Nothing, a London-based smartphone company, marked its debut last year. Presently, it has revealed the follow-up device, the Nothing Phone (2), a noteworthy enhancement in design over its predecessor, the Nothing Phone (1).
Similar to the original model, the Nothing Phone (2) boasts a flat front with angular sides, bearing a striking resemblance to an iPhone. The screen now offers a larger display, and the selfie camera has shifted to the central top position instead of the left edge. However, the phone’s back holds the most significant transformations.
On first touch, the Nothing Phone (2) gives a distinctly different feel, thanks to the novel, cushioned, contoured design replacing last year’s completely flat back. This unique shape provides an exceptional hand-feel, and the orientation of the phone is easily recognizable just by touch.
Anyone familiar with the Nothing Phone (1) would know about its signature transparent glass back, revealing the internal parts and the Glyphs, the LED light strips that respond to commands.
The aesthetics of these components have been significantly elevated. The previously ACME bomb-like wireless charging panel now sports a flawlessly circular cut-out at its center. The phone is available in two color options: white and dark gray.
Additionally, the Glyphs now come with more versatile features, details of which we will get to shortly.
The display on Phone (2) has slightly increased to 6.7 inches from 6.55 inches on Phone (1), with a pixel density of 394 ppi, a marginal drop from last year’s 402 ppi. But this minor reduction is hardly discernible, in fact, the display on the new phone is notably brighter. It continues to provide an adaptive refresh rate, ranging from 120Hz to as low as 1Hz, depending on the content.
Being an Android phone, it maintains a unique look among other smartphones. This distinctiveness owes much to the emphasis on monochrome design, providing the option to replace colorful app icons with black-and-white counterparts. This contributes to an elegant, minimalist look that aligns with Nothing’s mission of promoting mindful smartphone usage.
In Nothing’s main screen of widgets, the monochrome theme dominates, with minimal exceptions such as the red second hand of the analog clock or minute color indicators for notifications. The brand’s hallmark dot-matrix printer style is mirrored in the simplistic design of its icons.
This design language extends to the always-on display, showcasing the time, date, and weather, among others.
The LED strips on the phone’s back are now more refined, exhibiting varied shapes, and enhanced functionality. For instance, the Glyphs can now be programmed as a countdown timer with a gradually adjusting light strip.
The Nothing Phone (2) is priced starting at $599 (£579 in the U.K.). Pre-orders have just begun. It’s available for purchase in New York at 69 Gansevoort Street from 7PM Eastern.
In London, the device can be purchased at the Nothing Store at 4 Peter Street, starting 5PM London time. The general sale will commence later this month.
