longer support and feature updates . |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones support similar modern Wi-Fi standards for fast and reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has the advantage of a newer and more power efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM functionality for managing two phone numbers simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | Both offer 256 GB maximum storage. The Oppo Find X3 Neo also comes in 128GB variant. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB | Both phones have ample RAM for smooth multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Both have great audio quality, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has an extra mic which is very helpful during call. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic biometric security with a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both use Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Pedometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a comprehensive set of sensors for various applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo Find X3 Neo Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom for better zoomed shots.
- Separate Wide Angle Lens: Better wide angle shots with a dedicated lens.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Get up close and personal with a dedicated macro lens
Practical Implications:
- Faster charging reduces downtime, making it convenient for users who need quick power boosts.
- Reverse wireless charging adds versatility, allowing you to charge accessories or other devices.
- Telephoto lens provides better zoom capabilities and is helpful for capturing distant objects with better clarity.
- Separate wide angle lens can capture wider images and is helpful for landscape shots.
- Dedicated Macro lens can capture tiny details.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched much later, comes with a more modern software experience.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers better battery life.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations and scrolling.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits provides better outdoor visibility.
- Better Performance: Has a newer, faster chipset.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Better power efficiency and connectivity.
- Better GPS: More accurate location tracking.
- Combined Wide Angle + Macro Camera: Uses software to deliver both a macro and a wide-angle shot using the same sensor.
- Better Front Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture on the selfie camera.
- Latest Android OS: Up-to-date software experience with more long-term software support.
Practical Implications:
- Newer device means more features and extended software support.
- Larger battery capacity means you'll have to charge less frequently, especially useful for heavy users.
- Smoother display contributes to a better user experience when scrolling, gaming, or watching videos.
- Brighter display improves visibility in direct sunlight.
- Better performance enables smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Newer Bluetooth version enhances power efficiency and connectivity range.
- Better GPS improves accuracy for navigation and location-based apps.
- Combined wide-angle and macro is convenient in space saving while still giving you a decent wide-angle photo.
- Selfies look more crisp and clear with higher resolution front camera.
- More up-to-date OS means you get new features sooner and for longer.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Oppo Find X3 Neo's older software and chipset may not keep up with the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus in the long term.
- The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus doesn't have a telephoto, separate wide angle and a dedicated macro lens.
- The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus charges slower and does not provide reverse charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo Find X3 Neo is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize camera versatility: The telephoto, dedicated wide angle, and dedicated macro lenses, offers better versatility in photos.
- Users who need fast charging: The 65W charging ensures quick battery replenishment.
- Users who value reverse charging: You can charge other devices wirelessly.
Use Cases:
- Frequent travelers who take many photos on the go.
- Users who need quick charging throughout the day.
- Users who need to charge other devices using the phone as a wireless powerbank.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is ideal for:
- Users who want a newer device: Benefit from the latest Android OS, guaranteed software updates, and modern features.
- Users who prioritize battery life: The larger 5000mAh battery will last longer.
- Users who prefer a smoother display experience: The 120Hz refresh rate will enhance daily usage.
- Users who want better performance: Newer chipset provides better overall performance.
- Users who prefer newer features: Benefit from the latest Android features.
Use Cases:
- Daily users who want a dependable device that lasts all day.
- Gamers who want smoother graphics and better performance.
- Users who value a modern and up-to-date software experience.
- Users who need accurate location for daily navigation and outdoor activities.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, being a newer device, generally offers better value for money, especially considering its performance, battery, display, and software features. The Oppo Find X3 Neo is an older device and may be available at a lower price, making it a good budget option if some of its features are attractive.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is the camera to you? If you need zoom and separate wide angle and macro lenses, the Oppo is better. If the front camera is more important, the Nothing has a better selfie camera.
- Do you prioritize performance and battery life or fast charging? Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers better performance and battery life, while the Oppo has faster charging.
- How much do you value software updates and long-term support? The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers more software updates and a longer support cycle.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: If you take many photos on a regular basis, the Oppo has a better camera for versatility because of its extra lenses, and telephoto zoom.
Scenario 2: On-the-Go Power User: If you value great battery life and overall performance, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better option because it offers long battery life, smooth scrolling, and better performance.
Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: If you value fast charging and a decent camera and you're looking for the more budget option, the Oppo may be the better option if it's available at a significant discount.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. Here's why:
Long-Term Value: The newer processor, updated OS, and guaranteed software updates on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provide better long-term value. I prefer having a phone that will be supported for longer and receive new features.
Daily Performance: The performance gains from the Dimensity 7350 Pro and smoother 120Hz display are more important to me for daily usage. I appreciate a smooth and responsive device.
Battery Life: The significantly larger battery capacity of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus means less time worrying about finding a charger throughout the day.
While the Oppo Find X3 Neo has its strengths with the telephoto lens, dedicated wide angle and macro lenses, and faster charging, the overall package of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is more compelling for my needs. The updated software, smooth screen, better performance and long battery life are more important to me on a daily basis.
