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Nothing Phone (2a) To Launch In March: Here’s What We Know So Far
The company has confirmed that the budget-friendly handset is scheduled to be unveiled on March 5 at 11:30 GMT.
The debut of the Nothing Phone (2a) — the third smartphone from the disruptive brand — is on the horizon and slated for release next month. The device is tipped to be positioned as a more budget-friendly option compared to its predecessor, the original Nothing Phone 2, which made its debut last year.
In a video shared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) earlier this week, Nothing officially confirmed the forthcoming launch of its next smartphone as March 5th at 11:30 GMT.
Fresh. Eyes.
The official Phone (2a) launch event is happening on 5 March 2024, 11:30 GMT. pic.twitter.com/eE6hPjXOeB
— Nothing (@nothing) February 13, 2024
Leaked images of a pre-production unit have already surfaced, showcasing a redesigned back panel. The forthcoming Nothing Phone (2a) is also set to feature a centrally positioned hole-punch for its front camera and a horizontally aligned 50-megapixel dual camera configuration on the rear panel, a departure from previous design iterations of Nothing smartphones.
In addition, rumors are circulating regarding the inclusion of a revamped Glyph Interface, offering similar Glyph controls as the Nothing Phone 2. Another insider has hinted at the integration of a trio of Glyph components inside the device.
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Based on the disclosed details and accompanying visuals, indications suggest that the Nothing Phone (2a) will debut with Nothing OS 2.5, which is based on Android 14.
In terms of hardware, rumors have been mixed: Many pundits suggested the phone would feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, while others said a 120Hz OLED display would be more likely. Reports also suggest the Nothing Phone (2a) will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.
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Checkout.com Set To Launch Card Issuing In The UAE
The payment service provider’s expansion is a first-of-its-kind investment and could reshape digital transactions across the region.
Checkout.com is laying the groundwork to become the first global payments platform to introduce card issuing in the United Arab Emirates — a move that could reshape how businesses in the region manage financial transactions.
The company plans to roll out its domestic card issuance offering in the UAE by 2026, subject to regulatory approval. The launch would give businesses the tools to issue both physical and virtual branded cards. This, in turn, opens up new ways to reward customers, streamline expense processes, and handle B2B payouts efficiently.
Checkout.com’s CEO and Founder, Guillaume Pousaz, revealed the plans during Thrive Abu Dhabi, the firm’s debut conference in the Emirates. Joined on stage by Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo, General Manager for MENA, Pousaz presented to an audience of over 150 partners and merchants at Saadiyat Island. Also in attendance was H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.
Abbondandolo highlighted the strategic importance of the announcement: “As a global business, we focus on bringing products to markets that our customers want and need. Today’s announcement is proof of our commitment to the MENA region and its rising influence in the digital economy. The appetite for innovation here is real, and we’re proud to be building the infrastructure that powers it”.
One early adopter of Checkout.com’s UAE acquiring services is Headout, a travel experiences marketplace, which recently named the payment provider as its main partner in Europe. The company has already begun card issuing there and is keen to expand that offering into MENA once approval is granted.
The expansion of services in the UAE and beyond builds on Checkout.com’s track record in the region. It was the first global payments firm to secure a Retail Payment Services license from the UAE’s Central Bank and was instrumental in rolling out Mada and Apple Pay in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
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The firm has also been rolling out new products: One of the latest is Flow Remember Me, currently in beta testing. It allows shoppers to store their card information once and access it across Checkout.com’s entire network, potentially cutting checkout times by up to 70%.
Earlier this year, Checkout.com also introduced Visa Direct’s Push-to-Card solution in the UAE, enabling both domestic and international payouts. Its collaboration with Mastercard has grown as well, making it easier for businesses to send funds directly to third-party cards securely and quickly.
With regional tech ambitions on the rise — spurred by initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s 2031 Agenda — Checkout.com sees its role as one of a key enabler. “Our mission is to help ambitious businesses navigate the complexity of payments, so they can move faster, go further, and make the most of every opportunity,” said Abbondandolo. “In MENA, performance is personal. It’s local. It’s built on trust. And when payments perform, businesses thrive”.
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