Design & Build Quality
The Nothing Phone (2) continues the brand’s signature transparent aesthetic, refining the design with subtle yet impactful changes. The back panel retains its semi-transparent look, revealing internal components in an artistic manner while maintaining a premium feel. The Glyph Interface—an array of LED strips—has been upgraded with more zones, offering better customization for notifications, calls, and charging status.
The phone feels solid in hand, thanks to its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass protection on both front and back. At 7.6mm thick and weighing 201g, it strikes a balance between sturdiness and comfort. The symmetrical bezels and centered punch-hole camera enhance its minimalist appeal.
Display & Visual Experience
The Nothing Phone (2) features a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and energy efficiency. The Full HD+ resolution (2412 x 1080 pixels) delivers sharp visuals with vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for media consumption.
Brightness peaks at 1600 nits, improving outdoor visibility significantly compared to its predecessor. HDR10+ support enhances streaming quality, while the 10-bit panel ensures accurate color reproduction. The display is also PWM dimming-friendly, reducing eye strain during prolonged use.
Performance & Software
Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, the Nothing Phone (2) offers flagship-level performance. Paired with up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, it handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps effortlessly. Benchmark scores align with other premium mid-range devices, though it doesn’t quite match the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phones.
Nothing OS 2.0, based on Android 13 (upgradable to Android 14), is a near-stock experience with minimal bloatware. The UI is clean, fast, and packed with customization options, including unique Glyph lighting effects. Regular updates and a commitment to three years of OS upgrades add long-term value.
Camera Performance
The dual-camera setup includes a 50MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor (f/1.9) and a 50MP ultra-wide (Samsung JN1, f/2.2). The primary lens captures detailed, well-exposed shots in daylight, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. Low-light performance is decent, thanks to OIS and improved computational photography.
The ultra-wide lens maintains consistency in color science but struggles slightly with edge distortion. Night mode enhances darker scenes, though noise creeps in at extreme low light. The 32MP front camera delivers sharp selfies with natural skin tones.
Video recording maxes out at 4K@60fps with EIS, producing stable footage. However, it lacks Dolby Vision or 8K recording, which some competitors offer.
Battery Life & Charging
A 4700mAh battery powers the device, providing a full day of moderate to heavy use. With the adaptive 120Hz display and efficient chipset, screen-on time averages 6-7 hours. Standby drain is minimal due to software optimizations.
Wired charging supports 45W (0-100% in ~55 minutes), while wireless charging caps at 15W. Reverse wireless charging (5W) is a handy addition for accessories.
Audio & Haptics
Stereo speakers deliver clear, balanced sound with decent bass, though they lack the depth of high-end flagships. The absence of a 3.5mm jack may disappoint some users. Haptic feedback is precise and tactile, enhancing typing and gaming experiences.
Connectivity & Extras
5G support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC are all present. The under-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable. IP54 rating offers splash resistance but falls short of full waterproofing.
Pricing & Competition
Starting at $599 (12GB/256GB), the Nothing Phone (2) competes with the Google Pixel 7, OnePlus 11, and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. It stands out with its unique design and Glyph Interface but lacks some premium features like periscope zoom or IP68 rating.
Final Verdict
The Nothing Phone (2) is a compelling package for those seeking a distinctive, well-performing smartphone. It excels in design, display, and software but has minor compromises in cameras and durability. If you value aesthetics and a clean Android experience, it’s worth considering. However, power users may prefer alternatives with more advanced hardware.