Nothing Phone 1 review
The Nothing Phone (1) has finally arrived, boasting an eye-catching design with flashing LED lights. This sleek device is not only stylish but also surprisingly affordable, starting at £399 in the UK - a significant markdown from its competitors. With its transparent back panel and stripped-back interface, this phone seems to get many things right, including its solid performance and clean software experience. But what sets it apart from other devices? And can its quirky design live up to its impressive specs? Let's dive into our review to find out.
Build Quality and Design
The Nothing Phone (1) is an excellent device that boasts a flashy design, making it stand out from its competitors. The phone's transparent back panel, which showcases the internal components, is a unique feature that adds to its premium feel. The exposed screw heads and subtle Nothing branding give the device a quirky, high-tech look. The use of recycled aluminum for the frame is a clever touch, adding a sense of eco-friendliness to the device. The IP53 water resistance rating ensures that it can withstand accidental splashes or spills. The phone's design may not be to everyone's taste, but it certainly adds to its appeal and makes it feel more premium than expected. One of the most striking features of the Phone (1) is its Glyph interface, which uses a set of LED strips to indicate incoming notifications or provide a fill light for video recording. While some might view this as a gimmick, I believe it's a thoughtful touch that adds to the phone's personality. The transparent back panel also allows for a glimpse into the phone's internal workings, giving users a sense of what's beneath the surface. This design choice may not be to everyone's liking, but it certainly makes the Phone (1) stand out from other devices on the market. Overall, the Nothing Phone (1)'s build quality and design are major selling points. The use of premium materials, attention to detail, and thoughtful design choices all contribute to a device that feels like a high-end product, despite its relatively low price tag.
Battery Life
The Nothing Phone 1's battery life is an area where it falls slightly short of its competitors. While it's still capable of lasting a full day with moderate use, it doesn't quite match the performance of other mid-range devices. In my testing, I found that the phone's 4,500mAh battery didn't quite deliver the same level of endurance as some of its rivals. However, this can be mitigated by adjusting your usage habits - keeping screen brightness low and avoiding demanding activities like gaming or video streaming will help to eke out a full day's use. One redeeming factor is the phone's support for 33W fast charging, which can take it from empty to half full in around 30 minutes. This makes it convenient to top up your battery when you're on the go. While it's not the most impressive battery life I've seen, it's still serviceable and should be enough for most users' needs. Just be aware that you may need to plug in a bit earlier than usual if you plan on using the phone intensively throughout the day.
Display
The Nothing Phone (1) boasts an impressive 6.55-inch display that does justice to your favorite YouTube videos. With a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, the visuals are crisp and vibrant, making it perfect for media consumption. The display also features a 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures seamless navigation through menus and applications. The phone's screen is big enough to take in all the details, and the colors are accurately represented. I found myself immersed in my favorite shows and movies on this display, and the experience was akin to watching them on a slightly larger TV screen. One of the standout features of the display is its responsiveness. Whether you're swiping through menus or scrolling through social media feeds, the phone's interface feels buttery smooth. This is likely due to the combination of the 120Hz refresh rate and the phone's stripped-back software, which makes navigating the device a joy. In terms of performance, I found the display to be on par with more expensive flagships in the market. The visuals are crisp, colors are vibrant, and the screen responsiveness is excellent. If you're looking for a good display without breaking the bank, the Nothing Phone (1) delivers. However, one thing to note is that the phone's display might not be perfect in all lighting conditions. In bright sunlight or under direct light sources, I found some minor reflections and glare issues. But overall, this is a minor quibble, and the display remains one of the strong suits of the Nothing Phone (1).
Camera
The camera setup on the Nothing Phone 1 is surprisingly simple, yet effective. The phone features just two cameras: a standard view lens and an ultra-wide view lens. By omitting additional lenses, such as a telephoto zoom or macro lens, Nothing has kept costs down without sacrificing too much in terms of image quality. The main lens captures vibrant colors with even exposure and plenty of detail, making it well-suited for everyday photography. While side-by-side comparisons with more expensive phones like the iPhone 13 Pro may show slight advantages, the difference is not dramatic enough to justify a significant price hike. The Nothing Phone 1's cameras offer great performance for the money. The ultra-wide lens does sometimes shift color balance slightly, but still produces excellent results in good lighting conditions. It's worth noting that this camera setup is not designed to compete with flagship models like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, which boast more advanced camera systems. However, for casual users looking to take nice photos of family and friends on vacation, the Nothing Phone 1's cameras should be more than sufficient. One potential drawback is the occasional color cast when switching to the ultra-wide lens, but this can often be corrected in post-processing. The overall image quality is not quite on par with more expensive phones, but it's still better than expected considering the phone's price point. In conclusion, the camera setup on the Nothing Phone 1 is a pleasant surprise. It may not be the most advanced or feature-rich system out there, but it delivers good results for everyday photography without breaking the bank. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that can take nice photos without sacrificing too much in terms of image quality, the Nothing Phone 1's cameras are definitely worth considering. Overall, the Nothing Phone 1's camera performance is a highlight of an otherwise excellent phone experience. It may not be perfect, but it's a solid effort from a new player in the market that shows promise for future improvements.
Price and Value
The Nothing Phone (1) is an excellent device that offers exceptional value for its price. Starting at just £399 in the UK, this phone is a significant departure from the typical premium pricing of flagship devices. One of the standout features of the Phone (1) is its affordability. It's at least £100-£200 cheaper than I expected it to be, making it an incredibly attractive option for those on a budget. And yet, despite its lower price point, the phone feels decidedly premium in terms of build quality and design. The transparent back panel with flashing LED lights is undoubtedly a unique selling point, but what's truly impressive is how well-rounded this device is. The Phone (1) has a 6.55-inch display with a vibrant 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution, a fast 120Hz refresh rate, and IP53 water resistance. The performance is solid, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ processor and 8GB of RAM. While it may not match the benchmark scores of top-tier devices like the iPhone 13 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, it's more than capable of handling everyday tasks, gaming, and video streaming with ease. Perhaps most impressively, the Phone (1) offers a stripped-back software experience that eschews unnecessary bloatware and pre-installed apps. The result is a clean and simple interface that makes using the phone an absolute breeze. Overall, the Nothing Phone (1) represents exceptional value for its price. It's not trying to be something it's not – a top-tier flagship device – but rather a reliable and capable smartphone that leaves out unnecessary features to keep costs down. If you're in the market for a well-performing phone at an affordable price, the Phone (1) is definitely worth considering.
Performance
The Nothing Phone (1) has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance. Despite being priced lower than its competitors, the phone delivers solid performance in various tasks. Powering the device is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ processor, paired with 8GB of RAM. While benchmark tests may put it behind top models like the iPhone 13 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, I found it to handle everyday essentials effortlessly. Gaming in Asphalt 9 Legends and Pubg was also handled perfectly well, without any noticeable lag. The phone's software is another area where Nothing has excelled. The device runs on Android 12 with a lightweight cosmetic skin, free from bloatware and unnecessary apps. This minimalist approach makes using the phone easy, whether you're new to smartphones or an Android veteran. In my testing, I found that the Phone (1) performed admirably in various tasks. It handled demanding apps like gaming without any noticeable lag, and the interface was smooth and responsive. The camera setup, although not feature-rich, delivered good results, especially in well-lit conditions. One area where the Phone (1) falters is battery life. While it should last a full day with moderate use, it may not match the performance of some of its rivals. However, this can be mitigated by keeping screen brightness low and avoiding demanding tasks like gaming or video streaming. The phone's charging capabilities are another plus point, as it supports 33W fast charging. While a compatible charger doesn't come in the box, it's still a welcome feature for those who need to top up quickly. Overall, I'm impressed with the Nothing Phone (1)'s performance, especially considering its price. It's not trying to be a flagship device, but rather a solid mid-range phone that delivers on essentials. If you're after a well-performing phone without breaking the bank, the Phone (1) is definitely worth considering.