The article compares the Samsung Galaxy A55 and Nothing Phone (2a), highlighting their value in the mid-range smartphone market. While the Nothing Phone (2a) boasts a bold design, brighter display, and superior battery life, the Galaxy A55 offers better waterproofing and a more reliable software update policy. Ultimately, the Phone (2a) is recommended for its lower price and solid performance, while the A55 excels in photo versatility and software reliability.
The smartphone market offers impressive options beyond premium devices, as demonstrated by the competition between the Samsung Galaxy A55 and the Nothing Phone (2a). Both of these Android smartphones provide exceptional value for money.
Samsung Galaxy A55 vs. Nothing Phone (2a)
Striking Aesthetics
Nothing’s design philosophy differentiates it from typical mid-range smartphones, boasting bold and eye-catching aesthetics. Among the two competitors, the Phone (2a) stands out with its unique look.
Conversely, while the Galaxy A55 is well-crafted, it appears more conventional and understated. However, it does offer superior waterproofing (IP67 vs. IP54) and a more durable screen with Gorilla Glass Victus+ compared to the Nothing Phone’s Glass 5.
Interestingly, despite being slightly larger, the Nothing Phone (2a) is lighter, weighing in at 190 grams compared to the Galaxy A55’s 213 grams.
Screen Comparison
In terms of display, the Nothing Phone (2a) features a larger and brighter screen than the Galaxy A55, which can enhance readability. Our tests indicated a peak brightness of 1000 nits on the Nothing device versus 900 nits on Samsung’s offering. However, the Nothing Phone may reflect more light outdoors due to its high reflectance.
The Phone (2a) excels in color reproduction, covering over 136% of the DCI-P3 spectrum with its AMOLED display, while the Galaxy A55 reaches around 87%. This results in more vibrant and saturated colors on the Nothing smartphone.
That said, neither model is particularly accurate in color representation, as evidenced by their higher-than-ideal delta E values.
Software and Updates
When it comes to software, both brands showcase distinct approaches. Samsung’s One UI offers a feature-rich experience along with a robust update policy, promising 4+1 years of updates for the Galaxy A55.
On the flip side, Nothing presents a minimalist Android interface free from excessive bloatware. While the default monochrome icons might feel a bit bland initially, customization options are available.
The Phone (2a) includes practical features like the Glyph light system, serving as both a notification alert and a flashlight, although its update longevity falls short in comparison to Samsung.
Performance Overview
Mid-range smartphones can vary significantly in performance, and while neither the Samsung Galaxy A55 nor the Nothing Phone (2a) is a top-tier contender, our benchmark tests suggest that the Galaxy A55’s Exynos 1480 chip delivers superior speed compared to the Dimensity 7200 Pro in the Nothing Phone.
Both devices show stable performance in everyday tasks, but their limitations become apparent in gaming, where lower graphics settings may be necessary to ensure smooth gameplay.
Overall, both smartphones maintain stability and show moderate heat levels during usage.
Camera Capabilities
When evaluated for photography, the Nothing Phone (2a) may seem to lag behind the Galaxy A55 in versatility, but the reality is a bit more complicated.
Samsung Galaxy A55
Nothing Phone (2a)
Both devices produce clear wide-angle shots, particularly in bright conditions. However, the Galaxy A55 tends to capture images with stronger contrast and richer saturation.
Past issues with color tinting on the Nothing Phone have been addressed, leading to more neutral photography results.
In terms of ultra-wide performance, the Nothing Phone outshines with a 50 MP sensor, providing better sharpness compared to the Samsung device’s offering.
The Galaxy A55 alone features a dedicated telephoto lens, while the Nothing Phone relies on a limited 2x digital zoom, which doesn’t match the quality of the Samsung’s optical zoom.
Battery Performance
Both smartphones are equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, yet their endurance varies significantly. Testing shows the Nothing Phone (2a) lasts an impressive 15 hours and 34 minutes, compared to the Galaxy A55’s 13 hours and 11 minutes.
This difference means one device may need nightly charging while the other can comfortably remain powered into the next day.
On the charging front, both phones take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach full capacity.
Choosing Between the Samsung Galaxy A55 and the Nothing Phone (2a)
Ultimately, both smartphones are remarkable in their own right,