Nothing has announced Phone 2, its highly anticipated second-generation flagship smartphone.
It's actually called Phone (2), but I'm ditching the parentheses as they never look good in headlines or used repeatedly in copy.
Phone 2 includes much of what made the first Nothing handset exciting and fun, but makes notable steps up in the processor, the unique glyph interface on the rear of the phone, the camera software and the operating system.
I’ve been using it for about a week – it would have been longer were it not for Brexit, but that’s another story. These are my first impressions…
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Design and build
Phone 2 looks a lot like the Phone 1 but once you pick it up you notice it looks and feels more premium in the hand. It’s made from recycled aluminium and glass and has a more ergonomic hands-on experience thanks to a 1 mm thinner frame and a gently curved glass rear.
The improved Glyph Interface at the back has more usefulness this time around.
The pattern of LEDs in the rear of the phone now has 33 separate zones, allowing for more customisation and some clever functions, like a countdown timer that can be graphically displayed on the rear of the phone with a line that recedes. It works with only one third-party app currently, Uber, but the firm hopes to have other apps on board soon.
Other new Glyph features includes additional functionalities such as a volume checker and timer.
Essential Glyph Notifications means when receiving a notification from selected contacts or apps, the top-right LED segment will remain on until it has been addressed.
And I love the new Glyph Composer which allows you to create your own unique Glyph Ringtones. It’s great fun.
Display
Phone 2 has a slightly larger stunning 6.7in OLED display with LTPO tech on board to improve battery efficiency.
The refresh rate goes from 1Hz to 120Hz. The resolution is FHD+ and there is 394 ppi pixel density.
The phone is rated for 1000 nits brightness, with 1600 nits peak brightness, and the display supports HDR.
Performance
Phone 2 features a revamped Nothing OS 2.0 (over Android 13) which I love. It’s refreshing and unique yet still delivers a fast and smooth experience that embodies Nothing's unique aesthetics.
The Nothing icon pack removes the colour from your app icons to give the device a striking monochrome finish that is unique.
Most importantly, apps open quickly and transitions and animations are smooth and fluid.
Cameras
Phone 2 has a much improved camera experience which I will discuss in detail in my full review.
It sports a 50MP dual rear camera with advanced algorithms, incidentally. The main sensor is a Sony IMX890.
The firm said the 18-bit Image Signal Processor (ISP) on board has the ability to process camera data up to 4,000 times more than its predecessor, Phone 1.
There’s also advanced HDR and Motion Capture 2, an AI tech to track moving subjects in real time.
You can shoot video at up to 4K 60 frames per second (fps) or up to full HD on the front camera. There’s an Action mode along with built-in EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) and OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation).
Battery life
The 4700mAh power pack delivers impressive endurance based on my limited use so far.
Recharging is not earth-shattering at 45W for wired charging, 15W for wireless charging and 5W for reverse charging.
In fairness, it’s as fast as the biggest companies in the market, Samsung and Apple.
First impressions verdict
Like Nothing’s three sets of earphones and its debut handset, Phone 2 turns heads and grabs admiring glances and is one of the most eye-catching smartphones you can use.
Availability and pricing
● Phone (2) is available in both white and dark grey, with three variants in United Kingdom/Ireland to choose from: 8GB/128GB (£579, €679), 12GB/256GB (£629, €729), and the 12GB/512GB (£699, €849).
● UK users will have the chance to be amongst the first in the world to purchase Phone (2), as well as get some exclusive perks and offers available on a first come first served basis. Full details are below. The address is Nothing Store Soho, 4 Peter Street, Soho, London, W1F 0AD and the pening hours are 17:00 - 20:00 BST. On the day, fans will be able to purchase the discounted Limited Launch Edition box, which includes a 12GB+512 GB Phone (2) in the new dark grey colourway, 45W fast power adapter, case and Ear (Stick).
● Customers in Ireland, the US, UK, and rest of Europe will be able to pre-order Phone (2) via nothing.tech beginning on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 16:30 BST. ● Phone (2) will be publicly available for purchase in the US, UK, Europe, and in India, via nothing.tech on Friday, July 17, 2023 at 09:00 BST.
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