Nothing, the startup founded by former OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, has officially released its second smartphone, the Nothing Phone 2. The phone has been highly anticipated since its announcement in March, and it’s clear that Nothing is aiming to make a big splash with this release.
In a bid to do something truly different in the crowded smartphone market, Pei has set his sights on challenging the industry giants. Emphasizing the importance of carving out a unique path, he noted, “From a business point of view, [Apple and Samsung] shouldn’t go very niche and try something completely different because they might alienate current users. That’s where smaller companies like us can come in and try and do something different. It’s not that we’re smarter or that they can’t, but it just doesn’t make sense for them to do it”
At first glance, the design features of the Nothing Phone 2 absolutely standout. The back of the device is made of glass and is transparent, offering a unique view of the internal components like the wireless charging coil, camera module, and mesmerizing Glyph lights. The new gray color option adds a touch of sci-fi coolness, making the Phone 2 a distinct and attractive choice with its see-through aesthetic.
The Glyph lights once considered a gimmick, have been further enhanced in the Nothing Phone 2. Divided into different sections, these lights serve various functions, such as visual timers, custom priority notification alerts, fill-lights for the camera, and even creative light shows for incoming calls, all accompanied by unique sound effects.
On the camera front, the Nothing Phone 2 features a pair of 50-megapixel cameras with optical and electronic stabilization. While it performs impressively during the day, its low-light capabilities leave a bit to be desired. Nonetheless, Nothing has made software improvements that elevate its overall photography experience.
The 6.7-inch OLED display with a dynamic 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rate adds to the allure, with vibrant colors that pop off the screen. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor powers the device, offering a perfect balance of performance and efficiency.
In terms of pricing, the Nothing Phone 2 starts at $599 for the 8GB RAM/128GB storage version, positioning it competitively against the likes of Google Pixel 7 and OnePlus 11. Higher-spec models, with 12GB RAM and 256GB or 512GB storage options, are also available at $699 and $799, respectively.
