Nothing Phone (1)

The Nothing Phone (1): A Breath of Fresh Air, or Just Hype? My Honest Take

I've spent the better part of a month with the Nothing Phone (1) as my daily driver, putting it through the wringer with everything from demanding games to the mundane tasks of everyday life. At a price point that puts it squarely in the mid-range, this phone promises a unique design and a streamlined experience. After all that time, I have some pretty clear thoughts on whether it lives up to the buzz.

Let's be honest, the smartphone market can feel a bit… homogenous these days. That's where the Nothing Phone (1) immediately stands out. This phone isn't just another slab of glass and metal; it's making a statement. Whether that statement resonates with you is another story, but it definitely gets people talking.

A Unique Approach in a Saturated Market

The buzz around Nothing, spearheaded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, was significant, and the Phone (1) represents their first foray into the smartphone arena. Their strategy is clearly to disrupt, to offer something different. And they've certainly achieved that with the transparent design and the Glyph Interface. In a market dominated by a few giants, Nothing is trying to carve out its own niche by appealing to those looking for something unconventional. The pricing is aggressive, positioning it against established players like Samsung's A series and Google's Pixel a-series, making it an interesting proposition for the budget-conscious buyer who still wants a phone with character. From my perspective, it’s a bold move, and the price feels about right for the package you're getting.

Design & Hardware: More Than Just a Pretty Back

The first thing you notice about the Nothing Phone (1) is, undeniably, the back. That transparent design, revealing the internal components and the signature Glyph Interface, is undeniably eye-catching. Holding it in my hand, it feels surprisingly solid. The flat aluminum frame gives it a premium feel, and the Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back offers a decent level of reassurance against everyday bumps and scratches. While I haven't intentionally drop-tested it (and I wouldn't recommend you do either), it feels more robust than some of its plasticky competitors. The weight is noticeable at 193.5 grams, but it contributes to that feeling of quality. From a practical standpoint, the flat edges can feel a little less ergonomic than curved designs for extended use, but it's a trade-off I'm willing to make for the distinct aesthetic.

Display: A Treat for the Eyes

Firing up the 6.55-inch OLED display is a pleasant experience. The colors are punchy and vibrant, making media consumption a genuine joy. I've spent a fair amount of time watching videos on this phone, and the HDR10+ support really makes a difference, providing rich contrast and detail. The 120Hz refresh rate is another highlight; scrolling through social media feeds and navigating the interface feels incredibly smooth. I've found that the brightness is more than adequate for outdoor use, even on sunny days, although direct sunlight can still pose a challenge, as with most phones. Gaming on this display is also enjoyable, with the smooth refresh rate contributing to a more immersive experience. For daily use, whether it's reading articles or browsing the web, the display is sharp and clear, with a pixel density of 402 ppi ensuring text is crisp.

Performance: Smooth Operator for Most Tasks

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 778G+ chipset keeps things running smoothly for the vast majority of tasks. In my testing, navigating between apps, browsing the web with multiple tabs open, and handling social media were all handled with ease. When it comes to gaming, it can handle most popular titles without breaking a sweat, although you might need to dial down the graphics settings on the most demanding games for optimal frame rates. During extended gaming sessions, I did notice the phone getting a little warm, but it never reached uncomfortable levels. Multitasking feels fluid, and the option for 8GB or 12GB of RAM ensures that apps stay in memory without constant reloading. While it's not going to outperform flagship devices with top-tier processors, the Snapdragon 778G+ is a capable mid-range chip that strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency. I haven't encountered any significant performance quirks in my time with it, which is a testament to the optimization.

Camera System: Solid Snaps, But Not Class-Leading

The dual 50MP rear camera setup is a strong point of the Nothing Phone (1). In my experience, the main Sony IMX766 sensor captures detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. I've taken some really pleasing shots with this camera, particularly outdoors. The colors are generally accurate, and the dynamic range is decent. The ultrawide lens, using a Samsung sensor, is also capable, although there's a noticeable drop in detail compared to the main sensor, which is common in this price range. Video recording goes up to 4K at 30fps, and the inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) is a welcome addition, helping to keep videos steady. I've found the low-light performance to be acceptable, but it's not going to compete with flagship cameras. Compared to other phones in this segment, the Nothing Phone (1)'s camera holds its own, but it's not a game-changer. In real-world scenarios, it's a reliable shooter for everyday moments.

Battery & Charging: A Day's Power, But Bring Your Own Brick

The 4500mAh battery generally provides enough juice to get me through a full day of moderate use, including social media, web browsing, and some light gaming. However, on days with heavier usage, like when I'm navigating with GPS or taking lots of photos, I've found myself needing to top it up in the late afternoon. The phone supports 33W fast charging, which is reasonably quick, but the frustrating part is that there's no charger included in the box. This is becoming increasingly common, but it's still an inconvenience. Using my own 65W charger, I was able to get a significant charge in a relatively short amount of time. The inclusion of 15W wireless charging is a nice touch and adds a layer of convenience, although it's slower than wired charging. Power management seems fairly efficient, although I haven't delved into any extreme battery-saving modes. In terms of real-world endurance, it's a solid performer, just be prepared to supply your own charging brick.

Software: Clean and Uncluttered

The software experience on the Nothing Phone (1) is one of its strengths. Running a near-stock version of Android (currently on version 15, which is great to see), it feels clean, fast, and uncluttered. There's minimal bloatware, which is a huge plus in my book. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. The few additions Nothing has made, like the custom widgets and the Glyph Interface settings, feel well-integrated and don't detract from the overall experience. The promise of three years of major Android updates and four years of security updates is also reassuring and contributes to the phone's longevity. Daily usage feels smooth and responsive, and I appreciate the lack of unnecessary distractions.

Value Analysis: A Standout in the Mid-Range

When considering the price-to-feature ratio, the Nothing Phone (1) makes a compelling case for itself. You're getting a unique design, a capable camera system, a smooth display, and solid performance for a mid-range price. I believe this phone is perfect for someone who wants a device that looks different and offers a premium feel without breaking the bank. It's ideal for those who prioritize design and a clean software experience. However, if you're a hardcore gamer looking for the absolute best performance, or if camera capabilities are your top priority, you might find better options elsewhere, albeit often at a higher cost. Compared to its competitors, the Nothing Phone (1) offers a distinct identity and a well-rounded package that stands out in a crowded market.

Conclusion: A Resounding Yes, With Caveats

Overall, my experience with the Nothing Phone (1) has been overwhelmingly positive. It's a phone that dares to be different, and in most areas, it succeeds. The unique design, the smooth display, and the clean software make it a joy to use. While the camera isn't class-leading and the lack of a bundled charger is a minor annoyance, these are small compromises for a phone that offers such a distinct and enjoyable experience at this price point. If you're looking for a mid-range phone that stands out from the crowd and delivers on its promises, the Nothing Phone (1) should definitely be on your radar. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for something a little bit different without sacrificing essential features and performance.