Nothing Phone 2 Review: A Game-Changing Smartphone with Stunning Design and Innovative Features

Discover the game-changing Nothing Phone 2 with its stunning design and innovative features in our comprehensive review. Read our Nothing Phone 2 review to uncover its impressive camera performance, improved Glyph Interface, and powerful overall performance.

Nothing Phone 2 Review, A woman reviewing Nothing Phone (2)
Image: nothing

Key Highlights

  • Stunning design with a transparent back cover and LED-adorned Glyph Interface.
  • Impressive camera performance with 50MP main and wide-angle cameras, 4K video recording, and HDR-enabled selfie camera.
  • Powerful overall performance powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and Nothing OS 2.0 customization options.

Nothing Phone 2 Review

9Expert Score
Innovative

The Nothing Phone 2 is a stunning and innovative smartphone with a unique design, impressive camera performance, and powerful overall performance.

Design
10
Performance
9
Software
9
Display
9
Battery Life
8
Camera
9
Value for Money
8.5
Pros
  • Unique transparent design with LED lights
  • Impressive dual rear camera
  • Powerful overall performance
  • Clean and customisable Nothing OS 2.0 UI
  • Reasonable price starting at $599
Cons
  • No headphone jack
  • No expandable storage
  • Battery Life could be better

The smartphone industry has been dominated by giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google for years. However, a new player has entered the market with a promise to disrupt the status quo. The Nothing Phone 2, the second smartphone from the company Nothing, founded by Carl Pei, is set to challenge the established leaders. In this review, we will explore the design, features and performance of the Nothing Phone 2 and see if it has what it takes to make a lasting impact.

Nothing Phone 2: Design and Display

Nothing Phone 2 design and display
Nothing Phone 2 design & display

The design of the Nothing Phone 2 is a testament to the company’s commitment to brand identity and innovation. With its large 6.7-inch OLED display, rounded corners, and flat edges, the Phone 2 offers a familiar yet modern aesthetic. The transparent back cover, adorned with LED strips, adds a unique touch and showcases the intricate internal components.

The display of the Phone 2 is truly impressive. With a peak brightness of 1,600 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate, it provides an immersive viewing experience. The adaptive brightness feature strikes the perfect balance between brightness and power consumption, making it suitable for both outdoor use and low-light conditions.

While the design and display of the Phone 2 are commendable, it’s worth noting that the phone’s size may not be suitable for those seeking a compact or mid-sized device. Additionally, the smooth sides of the phone can be slippery, requiring users to handle it with care.

Improved Glyph Interface

Nothing Phone 2 glyph lights
Nothing Phone 2 glyph lights (Image: nothing.tech)

The Glyph Interface featured in the Nothing Phone is an exceptional standout feature that showcases the company’s commitment to continuous development. With an increased assembly of 33 LEDs compared to its predecessor’s 12, the lights on the back of the Nothing Phone 2 serve multiple purposes, providing illuminations for notifications, acting as a charging indicator, and offering fill light for photography and videography.

The latest version of the Glyph Interface introduces significant enhancements, further expanding its versatility. Users now have the ability to customize their own Glyph patterns using the Glyph Composer, which incorporates Teenage Engineering’s influence. The increased number of LEDs enables the inclusion of a longer light strand that functions as a progress bar for timers and volume levels. This attention to detail in the lighting system proves advantageous for implementing productivity techniques like the Pomodoro technique, which encourages regular breaks every 25 minutes.

Nothing has taken a commendable step by opening up the Glyph system to app developers, allowing for integration with services such as Uber rides, showcasing its potential and expanding its functionality. While the convenience of receiving information without glancing at the phone screen is appreciated, keeping track of the various patterns on the back can be challenging, occasionally resulting in missed notifications. Additionally, wireless charging enthusiasts may find the always-on display more practical in certain instances.

In conclusion, the Glyph Interface of the Nothing Phone evokes mixed feelings. While the ability to stay informed without constant phone checking is appreciated, interpreting the patterns displayed on the back can pose a challenge. Nonetheless, the Glyph system’s customization options and potential for integration demonstrate its versatility and future possibilities. The choice between the Glyph Interface and an always-on display ultimately boils down to personal preference and individual usage habits.

Camera Performance: A Leap Forward

The Nothing Phone 2’s camera system is a notable highlight, offering impressive performance that stands up to the competition. The rear camera setup includes a 50MP Sony IMX890 main camera with optical and electronic image stabilization (OIS and EIS) and a 50MP Samsung JN1 wide-angle camera with a 114-degree field-of-view and EIS. This combination enables users to capture stunning photos with excellent detail and vibrant colors.

The main camera excels in various lighting conditions, thanks to the advanced stabilization technologies. It produces sharp and clear images, even in challenging scenarios. The wide-angle camera expands the creative possibilities, allowing for breathtaking landscape shots and group photos.

Video recording capabilities are equally impressive, with the ability to shoot 4K resolution videos at 60 frames per second. The stabilization features ensure smooth and shake-free footage, making the Nothing Phone 2 a reliable tool for content creators and enthusiasts alike.

On the front, the 32MP selfie camera delivers excellent results, capturing detailed and well-exposed self-portraits. The inclusion of HDR further enhances the dynamic range, producing images with balanced exposure in various lighting conditions.

Overall Performance: Power and Efficiency

The Nothing Phone 2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, ensuring smooth and efficient performance across various tasks and applications. The available options of 8GB or 12GB of RAM provide ample memory for multitasking, while the storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB offer generous space for apps, media, and files.

Day-to-day tasks, such as browsing the web, scrolling through social media feeds, and switching between apps, are handled with ease and responsiveness. The fluid user experience is further enhanced by the clean and optimized Nothing OS 2.0, which ensures a seamless operation.

The 4,700mAh battery provides reliable all-day battery life, capable of supporting heavy usage. With 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, the Phone 2 offers quick and convenient charging options. The inclusion of reverse charging at 5W further adds versatility, allowing users to charge other compatible devices on the go.

Nothing OS 2.0: Unleashing Customizability

Nothing Phone 2 UI Nothing OS 2.0
Nothing Phone 2 UI Nothing OS 2.0

The Nothing Phone 2 runs on Nothing OS 2.0, a customized version of Android 13. The software strikes a perfect balance between customizability and simplicity, reminiscent of Google’s Pixel phones. With a clean user interface and minimal bloatware, Nothing OS 2.0 offers a refreshing experience.

When it comes to customization, users have the option to choose between the standard Android icon pack, colors, and widget design, or they can embrace Nothing’s unique approach to OS design. The customization options are extensive, allowing for alterations in widget size, shape, icon color and design, presence of text under icons, and even the ability to add Quick Settings shortcuts to the lock screen. Nothing’s design language incorporates pixel-art aesthetics and a preference for monochrome, resulting in an ultra-modern and often visually busy interpretation of Android.

Opinions on this design approach may vary. Some users will love the distinctiveness and modernity it brings, while others may find it jarring. Interestingly, perceptions may change as users explore the settings and design options further. Additionally, the Nothing Phone 2 offers the ability to customize the Glyph lights and create personalized light and sound sequences, adding another layer of uniqueness that sets it apart from other Android phones.

It is evident that significant time and effort has been invested in making Nothing OS visually distinct, including the ability to globally change all app icons to align with Nothing’s style. While the monochrome aesthetic may not be for everyone, it’s hard to deny that Nothing has transformed the usual, often gaudy Android theme customizations found on other devices into something subtle, cool, and in line with the brand’s vision.

Read Review: Samsung Galaxy M34 5G In-depth Review

Nothing Phone 2 Review Videos

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Conclusion

The Nothing Phone 2 sets out to challenge the smartphone market’s established leaders with its striking design and innovative features. The attention to detail in its design, such as the transparent back cover and the improved Glyph Interface, makes it a truly unique device. Furthermore, Nothing OS 2.0 provides a refreshing take on Android, combining customizability with a clean user interface.

The Nothing Phone 2 is competitively priced, starting at $599 for the base model, making it an attractive option for consumers looking for a high-quality smartphone without breaking the bank. While we have yet to explore the camera performance, battery life, and day-to-day tasks, the Nothing Phone 2 shows great promise and has the potential to make a significant impact in the smartphone industry.

Note: Stay tuned for PhoneBidya.com’s full review, which will cover camera samples, battery statistics and daily performance of the Nothing Phone 2.

Nothing Phone 2 Key Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 8.6mm thickness, 201 grams weight
  • Display: 6.7-inch OLED with HDR10+ certification, 2412 x 1080 pixel resolution, 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
  • RAM: 8GB or 12GB
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB
  • Rear Cameras: 50MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS and EIS, 50MP Samsung JN1 wide-angle camera, 4K video recording at 60fps
  • Front Camera: 32MP selfie camera with HDR
  • Glyph Interface: 33 LEDs, customizable patterns, app integration, progress bar feature
  • Battery: 4,700mAh with 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse charging
  • Speakers: Stereo speakers
  • Water and Dust Resistance: IP54 rating
  • Software: Nothing OS 2.0 (based on Android 13)
  • Updates: Three years of major Android updates, four years of bi-monthly security updates

Nothing Phone 2 Price in USA, UK and India

CountryPrice
USA$599 for 8GB/128GB, $699 for 12GB/256GB, $799 for 12GB/512GB
UK£579 for 8GB/128GB, £629 for 12GB/256GB, £729 for 12GB/512GB
India₹44,999 for 8GB/128GB, ₹49,999 for 12GB/256GB, ₹54,999 for 12GB/512GB
Where to buy

Nothing Phone 2 Availablity

The highly anticipated phone will be available for preorders starting from July 11, and its official release is set for July 17. Creating even more excitement, Nothing has planned the opening of various pop-up stores, including a prominent location in New York. These pop-up stores will allow customers the exclusive opportunity to purchase the phone before its full public launch, starting from July 13.

In the United Kingdom, the release dates align with the global schedule, and an exciting pop-up store will be available in London on July 13, offering a unique shopping experience for customers.

In India, the phone will be officially available for sale on July 21 through Flipkart and selected retail outlets. To provide early access to dedicated customers, pre-order pass holders will have the privilege to place their orders for the phone starting from July 11.

FAQs for Nothing Phone 2

Is Nothing Phone 2 made in India?

Yes, the Nothing Phone (2) is made in India. The phone is manufactured at the BYD manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. This is in line with Nothing’s commitment to making its products more accessible and affordable, as well as to reducing its environmental impact.

Is Nothing from Chinese brand?

No, Nothing is not a Chinese brand. It is a London-based company founded by Carl Pei, the co-founder of OnePlus. The company’s headquarters are in London, and it has offices in other countries, including the United States, India, and Sweden.

Is Nothing Phone 2 waterproof?

Yes, the Nothing Phone 2 has an IP54 rating, which means it is protected from dust and water splashes from any direction. This means that you can use the phone in light rain or if it gets splashed with water, but you should not submerge it in water.

Is Nothing Phone 2 single SIM or dual SIM?

The Nothing Phone 2 is a dual-SIM phone. This means that you can use two SIM cards in the phone at the same time.

Does Nothing Phone 2 have wireless charging?

Yes, the Nothing Phone (2) has wireless charging. It supports up to 15W of wireless charging, which is the standard for most wireless chargers. It also supports reverse wireless charging, which means you can use the phone to charge other devices that support wireless charging.

Is Nothing Phone 2 support 5G?

Yes, the Nothing Phone (2) supports 5G. It supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G, which means you can take advantage of the latest 5G speeds.

What is the cost of the Nothing Phone (2)?

The Nothing Phone (2) starts at $599 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage model and $699 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model in USA.

What are the camera features of the Nothing Phone (2)?

The Nothing Phone (2) has a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 50MP (Sony IMX890) main sensor and a 50MP ultrawide sensor. The main sensor has a wide f/1.9 aperture and OIS. The ultrawide sensor has a 114-degree field of view. The front-facing camera is 32MP and has an f/2.4 aperture.

What is the operating system on the Nothing Phone (2)?

The Nothing Phone (2) runs Android 12 with Nothing OS on top. Nothing OS is a custom skin that is designed to be clean, simple and efficient. It features a number of unique features, such as the Glyph interface, which uses the rear camera lights to indicate notifications, charging status and more.

What are the battery features of the Nothing Phone (2)?

The Nothing Phone (2) has a 4,700mAh battery. It supports 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. It also supports reverse wireless charging.

What are the connectivity features of the Nothing Phone (2)

The Nothing Phone (2) supports 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC. It also has a USB-C port but no 3.5mm headphone jack.

What are the security features of the Nothing Phone (2)?

The Nothing Phone (2) has a number of security features, including a fingerprint sensor, facial recognition and a secure bootloader. It also has a number of privacy features, such as the ability to control which apps have access to your data.

What are the different colors of the Nothing Phone (2)?

The Nothing Phone (2) is available in two colors: White and Black.

What are the different storage options for the Nothing Phone (2)?

The Nothing Phone (2) is available with 128GB or 256GB or 512GB of storage.

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