The Nothing Phone 2a Plus, a slightly enhanced version of the Phone 2a, has joined the Android 15 beta program alongside the Nothing Phone 2, Phone 2a, and CMF Phone 1. This update brings the latest Android 15 features combined with Nothing OS 3.0 enhancements to the device.
The Phone 2a Plus differentiates itself from the Phone 2a with a MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro chip, 256GB of storage (no 128GB option), and a 50MP selfie camera (compared to 32MP). Otherwise, the two phones share largely identical specifications.
A person holding the Nothing Phone 2a Plus.
Released on December 12, 2024, the Android 15 beta with Nothing OS 3.0 for the Phone 2a Plus shares the same installation process and changelog as the other Nothing devices in the beta program. Users can download the APK and follow Nothing’s instructions for installation. A rollback option to Android 14 is available for those who prefer a stable build. Currently, the Nothing Phone 1 is the only Nothing device awaiting the Android 15 beta update.
Key Features of the Android 15 Beta with Nothing OS 3.0
Lock Screen Enhancements
The lock screen has received significant updates, including a new customization page accessible via long-press or the Customization page, upgraded clock faces, and expanded widget space.
Smart Drawer and App Management
The new AI-powered Smart Drawer automatically categorizes apps into folders for improved organization. Users can also pin favorite apps to the top of the app drawer for quick access. The update also supports an auto-archive function to free up storage space without deleting apps or data.
Quick Settings and System UI Refresh
The Quick Settings design has been revamped with optimized editing, an enhanced widget library, and updated visuals in Settings, particularly for Network & Internet and Bluetooth options. Predictive back animations for compatible apps and updated setup wizard to version 3.0 are also included.
Camera Improvements
The camera app boasts faster launch speed via the Camera Widget, reduced HDR processing time, a smoother UI after countdown photos, and an improved zoom slider display.
Enhanced Pop-up View for Multitasking
A movable and resizable pop-up view facilitates multitasking. Users can pin it to the screen edge for easy access and view information from notifications without leaving the current app. This feature can be enabled via Settings > System > Pop-up view.
Shared Widgets (Beta)
Shared Widgets enable interaction with friends and family by displaying their widgets on your home screen and reacting to them. Currently, only square Photo Widgets are supported on Nothing devices.
Other Notable Improvements
- AI-powered app prioritization based on usage frequency.
- Partial screen sharing for more focused screen recording.
- New fingerprint and charging animations with signature dot matrix styling.
Complete Changelog
The full changelog provides a detailed overview of all changes and improvements included in the beta update.
- Shared Widgets: Interact with friends and family through shared widgets. Currently supports square Photo Widgets on Nothing devices.
- Lock screen: New customization page, upgraded clock faces, expanded widget space.
- Smart Drawer: AI-powered app categorization, favorite app pinning, auto-archive function.
- Quick Settings: Redesigned interface, enhanced widget library, updated visuals in Settings.
- Camera improvements: Faster launch speed, reduced HDR processing time, smoother UI, improved zoom slider.
- Enhanced pop-up view: Movable, resizable, and pinnable pop-up view for multitasking.
- Other improvements: AI-powered app prioritization, partial screen sharing, updated setup wizard, predictive back animations, new fingerprint and charging animations.
Conclusion
The Android 15 beta with Nothing OS 3.0 offers a range of exciting features and enhancements for the Nothing Phone 2a Plus. While currently in beta, users can experience the latest Android innovations and provide feedback to Nothing. The availability of a rollback option provides peace of mind for those hesitant to embrace a beta release. This update further solidifies Nothing’s commitment to delivering a cutting-edge software experience.
