Nothing Phone (2)
Verdict
A uniquely designed phone that stands out but offers performance suitable for everyday use.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The Nothing Phone (2) is fast and convinces with its unusual design and high-end features at a reasonable price.”
“Trying to be more intentional in how you use your phone? The Nothing Phone (2) will have a certain appeal, thanks to its slick software and Glyph indicator lights. But its mediocre camera may be a deal-breaker.”
“The Nothing Phone (2) is an excellent sequel and a tempting offer in a pretty over-saturated market, especially around the €600 range. The phone has something that no other phone, well, except Phone (1), has, and that's the Glyph UI. Even better, the LED functionality has been expanded, and it's a really cool and convenient way to see what's happening on your phone without looking at its screen.”
“There’s no question that the Nothing Phone (2) is a great smartphone with a lot of value for its price. It has an eye-catching design, a beautiful and smooth display, powerful performance, long-lasting battery life, and mostly clean, minimal software. It also has some innovative features that make it stand out from the crowd, such as the Glyph LED light system and some added software features in Nothing OS.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
Design
The Nothing Phone 2’s design features a translucent back panel and unique light strips known as glyph lights. These lights offer visual notifications and serve practical functions, like indicating charging status.
The phone has a rounded glass back, making it feel substantial and premium in hand. Experts from TechRadar noted, ‘The Nothing Phone 2 is a stylized Android phone with some simple, yet effective design additions.’
While the design is visually appealing, the curved back makes it prone to slipping off surfaces. As reviewers from Future mentioned, ‘The rounded design made it prone to sliding off the table.’
Display(s)
The screen on this phone uses LTPO technology to adjust the refresh rate. This means it saves battery life by slowing down when you don’t need high speed, but it can go up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling. The display is plenty bright as well, brighter than competitors in this price range.
Experts from TechRadar noted, “I had no trouble shooting photos on the display in bright sunlight or reading directions on a hiking map.” The OLED screen provides deep blacks and vivid colors, making everything look more dramatic and engaging.
Performance
The Nothing Phone 2 comes with a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor, which is more than enough for all your daily needs. It handles apps, games, and multitasking with ease and smoothness. You can expect a fluid experience, whether browsing, streaming, or working.
Reviewers at TechRadar highlight that it performs “very well,” ensuring a fast and reliable experience. The Phone 2’s interface and visual elements run smoothly and respond quickly to touch inputs.
If you need a phone that offers a good balance of power and efficiency, this one provides that.
Software & Storage
The Nothing Phone 2 uses a unique and clean interface with monochrome icons that reduce distractions. This simple design ensures you focus on what matters.
Reviewers like TechRadar noted, ‘Nothing’s monochrome interface works,’ making the phone easy to navigate.
Despite its sleek appearance, the interface lacks full integration with its glyph lights, which can be less practical.
Cameras
The cameras on this phone aren’t the best for low-light photography. You’ll find there is a pronounced loss in detail and considerable noise in dim conditions. However, during the day, you will appreciate the vibrant colors and lively images that the cameras can capture.
Reviewers noticed significant issues with dynamic range, making it hard to get balanced shots that highlight both light and dark areas effectively. Engadget stated, “In low light, the camera really struggles with detail and noise.”
Despite these shortcomings, for daytime photography, the cameras deliver enjoyable, vivid shots that might require little to no editing before sharing.
Battery
You’ll enjoy more than a day of battery life with moderate use, thanks to the phone’s efficient battery management. This can be a relief if you worry about midday shutdowns. Reviewers from Digital Trends appreciated this consistency.
The phone also supports 45W fast charging. Anker verified it can charge to 100% in just under an hour. This quick turnaround allows you to spend less time plugged in and more time using your phone.
Additionally, the inclusion of wireless charging offers another convenient charging option, ensuring you stay powered up and ready for your day.
Audio
When making calls, the Nothing Phone (2) provides clear and sharp audio. Experts have mentioned, ‘Calls sounded crisp and clear, making conversations easy to follow even in noisier environments.’
For entertainment, the phone’s speakers deliver strong, immersive sound. Reviewers noted that ‘the dual speakers produce rich audio, enhancing the experience of watching videos or playing games.’ This means you can enjoy your favorite content without needing additional audio gear.
A consistent audio experience across various applications ensures that both calls and multimedia activities are enjoyable and hassle-free. Whether you’re streaming a movie or chatting with friends, you’ll get high-quality sound.
The Bottom Line
This phone appeals to those who value style and want their device to look different from the usual options.
It sports unique features like Glyph lights, which add a fun touch but may not always be practical.
While the camera is not the strongest point, the phone delivers solid performance for general tasks.
A good option if you want a phone that looks cool and handles daily tasks well.
What people actually want to know
When was the Nothing Phone (2) released?
The Nothing Phone (2) was released on July 17, 2023.
How long does the battery last on the Nothing Phone (2)?
The Nothing Phone (2) has a 4,700 mAh battery.
Is the Nothing Phone (2) water resistant?
The Nothing Phone (2) carries an IP54 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the Nothing Phone (2) support wireless charging?
Yes, the Nothing Phone (2) supports wireless charging. It supports up to 15W wireless charging.
Does the Nothing Phone (2) have a headphone jack?
No, the Nothing Phone (2) does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Nothing Phone (2) have NFC?
Yes, the Nothing Phone (2) has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the Nothing Phone (2)?
Visit Nothing's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the Nothing Phone (2) manual?
You can view and download the Nothing Phone (2) manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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