Scored using Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Nothing Phone (2a) (12GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£300RAM capacity:2 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.7 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 50 MP

Nothing Phone (2a) (12GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

6.8

Technical score

10%

?

User score

▲Better than 56% of smartphones
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

▲Better than 58%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

6.5

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.1

Camera

15%

7.1

Display

15%

6.3

Battery

10%

8.1

Software

10%

7.4

Connectivity

4%

4.4

Audio

3%

6.1

Design

▲Better than 57%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Technical Specifications of smartphone Nothing Phone (2a) (12GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

6.5

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.1

Camera

15%

7.1

Display

15%

6.3

Battery

10%

8.1

Software

10%

7.4

Connectivity

4%

4.4

Audio

3%

6.1

Design

6.8
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Nothing Phone (2a) (12GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 63.9% of smartphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

7.5
Brand name
Nothing
Processor model
MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro
This smartphone uses the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor which is faster than processors in 58.4% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
2 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 2 GB which is smaller than the RAM capacity of 98.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.2% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.8 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.8 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 64.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.1% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 14
Android version
Android 14
This smartphone runs Android version Android 14 which is newer than that found in 49.5% of smartphones and equal to that in 21% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
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Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
50 MP & 50 MP
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 50 MP which is higher than that of 66.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.2% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.9 & f/2.2
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.9 & f/2.2 which is narrower than that of 87.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 2% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
50 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 50 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 65.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 16.5% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
1 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 1 µm which is larger than in 57.7% of smartphones and equal to the size in 20% of smartphones.
2 binned
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Number of SIM slots
2
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
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Screen size
6.7 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.7 inches which is larger than the screens of 52.2% of smartphones and equal to those of 10.1% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2412 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2412 px which is higher than that of 61.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.8% of smartphones.
Pixel density
394 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 394 ppi which is lower than that of 58.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.8% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.7% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.2% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 28.3% of smartphones and equal to those in 28.8% of smartphones.
Charging speed
45 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 45 W which is faster than in 57.1% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 6.6% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
60 min
This smartphone reaches a full wired charge in 60 min which is faster than 52% of smartphones and equal to the time of 6.1% of smartphones.
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
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Height
161.7 mm
This smartphone has a height of 161.7 mm which is shorter than 70.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.6% of smartphones.
Width
76.3 mm
This smartphone has a width of 76.3 mm which is wider than 58.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.9% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.6 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.6 mm which is thicker than 65% of smartphones and equal to that of 3.9% of smartphones.
Weight
190 g
This smartphone weighs 190 g which is lighter than 63.5% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 4.4% of smartphones.
Device volume
97,888 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 97,888 cm³ which is larger than 53.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.9% of smartphones.
Show more

Nothing Phone (2a) (12GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 56.3% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (50 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    50 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This smartphone has a higher contrast ratio than the average smartphone (5000000:1 vs 1000000:1). The average smartphone contrast ratio is 1000000:1.
    AMOLED/OLED displays have an effectively infinite contrast ratio
    5,000,000:1 vs 1,000,000:1
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    This smartphone runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    Circle to Search, AI Smart Drawer, AI Wallpaper Generator, AI-enhanced Notes
    productivity vs fundamental
  • 18.9% faster GPU clock
    This smartphone has a higher GPU frequency than the average smartphone (1,130 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone GPU frequency is 950 MHz.
    1,130 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 18.9% faster GPU clock
    This smartphone has a higher GPU frequency than the average smartphone (1,130 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone GPU frequency is 950 MHz.
    1,130 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (2x2.8 GHz & 6x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    2x2.8 GHz & 6x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 16.7% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 15.7% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,090 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    1,090 vs 942
  • 10.3% higher PassMark single-core benchmark
    This smartphone has a better PassMark single-core score than the average smartphone (1,090 vs 988). The average single-core score is 988.
    1,090 vs 988
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    This smartphone runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    Circle to Search, AI Smart Drawer, AI Wallpaper Generator, AI-enhanced Notes
    productivity vs fundamental
  • Includes cross-site tracking protection
    This smartphone supports cross-site tracking prevention, the average smartphone does not. 32.2% of smartphones include this feature.
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 56.3% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (50 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    50 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • 0.2 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    2 binned
    1 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Higher front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has more front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (32 MP vs 16 MP). The average front camera has 16 MP megapixels.
    32 MP vs 16 MP
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (50 MP & 50 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    50 MP & 50 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.3 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.3 vs 5.2
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This smartphone has a higher contrast ratio than the average smartphone (5000000:1 vs 1000000:1). The average smartphone contrast ratio is 1000000:1.
    AMOLED/OLED displays have an effectively infinite contrast ratio
    5,000,000:1 vs 1,000,000:1
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1080x2412 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1080x2412 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 300 nits higher peak brightness
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (1,300 nits vs 1,000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1,000 nits.
    1,300 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 0.03 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.7 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.7 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Higher GSMArena battery life score
    This smartphone has a higher GSMArena battery life score than the average smartphone (15:53 hour/s vs 13:30 hour/s). The average score is 13:30 hour/s.
    15:53 hour/s vs 13:30 hour/s
  • 36.4% faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (45 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    45 W vs 33 W
  • 3.2% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (190 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    190 g vs 196.2 g
  • 1.9 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (161.7 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    161.7 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.9 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • 6 GB less RAM
    This smartphone has less RAM than the average smartphone (2 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 8 GB
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartphone has a lower IP rating than the average smartphone (IP54 vs IP67). 0.00% of smartphones have a higher IP rating.
    IP54 vs IP67
  • 22.4% slower memory speed
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2,750 MHz.
    2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Dimensity 7,200 Pro vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 5.44x less popular
    Nothing Phone (2a) (12GB + 256GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 6 GB less RAM
    This smartphone has less RAM than the average smartphone (2 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 8 GB
  • 22.4% slower memory speed
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2,750 MHz.
    2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Dimensity 7,200 Pro vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 14.3% lower maximum RAM capacity
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 14 GB
  • 26.2% lower 3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in 3DMark Steel Nomad than the average smartphone (449 vs 608). The average smartphone scores 608.
    449 vs 608
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.9 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 0.3% lower pixel density
    This smartphone has a lower pixel density than the average smartphone (394 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    394 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • No LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartphone has a lower IP rating than the average smartphone (IP54 vs IP67). 0.00% of smartphones have a higher IP rating.
    IP54 vs IP67
  • Poor brand origin
    This smartphone has a poorer brand origin compared to the average smartphone. 0.00% of smartphones come from top-tier brand origins.
    United Kingdom vs China
  • 0.3 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (8.6 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    8.6 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 3.8% lower French repairability index
    This smartphone has a lower French repairability index than the average smartphone (7.7 vs 8). The average smartphone scores 8.
    7.7 vs 8

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

6.0
Real World Review
≈ estimated
12/05/2024
Long-term review · over a year of owning it
Verdict
Nothing Phone is a niche device that is not terrible, but hard to recommend widely because of its cameras and parts.
8.0
Mrwhosetheboss
≈ estimated
15/07/2022
Hands-on review · battery, camera and lighting tests
Verdict
Nothing Phone is a refined alternative to budget Android phones, but it is not a true iPhone rival.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Nothing Phone (2a) (12GB + 256GB)

  • Unique semi-transparent design with eye-catching Glyph lighting system
  • Clean, bloatware-free software experience (Nothing OS) close to stock Android
  • Smooth 120Hz OLED displays with symmetrical bezels on most models
  • Strong battery life, particularly noted in the Phone (2) and Phone (2a)
  • Responsive and snappy day-to-day performance for their respective price points
  • Innovative software features like dot-matrix widgets and monochrome icon packs

What customers don't like about Nothing Phone (2a) (12GB + 256GB)

  • Inconsistent camera performance, especially in low-light and ultra-wide shots
  • Lack of a dedicated telephoto/optical zoom lens across the lineup
  • No charging brick included in the box for any model
  • Limited water and dust resistance (IP54 or IP53) compared to flagship rivals
  • Slower software update cycle for older models and fewer years of support than Google or Samsung
  • The Glyph interface is often viewed as a gimmick that users forget after the initial novelty

Verdict

The Nothing Phone (2a) (12GB + 256GB variant) is a mid-range Android 14 smartphone, running Nothing OS 2.5, that stands out with its unique transparent design featuring a simplified three-zone Glyph Interface on the back. Key specs include a 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 1,300 nits peak brightness, powered by a custom MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor for snappy performance. It boasts excellent battery life from a large 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support (charger not included) and a versatile dual 50MP rear camera setup (main and ultrawide) that performs well in daylight. Pros include a clean, bloatware-free software experience, eye-catching design, and solid all-around performance for the price point. Cons include a plastic build that attracts fingerprints and dust, an IP54 splash-resistant rating (inferior to some rivals), no wireless charging, no headphone jack, and relatively short software support compared to market leaders.

Compare Nothing Phone (2a) (12GB + 256GB) with other smartphones

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