Nothing Phone (2)

Nothing Phone (2) Review: More Than Just Lights, But Are They Enough?

I’ve spent the past few weeks with the Nothing Phone (2), and I have to say, it's an interesting proposition in a smartphone market that often feels homogenous. Priced around the mid-to-high-tier segment, the Phone (2) aims to stand out, and after putting it through its paces as my daily driver, I've got some solid thoughts on whether it succeeds. My testing involved everything from the mundane doom-scrolling to more demanding tasks like gaming and photography, giving me a well-rounded perspective on its capabilities.

For a company relatively new to the smartphone game, Nothing has certainly carved out a niche. The Phone (2) isn't just another black rectangle; it’s a statement. This feels deliberate, and the attention it garners is undeniable. The question is, does the substance match the style, and is the price point justified?

Standing Out From the Crowd

The Nothing Phone (2)'s most defining characteristic is, of course, its design. The transparent back is back, and this time it feels even more refined. Seeing the internal components isn't just a visual gimmick; it gives the phone a unique personality. But the real star of the show is the evolved Glyph Interface. Initially, I was skeptical. Were these just fancy lights? However, after setting up custom patterns for notifications and even using it as a subtle timer while cooking, I have to admit, it’s genuinely useful and surprisingly intuitive. It’s a feature that consistently draws attention and sparks conversation, a testament to Nothing's commitment to doing things differently.

Holding the Phone (2), it feels substantial without being overly bulky. The flat edges and the subtle curve of the glass back make it comfortable in hand, though perhaps a tad slippery. The build quality feels premium, with the Gorilla Glass on both the front and back lending a sense of durability. While I didn't intentionally put it through a drop test, it’s survived the usual bumps and scrapes of daily life without a scratch. The materials feel good, and the overall construction exudes a sense of quality that you expect in this price range.

A Display That Pops

Flipping the phone over reveals a vibrant 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display. In my experience, this screen is excellent for media consumption. Colors are rich and punchy without being oversaturated, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations buttery smooth. What impressed me most was the brightness. Even under direct sunlight, visibility was never an issue, thanks to its impressive peak brightness of 1600 nits. Binge-watching shows and playing games on this display is a treat. Speaking of games, the responsiveness of the display is excellent, making for an immersive gaming experience. For daily use, whether it's browsing the web or checking emails, the clarity and smoothness of this display contribute significantly to the overall user experience.

Performance Where It Counts

Under the hood, the Nothing Phone (2) packs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. While not the absolute latest silicon on the market, in my real-world testing, it's proven to be more than capable. Gaming sessions, including graphically intensive titles, were smooth and without noticeable lag. Multitasking is a breeze; switching between multiple apps, even resource-heavy ones, happens instantaneously. I didn't encounter any significant slowdowns or stutters during my time with the device. Temperature management is also commendable. Even during extended gaming, the phone only got mildly warm, never uncomfortably hot. It strikes a good balance between performance and thermal efficiency.

Capturing Moments, Clearly

The camera system on the Nothing Phone (2) is a notable step up from its predecessor. The dual 50MP setup, featuring a Sony IMX890 main sensor and a Samsung JN1 ultrawide, delivers consistently good results. Taking photos at a local market, I was impressed by the detail and clarity captured by the main lens, especially in good lighting conditions. The colors were vibrant and accurate, and the dynamic range was commendable. The ultrawide lens is also quite capable, allowing for creative shots with minimal distortion. Video recording is crisp and smooth, with both optical and electronic image stabilization doing a decent job of minimizing shakiness. While it might not compete with the very top-tier camera phones in extremely challenging low-light situations, for everyday shooting and capturing memories, the Nothing Phone (2)'s camera system is more than adequate. The 32MP front-facing camera also performs well for selfies and video calls, producing clear and detailed images.

Powering Through the Day

Battery life is always a crucial factor, and the Nothing Phone (2)'s 4700mAh battery generally holds up well. On a typical day with moderate usage, including browsing, social media, and some light gaming, I found it easily lasted a full day. However, on days with heavier usage, such as extended gaming or video streaming, I did find myself needing to top it up in the evening. The 45W fast charging is a welcome addition, quickly bringing the battery back to a usable level. In my testing, it went from nearly empty to over 50% in around 30 minutes, which is quite convenient. The inclusion of 15W wireless charging is also a nice touch, adding to the convenience factor. Overall, while not class-leading, the battery performance is solid and should satisfy most users.

A Clean and Refreshing Software Experience

The Nothing OS, based on Android, is one of the standout features of this phone. It’s a refreshingly clean and uncluttered experience, devoid of unnecessary bloatware. Navigating the interface feels smooth and intuitive. The dot-matrix aesthetic of the UI elements ties in nicely with the overall design language of the phone. I appreciate the thoughtful additions and customizations that Nothing has implemented without straying too far from stock Android. The promise of three years of major Android updates and four years of security updates is also reassuring, ensuring the phone will stay up-to-date for a reasonable lifespan.

Finding the Right Balance

The question of value is always subjective, but in my opinion, the Nothing Phone (2) strikes a decent balance between price and features. It offers a unique design, a capable camera system, smooth performance, and a clean software experience, all at a price point that undercuts some of its direct competitors. This phone is ideal for someone who wants a smartphone that stands out from the crowd, appreciates thoughtful design, and values a clean and efficient software experience. If you're purely chasing the absolute top-tier performance or the best-in-class camera, there might be other options to consider. However, for the everyday user who wants a phone that's both stylish and functional, the Nothing Phone (2) is a compelling choice.

Final Verdict: A Standout Contender

Overall, the Nothing Phone (2) is a well-rounded and thoughtfully designed smartphone. It's not just about the flashy lights; there's genuine substance beneath the surface. From my experience, it delivers a smooth and enjoyable user experience, punctuated by its unique design and clean software. If you're looking for a phone that's a bit different, offers solid performance, and won't break the bank, the Nothing Phone (2) is definitely worth considering. It’s a phone that feels like a genuine effort to innovate in a market that often plays it safe, and for that, it deserves recognition.