Nothing Phone 2 Review: Transparent Design Meets Innovation
The Nothing Phone 2 has arrived, building on the buzz created by its predecessor with a refined take on transparent aesthetics and innovative features. As a follow-up to Nothing’s debut smartphone, this device aims to blend style, performance, and unique software tweaks to stand out in a crowded market. In this review, we’ll dive into what makes the Nothing Phone 2 a compelling choice, exploring its design, performance, software, and more.
Design: A Transparent Triumph
The Nothing Phone 2 continues the brand’s signature transparent design, showcasing a see-through back panel that reveals intricate internal components like the wireless charging coil and LED strips. The glass back, paired with an aluminum frame, feels premium and lightweight, weighing just 201 grams. The refined Glyph Interface—LED strips on the back—returns with more segments (33 versus the original’s 12), offering customizable patterns for notifications, calls, and even music sync.
The 6.7-inch flat AMOLED display is a step up, with slimmer bezels and a peak brightness of 1600 nits, making it vibrant and readable even in direct sunlight. The Gorilla Glass protection on both sides adds durability, though the phone’s glossy finish can attract fingerprints. Available in White and Dark Grey, the Nothing Phone 2 exudes a futuristic vibe that’s hard to ignore.
Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 2 packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a significant upgrade from the first generation’s mid-range processor. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, it handles multitasking, gaming, and heavy apps with ease. Whether you’re playing Genshin Impact or editing 4K videos, the phone remains smooth and responsive.
The 4700mAh battery supports all-day usage, with most users reporting 6-7 hours of screen-on time. The 45W fast charging is quick, though the absence of a charger in the box is a slight drawback. Wireless charging at 15W is a welcome addition, aligning the Phone 2 with premium competitors.
Software: Nothing OS 2.0 Shines
Running on Nothing OS 2.0, based on Android 13, the Nothing Phone 2 offers a clean, bloatware-free experience. The monochromatic UI, dotted with playful widgets and customizable icons, feels fresh and intuitive. The Glyph Interface integrates deeply with the OS, letting users assign specific LED patterns to contacts or apps, adding a layer of personalization. Nothing promises three years of OS updates and four years of security patches, ensuring longevity.
The software also includes thoughtful touches like a Game Dashboard for performance tweaks and a redesigned app drawer with larger folders. However, some users might find the customization options overwhelming at first, requiring a bit of a learning curve to fully utilize.
Camera: Solid but Not Groundbreaking
The Nothing Phone 2 features a dual-camera setup: a 50MP main sensor (Sony IMX890) with OIS and a 50MP ultra-wide (Samsung JN1). In daylight, photos are sharp with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The upgraded image processing delivers better low-light performance than its predecessor, though it still trails behind flagships like the Pixel 7 or iPhone 14 in challenging conditions.
The 32MP front camera captures detailed selfies, and the video recording maxes out at 4K 60fps, with decent stabilization. While the camera system is versatile, it’s not a standout feature compared to the phone’s design and software.
Glyph Interface: Gimmick or Game-Changer?
The expanded Glyph Interface is a highlight, offering more than just visual flair. Beyond notification alerts, it can display charging status, act as a fill light for photos, or sync with music and ringtones. Third-party app integration, like Uber or Zomato, lets the LEDs show progress (e.g., delivery status). While some may see it as a novelty, others will appreciate the functional creativity it brings to everyday use.
A Bold Step Forward
The Nothing Phone 2, priced starting at around $599, strikes a balance between style and substance. Its transparent design and Glyph Interface make it a head-turner, while the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and Nothing OS 2.0 ensure smooth performance and a unique user experience. The camera, while improved, doesn’t compete with top-tier flagships, but it’s more than adequate for most users.
Pros:
- Stunning transparent design with enhanced Glyph Interface
- Smooth performance with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Clean, customizable Nothing OS 2.0
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Solid battery life with wireless charging
Cons:
- Camera performance lags behind flagship competitors
- No charger included in the box
- Glossy finish attracts fingerprints
The Nothing Phone 2 is for those who want a smartphone that feels different, both in look and experience. It’s not perfect, but it’s a bold statement in a sea of sameness, blending innovation with practicality. If you’re drawn to its aesthetic and crave a device that sparks conversation, the Nothing Phone 2 is worth considering.
