Being a smartphone startup is no easy feat, especially when you’re going up against tech giants like Apple, Google, and Samsung. However, Nothing has managed to make a name for itself in the industry, selling over 500,000 units of its Phone 1 last year. And now, Nothing is back with the sequel, the Phone 2, and it seems like the company is finally finding its groove.
The Phone 2 may look similar to its predecessor, but it has some notable improvements. First and foremost, it is equipped with a significantly faster CPU, making it more powerful and responsive. The cameras have also been upgraded, delivering better image quality. However, the most exciting aspect of the Phone 2 is its user interface (UI). Nothing has taken a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to the UI, making it more customizable and functional. The phone’s most distinctive feature, the Glyph interface, not only offers enhanced customization but also provides added functionality.
One of the most significant developments with the Phone 2 is its availability in the US. While it comes with a higher price tag than its predecessor, at $600, it is still considered affordable compared to other Android phones on the market. This is especially notable since many Android phones tend to blend together in terms of design and functionality, whereas the Phone 2 stands out with its eye-catching design and reasonable price.
In terms of design, the Phone 2 is a stunner. Its transparent Gorilla Glass back reveals a unique arrangement of components, giving it a cyberpunk art installation vibe. Furthermore, the Glyph interface, with its LED strips that pulse, strobe, and glow, adds to the phone’s aesthetic appeal. However, it’s worth noting that the Phone 2 only comes in one color, white.
While the phone’s design may be eye-catching, its performance is equally impressive. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, coupled with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. Despite using a year-old chip, the Phone 2 handles games and photo editing without any lag. The UI animations are smooth, and the lightweight Android skin contributes to its snappy performance. Additionally, the Phone 2 is compatible with both T-Mobile and AT&T networks, offering flexibility to users when selecting their carrier.
When it comes to the camera capabilities, the Phone 2’s 50MP main camera and 50MP ultra-wide cameras deliver decent image quality. However, they fall a tier or two below the level of quality offered by phones like the Pixel 7. In well-lit conditions, the Phone 2 captures images with bright colors and good sharpness. However, when zoomed in, some minor issues like color fringing and dynamic range can be noticed. In low-light conditions, the Phone 2 struggles to compete with Google’s Night Sight mode, particularly in terms of nailing white balance and preserving detail. Nevertheless, the camera performance is a significant improvement from the Phone 1, and for users who aren’t avid photographers, the Phone 2 is more than serviceable.
Software-wise, the Phone 2 brings several improvements compared to its predecessor. Instead of a barebones version of stock Android, Nothing has developed its Monochrome UI, which includes new widgets, wallpapers, and icon packs. This unique UI not only looks great but also encourages users to be more deliberate about their phone usage. By making app icons grayscale and allowing users to remove app names entirely, Nothing aims to help users break free from the reflexive habit of mindlessly scrolling through social media.
Additionally, Nothing has introduced a new tab in the settings menu dedicated to the Glyph interface. This allows users to have more control over the LED lights and their functionalities. From simple tasks like showing battery status or adjusting volume to more advanced features like “Essential notifications,” which can activate LEDs for specific apps, the Glyph interface is a convenient tool for personalizing the phone experience.
Furthermore, Nothing has even integrated its Glyph interface with a third-party app, Uber. By simply looking at the back of the phone, users can see real-time arrival estimates for Uber cars. This integration opens up possibilities for future collaborations and custom Glyph integrations with various apps. Although this feature is still in development, it shows promising potential.
Battery life is another area where the Phone 2 excels, surprising many with its endurance. It is equipped with a 4,700mAh battery and a slightly older, less power-efficient chip. However, in a video rundown test, the Phone 2 lasted an impressive 24 hours and 25 minutes, making it one of the longest-lasting phones on the market. Additionally, it supports 15-watt wireless charging, 45-watt wired charging, and 5-watt reverse wireless charging.
In conclusion, Nothing has managed to create a standout phone with the Phone 2. Its design, reminiscent of clear plastic gadgets from the ’90s, is eye-catching and unique. The Monochrome UI prompts users to be more thoughtful about their phone usage, while the Glyph interface adds a touch of novelty. Despite not having the most cutting-edge specs, the Phone 2 performs admirably and offers handy features like reverse wireless charging. While the Pixel 7 may offer better value for the money, the Phone 2 caters to those who want an offbeat choice and an exciting phone experience.
