POCO announced the X7 series, which includes the performance-driven POCO X7 Pro and the basic POCO X7 for the mid-range market. The Nothing Phone (2a), a smartphone with a bold design and minimalist software, competes with the latter. Both have advantages; let’s see which one is the best fit for you.
Key Specifications: POCO X7 vs. Nothing Phone (2a)
| Feature | POCO X7 | Nothing Phone (2a) |
| Display | 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz, 3,000 nits peak | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,300 nits peak |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro |
| Cameras | 50MP (OIS) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro), 20MP front | Dual 50MP (OIS + ultrawide), 32MP front |
| Battery | 5,500mAh, 45W fast charging | 5,000mAh, 45W fast charging |
| OS | HyperOS (Android 14) | Nothing OS 3 (Android 15) |
| Durability | Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IP68 rating | Gorilla Glass 5, IP54 rating |
| Extras | Fast charger and case included | LED notifications, no charger included |
| Price (Flipkart) | ₹21,999 (8/128GB), ₹23,999 (8/256GB) | ₹23,999 (8/128GB), ₹25,999 (8/256GB), ₹27,999 (12/256GB) |
Design and Build
The POCO X7 has a more practical approach, including a Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and an optional eco-leather back for a premium feel. The smartphone is designed for endurance, with IP68 water and dust protection, making it ideal for those who require a phone that can withstand daily trials. It’s durable and reliable without sacrificing style.
However, the Nothing Phone (2a) is a design experiment. Its distinctive translucent back with LED light strips is both eye-catching and functional, providing customisable notifications and even serving as a fill light for photography. However, its IP54 classification reduces its resistance to splashes and dust, making it less durable than the POCO X7. For individuals who seek uniqueness above sturdiness, the Nothing Phone (2a) may appear to be the more intriguing option.
Display
The POCO X7’s 6.67-inch AMOLED display is exceptionally bright, reaching 3,000 nits. Whether you’re gaming or streaming, its display provides a clear vision even in direct sunlight. Its 120Hz refresh rate enhances the smoothness, making interactions smooth and quick.
The Nothing Phone (2a) features a slightly larger 6.7-inch AMOLED display with HDR10+ compatibility and a maximum brightness of 1,300 nits. While it lacks the sheer brightness of the POCO X7, it nevertheless provides vibrant colours and a clear viewing experience. Most consumers may not notice the difference in brightness unless they use it frequently outside.
Performance
The POCO X7 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset, which is designed to handle multitasking and gaming seamlessly. It works well with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, resulting in fast program launches and smooth performance.
The Nothing Phone (2a) makes use of the Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, which is slightly less powerful. While it can manage daily chores and moderate multitasking well, it is not as gaming-oriented as the POCO X7. If performance is your main priority, the POCO X7 outperforms its opponent.
Camera
The POCO X7 has a diverse camera configuration, including a 50MP primary camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. The AI-powered Night Mode, Magic Eraser, and Sky Replacement features provide more creative alternatives for photographers.
The Nothing Phone (2a) prioritises image quality, featuring dual 50MP rear cameras (wide and ultra-wide) and a superior 32MP selfie camera. The Nothing Phone produces clearer, more consistent images, especially under adverse lighting conditions. For individuals who value camera performance, the Nothing Phone (2a) may seem like a superior option.
Software
The software experiences on these two phones are vastly different, catering to opposing ends of the spectrum. The Nothing Phone (2a) uses Nothing OS 3, which is based on Android 15. Nothing OS, known for its minimalist approach, offers a smooth, clean, and bloatware-free experience, making it great for people who love the stock Android feel. Furthermore, nothing has been timely with upgrades, releasing Android 15 earlier than anticipated. The Phone (2a) has three years of OS upgrades and four years of security patches to provide long-term software support.
In comparison, the POCO X7 runs HyperOS, which is based on Android 14, which is a little disappointing given that it is the most recent release of the two and Android 15 is now available on its sibling, the POCO X7 Pro. HyperOS, on the other hand, is jam-packed with features and customisation choices, catering to customers who appreciate tailoring their devices to their specific needs. While it does include some bloatware, users who prioritise utility over minimalism may find the sacrifice worthwhile. Like the Nothing Phone (2a), the POCO X7 includes three years of OS upgrades and four years of security patches.
Whether you want a clean, streamlined interface or a feature-rich, customisable experience, both phones provide a distinct software package tailored to different user preferences.
Battery and Charging
The battery performance on both devices is outstanding, but their techniques vary. The POCO X7 has a larger 5,500mAh battery and charges to full capacity in 47 minutes using the 45W fast charger supplied in the box.
The Nothing Phone (2a) has a slightly smaller 5,000mAh battery, which charges to 50% in 23 minutes but takes an hour to reach full capacity. Notably, the Nothing Phone does not come with a charger, so customers will need to purchase one individually. This difference in packaging gives the POCO X7 a practical advantage.
Price: What’s the Better Deal?
Pricing frequently influences the final decision, as both phones target mid-range shoppers. On Flipkart, the POCO X7 starts at ₹21,999 for the 8/128GB variant and ₹23,999 for the 8/256GB variant.
The Nothing Phone (2a) is priced somewhat higher at ₹23,999 for the 8/128GB option, ₹25,999 for 8/256GB, and ₹27,999 for 12/256GB. While the Nothing Phone (2a) gives a more quality experience, the POCO X7 offers superior value, particularly for budget-conscious shoppers.
Which Smartphone Should You Choose?
The decision between the POCO X7 and the Nothing Phone (2a) is ultimately based on your priorities and how you want to use your smartphone.
The POCO X7 is the superior option for performance aficionados and gamers. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset, together with a bright 120Hz AMOLED display, ensures smooth gameplay and quick multitasking. The larger battery, accompanying quick charger, and durable design all add to its usefulness. If you value sheer power, gaming, and practicality over aesthetics, the POCO X7 is a terrific choice at a reasonable price.
The Nothing Phone (2a) targets a different audience. Those who respect aesthetics and innovation will like its distinctive transparent appearance and LED notification system. Its dual 50MP cameras and the clean Nothing OS make it suitable for users who value photography and a simple software experience. However, its significantly less powerful processor and the lack of accompanying accessories, such as a charger, make it a design-oriented rather than performance-driven tablet.
