Substance Meets Style in Australia
The Nothing Phone (2) has landed Down Under, and it’s turning heads with its unique transparent design and eye-catching Glyph Interface. But does this phone offer more than just flashy looks? After spending some quality time with it, I’m ready to share my thoughts on whether the Nothing Phone (2) is a genuine contender in the competitive Australian smartphone market.
First Impressions
The Nothing Phone (2) is a breath of fresh air in a world of homogenous smartphones. It’s a device that oozes personality and style, while also delivering a solid all-around experience. The refined software, improved camera system, and powerful processor make it a compelling option for those seeking something different.
Design and Build
The transparent back is the undeniable star of the show. You can see the phone’s inner workings, including the wireless charging coil and various components, adding a cool, futuristic vibe. The aluminum frame provides a sturdy feel, and the Gorilla Glass protects both the front and back.
- Glyph Interface: The Glyph Interface, a series of LED strips on the back, is more than just a gimmick. It can be customized to notify you of calls, messages, app notifications, and charging status. It’s a fun and unique way to interact with your phone, adding a touch of personality.
- Size and Weight: The Phone (2) is relatively slim and lightweight, making it comfortable to hold and use. It’s slightly larger than its predecessor but still manageable for one-handed operation.
Display
The 6.7-inch OLED display is a beauty. It boasts a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations, a sharp 1080 x 2412 resolution, and HDR10+ support for vibrant colours and deep blacks. Brightness is excellent, making it easily viewable outdoors.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and with up to 12GB of RAM, the Nothing Phone (2) is a performance powerhouse. It handles everyday tasks with ease, from browsing the web and social media to multitasking between apps.
- Gaming: Gamers will be pleased with the Phone (2)’s performance. Demanding games run smoothly with high frame rates and impressive graphics. The phone also manages heat effectively, preventing any noticeable throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Camera
The Nothing Phone (2) features a dual rear camera system:
- Main Camera: 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor, f/1.88 aperture, optical image stabilisation (OIS)
- Ultrawide Camera: 50MP Samsung JN1 sensor, f/2.2 aperture
Image quality is a significant step up from its predecessor. The main camera captures detailed photos with accurate colours and good dynamic range in daylight. Low-light performance is also improved, thanks to the larger sensor and OIS.
- Camera Features: The camera app offers various features, including Portrait mode with realistic bokeh effects, Night mode for capturing brighter images in low light, and Expert mode for manual controls. Video recording is solid, with support for up to 4K resolution at 60fps.
Software and User Experience
The Nothing Phone (2) runs on Android 13 with Nothing OS 2.0 on top. Nothing OS is a clean and minimalist take on Android, with a focus on customisation and unique features.
- Glyph Composer: This feature allows you to create your own Glyph ringtones and notification patterns, adding a personal touch to your phone.
- Nothing Widgets: The phone comes with a set of stylish and functional widgets that blend seamlessly with the overall aesthetic.
The overall software experience is smooth, responsive, and visually appealing. Nothing OS strikes a good balance between customisation and a clean, bloatware-free interface.
Battery Life
The 4,700mAh battery provides solid battery life. With moderate use, you can easily get through a full day without needing to top up. Heavy users might need to charge in the evening, but overall, battery life is commendable.
- Charging: The Phone (2) supports 45W wired charging, which is reasonably fast, and 15W wireless charging.
Other Features
- 5G Connectivity: Enjoy fast download and upload speeds on compatible Australian networks.
- Wi-Fi 6: Supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for fast and stable wireless connections.
- In-Display Fingerprint Sensor: Provides secure and convenient biometric authentication.
- Stereo Speakers: Delivers good audio quality for media consumption.
Price and Value
The Nothing Phone (2) is priced from AU$999 in Australia, making it a competitive option in the upper mid-range segment. It offers excellent value for the price, considering its unique design, refined software, and solid all-around performance.
Conclusion
The Nothing Phone (2) is a stylish and capable smartphone that stands out from the crowd. Its transparent design, Glyph Interface, and clean software make it a unique and refreshing option. While it might not be the absolute best camera phone or the most powerful performer on the market, it offers a compelling combination of style, substance, and value.
Strengths:
- Unique and stylish design
- Fun and functional Glyph Interface
- Clean and customizable software
- Solid performance
- Good battery life
- Competitive price
Weaknesses:
- Camera performance is good but not class-leading
- No expandable storage
Recommendation:
The Nothing Phone (2) is a great choice for those seeking a stylish and unique smartphone with a clean software experience and a good balance of features and performance. It’s a phone that’s sure to turn heads and spark conversations.