Nothing Ear (a) vs Nothing Ear (2): Is the Ear (2) still worth it?
The Nothing brand has stripped back the numbers on its latest audio wearables, opting instead to name the new releases the Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a).
To avoid confusion from the get-go, the Nothing Ear is the direct successor to the Ear (2), while the Ear (a) is a mellowed version of the Ear, yet still priced cheaper than the Ear (2).
We’ve done a direct comparison between the Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (2). Now, let’s see how the Ear (a) fares against the Ear (2), and determine if the latter still justifies its RM599 price tag, or if you’re better off with the newer, more affordable model.
| Nothing Ear (a) | Nothing Ear (2) | |
| Driver | 11mm Dynamic | 11.6mm Dynamic |
| Codec | AAC, SBC, LDAC | AAC, SBC, LHDC |
| Noise Cancellation | Up to 45dB; 5,000Hz frequency range | Up to 40dB; 5,000Hz frequency range |
| Clear Voice Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Mics | 3 mics per bud | 3 mics per bud |
| Battery Capacity | 500mAh (case); 46mAh (buds) | 485mAh (case); 33mAh (buds) |
| Battery Lifespan (Max) | 42.5 hours with case; 9.5 hours buds only | 36 hours with case; 6.3 hours buds only |
| Wired Charging | 10 mins for 10 hours (ANC off) | 10 mins for 8 hours (ANC off) |
| Wireless Charging | N/A | 2.5W |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Resistance | IP54 (buds); IPX2 (case) | IP54 (buds); IP55 (case) |
| Nothing X support | Yes | Yes |
| Price | RM479 | RM599 |
Unlike the Nothing Ear, which maintained the overall look of the Ear (2), the Ear (a) undergoes a bit of a redesign. It still sports that semi-transparent casing, but in a rectangular form factor. Also, they’ve added a bright yellow option for the Ear (a), moving away from the conventional Black and White offerings.
In terms of features, both earbuds have their own advantages, and it’s a matter of which feature you’re willing to trade off.
The Ear (a) boasts the higher 45dB noise cancellation that’s found even on the latest Ear model. The Ear (2) is slightly behind with only 40dB noise cancellation.
If long-lasting earbuds are what you’re after, then you’ll appreciate the Ear (a) more. Batteries are significantly better on the Ear (a) thanks to the 500mAh battery in the case and 46mAh battery in each earbud.
The Nothing spec sheet says it itself; the Ear (a) buds offer up to 9.5 hours of listening time and a total of 42.5 hours including the case. In comparison, the Ear (2) provides 36 total hours and 6.3 hours of listening time per bud.
Nevertheless, the Ear (2) has the advantage of wireless charging, while the Ear (a) loses out on this feature. Wired charging, on the other hand, is evenly matched.
Despite that, audiophiles particular with sound quality may find more joy with the Ear (2), since it does have the larger 11.6mm dynamic driver.
Either pair of earbuds is compatible with the Nothing X App, but the Ear (2) grants access to deeper personalization options, including Advanced Equalizer settings and Personal Sound Profile. Other features, such as Dual Connection, Custom Controls, and Noise Cancellation modes are still present on whichever model you choose.
Lastly, clumsy individuals will no doubt feel more secure with the Ear (2), since its casing is IP55 rated for dust and water resistance, compared to the Ear (a) casing which is only IPX2 rated. The buds on both models are evenly matched with an IP54 rating.
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