Nothing Phone (2a) drop test reveals potential merits of plastic rear panels in Android smartphones

The Phone (2a) is a first for the emerging brand Nothing on a number of levels, being a inaugural mid-range option due to its “co-engineered” MediaTek chipset.

It still has a signature Nothing transparent-chic rear panel; however, its see-through cover is made of plastic rather than typically high-end glass.

PBKReviews set out to test the material's effects on the Phone (2a)’s durability before taking it apart. This was done by dropping the new phone from various heights onto concrete as usual.

Nothing’s new release was surprisingly unaffected by this process, only showing relatively minor nicks and scratches by the end of the test - then again, its black version might show them up easier compared to the white colorway featured in this new clip.

Even its screen, which is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, gained no more damage than could be expected. All in all, those planning to buy a Phone (2a) might be more confident that their new device has a good enough chance of retaining its distinctive looks as long as possible.

The new video might also bode well for upcoming contenders such as the Pixel 8a, which might also debut as the plastic version of its flagship 8-series siblings soon.

The Phone (2a): now available on Amazon