Nothing Phone (2) Review: Features, Price, and Performance
Network Technology
- Supported Technologies: GSM, HSPA, LTE, 5G
Launch
- Announced: July 11, 2023
- Status: Available, Released July 17, 2023
Body
- Dimensions: 162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm (6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in)
- Weight: 201.2 g (7.09 oz)
- Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
- SIM: Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
- Other Features:
- 11 LED light strips on the back (notifications, camera fill light, 33 addressable zones)
- Blinking red light on the back (video recording indicator)
- IP54 (splash, water, and dust resistant)
Display
- Type: LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 1600 nits (peak)
- Size: 6.7 inches (~108.0 cm²), ~87.2% screen-to-body ratio
- Resolution: 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5
- Other Features: Always On Display
Platform
- Operating System: Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
- GPU: Adreno 730
Memory
- Card Slot: No
- Internal Storage and RAM:
- 128GB 8GB RAM
- 256GB 12GB RAM
- 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
- Dual Camera:
- 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
- 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
- Features: LED flash, panorama, HDR
- Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, live HDR, OIS
Selfie Camera
- Single Camera: 32 MP, f/2.5 (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
- Features: HDR
- Video: 1080p@30fps
Sound
- Loudspeaker: Yes, with stereo speakers
- 3.5mm Jack: No
- Audio Technology: Snapdragon Sound
Communications
- WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
- Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
- Positioning: GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1), NavIC
- NFC: Yes
- Radio: No
- USB: USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
Features
- Sensors: Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
- Other Features: Circle to Search
Battery
- Type: Li-Ion 4700 mAh
- Charging:
- 45W wired (100% in 55 minutes)
- 15W wireless (100% in 130 minutes)
- 5W reverse wireless
Miscellaneous
- Colors: White, Dark Gray
- Model: A065
- Price: ₹33,964 / $569.99 / £400.70 / €611.74
Performance Tests
- AnTuTu: 895434 (v9), 972126 (v10)
- GeekBench: 3957 (v5.5), 4219 (v6.0)
- GFXBench: 60fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
Display
- Max Brightness: 998 nits (measured)
Loudspeaker
- Loudness: -23.9 LUFS (Very good)
Battery (New)
- Active Use Score: 14:21h
Battery (Old)
- Endurance Rating: 103h
Specific details about the Nothing Phone (2) may change over time based on leaks and industry trends, but here is a closer look at what the device has to offer.
Design and Finish :
The Nothing Phone (2) aims to maintain the unique and striking design that the original Nothing Phone (1) introduced. The phone (1) drew attention with its transparent back that revealed the internal components and a series of LED lights (the so-called Glyph interface), allowing users to receive notifications and alerts visually with a clearer view. The Nothing Phone (2) is likely to further refine this design.
The phone (2) is likely to feature a premium construction with a glass back and an aluminum frame for an even more premium feel compared to the phone (1). The back will be even more transparent, giving users a clearer view of the internal components and a more futuristic aesthetic. The Glyph interface is likely to be enhanced with more customizable LED light patterns, allowing users to tweak notifications and alerts to their personal preferences. In terms of dimensions, the Nothing Phone (2) is likely to have a slim profile and a comfortable size to hold. The 5G-enabled device will be lightweight and have rounded corners for improved ergonomics and ease of use even over long periods of time.
Screen :
The Nothing Phone (2) is likely to feature an OLED or AMOLED display based on the Phone's (1) Full HD+ resolution. A 6.55-6.7-inch display is expected, providing ample screen real estate for watching videos, browsing the web, gaming, and multitasking.
The AMOLED panel will offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios, making the phone a visual treat when watching media. Additionally, it offers a refresh rate of 90Hz or 120Hz for smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences. This refresh rate allows users to enjoy smooth performance while navigating apps and playing fast-paced games.
Nothing Phone (2) also supports HDR10+ for improved color accuracy and contrast, especially in video streaming. Increased peak brightness makes the device easier to use outdoors, even in direct sunlight.
Performance:
Nothing Phone (2) is likely to be powered by a flagship chipset to deliver competitive performance in the mid-range segment. The previous model of the Phone (1) was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G processor, which provided stable performance in most tasks. The Phone (2) is expected to integrate the more powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which will bring significant performance improvements in terms of both speed and energy efficiency.
The device will be equipped with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, satisfying the needs of multitaskers, gamers, and those who need ample storage for apps, media, and other content. The improved chipset and larger RAM configuration will enable the Phone (2) to easily handle demanding apps, multitasking, and intense gaming sessions.
In terms of graphics, the Nothing Phone (2) may feature an Adreno GPU integrated into the Snapdragon chipset, which will result in better rendering performance and smoother gameplay in graphics-demanding titles. Paired with a high refresh rate display, it guarantees a great mobile gaming experience.
The phone will run Nothing OS, the company's custom Android skin that is highly praised for its clean and minimalist interface. Nothing OS will be based on Android 13 (or the latest version), ensuring a smooth and responsive experience. Nothing OS will likely focus on simplicity, with a bloated UI and subtle visual improvements to set it apart from other Android skins, while still retaining the feel of standard Android.
Camera Setup :
The Nothing Phone (2) is likely to see significant improvements in the camera department. The Phone (1) features a dual camera system including a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, which will perform well in photography. The Nothing Phone (2) is likely to upgrade this with a more advanced camera system, possibly pairing a 50MP or 64MP primary sensor with a 16MP or 20MP ultra-wide lens.
The Phone (2) may be able to add additional lenses such as a telephoto or macro lens to make the camera setup more versatile. Optical image stabilization (OIS) is likely to be integrated into the main lens for better performance in low light and smoother video recording. In addition to a sensor with more megapixels, the Nothing Phone (2) is likely to focus on improved software for AI-powered photography. Features like Night mode, AI scene detection, and super resolution will enable the phone to deliver great images in a variety of lighting conditions. The phone may also offer 4K video recording at 30fps or 60fps, and 1080p recording at 120fps for smooth, high-quality video content.
The front camera will likely be a 16MP sensor for high-quality selfies and may also be capable of 4K video recording. The camera software is expected to include features like portrait mode, beautify mode, and HDR for better selfies and video calls.
Battery and Charging :
The Nothing Phone (2) will likely have a 4000-5000 mAh battery, providing enough power for a day of moderate to heavy use. As the focus of the phone is on aesthetics and functionality, battery optimization is also likely to be a major focus of the software.
The device will likely support fast charging up to 45W or 65W, allowing users to charge the device quickly. This charging speed will allow the phone (2) to charge up to 50% in about 30 minutes, improving user convenience and reducing downtime. Wireless charging up to 15W is also likely to be a key feature. To prolong battery performance, the phone (2) is likely to feature an intelligent charging mode that prevents overcharging and extends battery life.
Software and Features :
As mentioned above, the Nothing Phone (2) will likely run on Nothing OS, a custom Android skin based on Android 13 or the latest Android version. Nothing OS's design emphasizes simplicity and elegance, minimizing unnecessary software and keeping the user interface clean.
Key software features include:
- Customizable Glyph Interface: The LED light on the back offers more customization options, and users can control the light patterns for different notifications, calls, and app alerts.
- One-handed mode: For users with small hands, this mode can provide a more comfortable experience by moving UI elements to one side.
- Quick Gestures: Users can use simple gestures to operate the phone, resulting in an intuitive experience.
The Nothing Phone (2) will receive monthly security patches and major software updates in a short time, and may also be one of the first phones to receive regular Android updates.
Connectivity and Additional Features :
In terms of connectivity, the Nothing Phone (2) is likely to support 5G for super-fast internet and Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless internet connections. Bluetooth 5.2 will be standard, improving connectivity with wireless earphones and other devices. The phone will likely also support NFC, allowing for contactless payments through services such as Google Pay. The Nothing Phone (2) will retain the USB Type-C charging port and may even feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was absent in the first version, depending on user preference. The device is also IP53 water and dust resistant, making it resistant to light splashes and rain.
Conclusion :
The Nothing Phone (2) is likely to continue the brand's unique vision of a smartphone that emphasizes transparency and design, refining and improving the user experience. From its bold design to cutting-edge performance, improved camera system and longer battery life, the Nothing Phone (2) has the potential to provide a truly superior experience in the competitive smartphone market.
