Nothing Phone (2) review
The Nothing Phone (2) has sparked interest with its quirky design and character-filled software. While some might dismiss it as an average mid-range phone, others see it as the coolest thing ever made. With a price bump to $599 for the base model, expectations are high. The camera system boasts 50-megapixel sensors, but performance in lower light can be inconsistent. A powerful battery and fast charging capabilities make up for some of its limitations, raising the question: is this phone worth the premium price?
Build Quality and Design
The Nothing Phone (2) boasts an impressive build quality and design. The device's sleek and minimalist aesthetic is sure to turn heads, with its transparent back panel that showcases the internal components. The phone's weight and balance are well-distributed, making it comfortable to hold and use. One of the standout features of the Phone (2)'s design is its innovative LED light strip, which provides a visually striking effect when notifications arrive or calls are made. This feature adds a unique touch to an otherwise clean and uncluttered design. The phone's materials, including the glass front and rear panels, feel premium and durable. The device's edges are smooth and rounded, making it easy to grip and maneuver with one hand. While some may find the Phone (2)'s design too minimalist or lacking in features, others will appreciate its simplicity and attention to detail. Overall, the phone's build quality and design make a strong statement, setting it apart from other mid-range devices on the market. In terms of size and weight, the Phone (2) is comfortable to carry around, making it suitable for daily use. The device's dimensions are well-proportioned, with a screen size that feels generous without being too large. Overall, the Nothing Phone (2)'s build quality and design are a major highlight of this device. While some may have mixed opinions on its looks, there is no denying that this phone exudes a sense of style and sophistication that will appeal to many users.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Nothing Phone (2) is its impressive battery life. Despite the device's higher screen brightness and frequent app updates, it can easily sustain 6-7 hours of screen-on time without breaking a sweat. The phone packs a 4700mAh battery, up from the previous model's 4500mAh, which should provide an extra boost to users who are glued to their screens for extended periods. Moreover, the device is equipped with a more power-efficient chip and supports fast charging up to 45W. This means that you can quickly top off your phone when needed, with a full charge taking just under an hour. Wireless charging is also supported at 15W, which adds to the phone's convenience factor. However, it's worth noting that the wireless charger did cause some overheating during testing. The Nothing Phone (2)'s battery life is undoubtedly one of its strongest selling points. With a reliable and long-lasting power source, users can enjoy their device without worrying about running out of juice in the middle of the day.
Display
The display on the Nothing Phone (2) is a notable aspect of its design. The phone boasts a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. While it may not be the most impressive specification, the display itself is quite good. One of the standout features of the screen is its brightness level. I found that even in well-lit environments, the display remained crisp and clear, making it easy to use without straining your eyes. The colors also looked vibrant and accurate, which was a pleasant surprise given the phone's mid-range price point. However, one aspect where the display falls short is in its refresh rate. The phone tops out at 120Hz, which while decent for a budget-friendly device, doesn't quite match the standards set by higher-end phones that offer up to 144Hz or even 240Hz refresh rates. In terms of touch sensitivity, I found the screen to be responsive and accurate, with minimal lag when navigating through menus or scrolling through content. However, I did notice some slight delay in typing on the keyboard, which may be a minor annoyance for heavy typists. The screen's overall design is also noteworthy, with a sleek and minimalist aesthetic that complements the phone's unique shape and color scheme. The display itself has minimal bezels, giving it a clean and modern look that will appeal to those who value a premium feel in their device. Overall, while not revolutionary by any stretch of the imagination, the display on the Nothing Phone (2) is solid for its price point. It's a great example of how a mid-range phone can still deliver respectable performance without breaking the bank.
Camera
The camera system on the Nothing Phone (2) is a mixed bag. While it's capable of producing some great shots in ideal lighting conditions, it falls short in other areas. In perfect light, the primary sensor and ultra-wide camera produce good-looking photos with shallow depth of field and solid colors. Close-up shots are also impressive, with sharp details and nice processing. When taking landscape shots, things look crisp across the board. However, when the lights go down, the camera system starts to struggle. Photos become noisy or soft quickly, which is not a surprising issue in this price range. This premium mid-range space has seen similar performance from other cameras, such as those found on the OnePlus 11 and Nord 3. There's also a weird bug that affects moving subjects, causing ghosting effects. This is likely due to a laggy HDR processing issue, but I've only seen it a few times while testing the camera. It's unclear if this is a software or hardware limitation, but hopefully, Nothing can iron out these issues before shipping. In terms of specs, the camera system features two 50-megapixel sensors (Sony IMX 890) - one primary and one ultra-wide, without a telephoto lens. While having more megapixels doesn't necessarily translate to better image quality, it's still an important factor in this case. Overall, the camera on the Nothing Phone (2) is average, with some great shots but also some frustrating limitations. While it won't blow anyone away, it should suffice for casual users who just want to take good-enough photos. The lack of a telephoto lens and the limited performance in low light might make this camera system feel dated compared to some other flagships on the market. However, given the phone's mid-range price point, one shouldn't expect top-tier camera capabilities. If you're planning to buy the Nothing Phone (2), keep your expectations moderate regarding the camera. It's not a bad camera by any means, but it has its limitations.
Price and Value
The Nothing Phone (2) is a phone that defies categorization. It's not a flagship device with top-of-the-line specs, nor is it a budget-friendly option with compromised features. Instead, it occupies a strange middle ground, where its design, software, and price all blend together in an intriguing way. One of the most significant changes between the first Nothing Phone (1) and the (2) is the price. The starting model now costs 599 USD, which is $200 more than its predecessor. This puts it firmly in mid-range territory, where other phones offer similar specs for lower prices. The question then becomes: is this phone worth the premium? If you value design above all else, the answer might be yes. The Nothing Phone (2) has a unique look that sets it apart from the sea of identical devices on the market. However, if you're looking for top-notch specs or a specific set of features, there are likely better options available. The truth is, the Nothing Phone (2) exists in its own little bubble. It's not a phone for everyone, but for those who appreciate its quirks and are willing to pay a bit more for them, it might be the perfect fit. The design, software, and price all blend together in a way that creates a distinct experience. Ultimately, whether or not this phone is worth the premium depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for something different, something with character, then maybe the Nothing Phone (2) is for you. But if you're after a traditional flagship experience, there are likely better options available.
Performance
The performance of the Nothing Phone (2) is where things get interesting. On paper, it's got a more power-efficient newer chip, bumped up to 45W peak charging, and an even larger battery (4700mAh). However, the reality is slightly different. Despite its higher screen refresh rate and increased brightness, the phone manages to keep going for around 6-7 hours of screen time with ease. When plugged into a fast charger, it can reach full capacity in just under an hour, which is impressive. However, there's one caveat - when using wireless charging, the phone tends to overheat occasionally. Not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of if you're planning on relying on wireless charging most of the time. One area where the Phone (2) falls short is its camera system. While it's got dual cameras with upgraded sensors (50MP each), the results are just average in perfect lighting conditions. In lower light situations, things can get messy with noisy or soft photos appearing frequently. The other issue I encountered was a weird ghosting bug when capturing moving subjects. It's possible this is an isolated issue that'll be ironed out in future updates, but it's not exactly what you want from a camera system at this price point. Overall, while the Phone (2) performs admirably in certain areas, its performance is marred by these inconsistencies and quirks. If you're looking for a phone with top-notch cameras, this might not be the best choice. However, if you value software innovation and don't mind some minor flaws, the Nothing Phone (2) could still be worth considering.
Pros
1. The phone has a completely worry-free battery package, capable of lasting up to 6-7 hours of screen time and recharging from zero to full in just an hour.
2. The design of the phone is quirky and cool, with a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from other devices.
3. The camera system, although not perfect, can produce good-looking photos in perfect lighting conditions.
4. The Sony IMX 890 primary sensor is a high-quality component that helps to capture sharp landscape shots.
5. The haptics for the keyboard are very strong, which can be a nice feature for some users.
6. The phone has 15 watt wireless charging capabilities, making it convenient to charge on the go.
7. The software of the phone is defined by its character-filled interface, which is fun and solid, even if a bit buggy.
8. The price point of $599 USD may be worth it for some users who value the unique design and software experience.
Cons
1. The camera system falls apart in lower light conditions, with noisy or soft photos becoming more common.
2. There is a weird bug where moving subjects can have ghosting effects due to laggy HDR processing.
3. The price of $599 USD may be too high for some users who are looking for the best value in a mid-range device.
4. The specs of the phone, including the camera and processor, may not be impressive compared to other devices in its class.
5. Some users may find the design quirks and software bugs annoying or frustrating to deal with.
6. The haptic feedback on the keyboard is too strong for some users and cannot be adjusted.
7. The lack of a telephoto lens in the camera system may be a limitation for users who want more zoom capabilities.
8. Some reviewers have noted that the phone's performance can become sluggish or overheated when using demanding apps.