To the Nothing OS Development Team,
I am writing as a Nothing Phone (2a+) user who appreciates the exceptional hardware design of the device, but has identified significant untapped potential in its camera system. Specifically, the current limitations in the stock camera application and Camera2 API are preventing the device from delivering the advanced imaging performance its hardware supports.
Current Software Limitations Identified:
The stock camera app limits video capture to 4K30 without HDR10 or HDR10+ support.
Camera2 API currently exposes only ~12.5MP resolution streams, although the primary sensor supports up to 50MP.
The ultrawide lens is not exposed through Camera2, restricting third-party camera app support.
Slow-motion video is capped at 1080p240, despite the ISP and sensor architecture supporting much higher frame rates.
Hardware Capabilities Based on the Dimensity 7350 Pro and Camera Sensor:
Native support for HDR10+ video encoding at up to 4K60, including dynamic metadata processing.
Sensor and ISP performance capable of:
4K60 HDR10+ recording as a baseline, fully stable for normal use.
8K30 recording, and potentially 8K60 or higher frame rates using cropped sensor readouts or partial modes.
4K120 slow motion and 1080p960 slow motion without relying on interpolation or software effects.
The phone’s advanced cooling solution ensures sustainable operation during these workloads, meaning thermal throttling should not be a concern.
Why This Should Be Addressed:
It is worth noting that several devices in lower price categories, including entry-level and mid-range Chinese brands, offer similar video resolutions and frame rates in their stock camera apps or via third-party apps, even when using far less capable hardware. Some budget devices already support 4K60 HDR or 720p/1080p 960fps slow motion in limited forms, despite using older ISP designs and weaker thermal solutions.
Given this, it feels inconsistent that the Nothing Phone (2a+), which has a vastly superior ISP, sensor, and thermal design, is limited to 4K30 SDR recording in its stock software. Unlocking the hardware’s full capability would set Nothing apart in its class and satisfy power users who appreciate hardware excellence but need software to match.
Suggested Improvements for Nothing OS 4 or Later:
-Enable 4K60 HDR10+ recording in the stock camera app.
-Unlock 8K30 and 8K60 recording options in Pro video mode.
-Expand slow-motion support to 4K120 and 1080p960.
-Fully expose the primary and secondary camera modules to Camera2 API:
-Allow 50MP resolution capture in supported modes.
-Provide ultrawide lens access to third-party apps.
I would be happy to assist with testing or provide device logs if needed. Thank you for your continued efforts to improve Nothing OS. Unlocking the Phone (2a+)'s camera capabilities would deliver meaningful value to users and highlight the company’s commitment to maximizing the potential of its devices.
Sincerely,
Rod.
