By Christopher David, Techitup ME – A David Media Company
Nothing, launched the much-awaited Phone (2), it’s latest flagship smartphone in the GCC on 17th July 2023. Although the Phone (2) was launched in other global markets earlier this month on 11th July, the GGC launch took place at an unveiling event in Dubai. I have been using Nothing products like, Phone (1), Ear (2) since few months now and they do make a statement. Naturally, I was curious about what upgrades will be seen with Phone (2), and finally it’s here and looking better with handy upgrades.
Let’s first check out the clear upgrades we have in the Phone (2) as compared to Phone (1).
| SPECS | PHONE (1) | PHONE (2) |
| Display Size | 6.55in OLED, 1080×2400, 60-120Hz | 6.7in LPTO AMOLED, 2412 x 1080, 1Hz-120Hz |
| (Glyph) LED Hubs | 12 | 33 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB |
| Battery | 4500mAh, 33W wired, 15W wireless | 4700mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless |
| Camera | Main: 50MP, Ultrawide: 50MP, Front: 16MP | Main: 50MP, Ultrawide: 50MP, Front: 32MP |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3mm, 193.5g | 162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6mm, 201.2g |
| Colors Available | Black/White | Black/White |
| IP Rating | IP53 | IP54 |
You will clearly notice good enough upgrades in Nothing Phone (2) as compared to what we had in the Phone (1). The most noticeable would be the size of-course as Phone (2) has a slightly bigger display and different dimensions but the weight has changed marginally. The processor is a clear upgrade to a much faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, one of the fastest in the market, if not the best. The Front camera gets a clear upgrade to 32MP from 16MP. Glyph interface has now more LEDs flashing, 33 to be precise as compared to 12 on the previous variant. In terms of Storage the capacity on the 12GB variant can now have max storage of 512GB as compared to 256GB earlier. Battery is slightly improved, to 4700mAh as compared to 4500mAh for Phone (1).
Glyph Interface
The Glyph Interface still remains the most good-looking part of the phone sitting at the back. What I like about the Brand Nothing is that they literally want you to minimize your phone usage when it’s not required. They promote intentional smartphone use and avoid distractions as much as possible. Any brand would want you to keep using their product for as long as possible during the day/night, but that’s not the case with Nothing. For instance, take cues from apps sending you constant notifications to reconnect with their app or get back to what you were doing on their app. But with Nothing’s Glyph Interface, you can ‘Flip the Glyph’, it goes on silent and you can minimize the phone usage with lights flashing only on your assigned important notifications. In my view, that’s the whole idea of the Glyph Interface, to reduce screentime.
For now, it supports charging progress, countdown timer progress, the regular contact assigned notifications to know who’s calling or trying to message you. If you have assigned non important notifications on a particular pattern, then you know you don’t need to check them right away. For important ones you can choose what to do.
The Uber app is now integrated with the Phone (2) and you can check the progress of your ride with the reducing timer LED. Of course, you still have the option of checking this on the main screen but if you are looking at disconnecting from other apps for some time, the back timer is a cool option. Once you turn your phone to the main screen, you will not just check the Uber app but there are thousands of other notifications waiting for you there. Hopefully we will see other integrations here with Noon food or Talabat and other delivery apps.
Green Tech
A time when governments, businesses and individuals are all looking at sustainability as priority, Nothing shines in the aspect with its efforts. Phone (2) has achieved a 5 kg reduction of CO2, representing Nothing’s ongoing commitment to sustainability across the years. Phone (2) has used 100% recycled aluminum for its middle frame, buttons, and SIM tray tip. 80% of its plastic parts made from recycled and bio-based materials and the 9 circuit boards, with 100% recycled tin. 100% recycled copper foils have been used for the main board and over 90% recycled steel used for all 28 steel stamping parts. Noting claims that Zero waste from the assembling process ends up in landfills and 100% renewable energy is used across the final assembly plant and the recycled aluminum production plant. It is also FSC MIX certified (The Forest Stewardship Council), for plastic-free packaging with over 60% recycled fiber.
Camera
Phone (2) sports 2 cameras at the rear, both 50MP, with the main camera using a Sony IMX890 lens, a slightly better version of IMX766 which the Phone (1) uses. Do select between 12MP and 50MP while clicking pictures, as 12MP could be selected by default once you switch the camera on. The second camera is the Ultrawide 50MP again, using Samsung JN1 sensor with a Tetracell color. You can also shoot macro shots keeping the phone as far as 4cm away from the subject with the same lens. Do choose Macro from the more options. The Front camera is enhanced from 16MP on Phone (1) to 32MP on Phone (2), giving you much better shots and clearer images in Selfie mode. The main camera also supports 4K video recording at 60fps which was earlier 30fps with Phone (1), while with the front camera you will be able to shoot videos of max 1080P at 60fps. Explore the expert mode for raw images and all other features like slow-mo, time-lapse can all be found in the camera app. The Motion On feature has been added on Phone (2) which you can explore to click shots of moving objects and they work just fine. There is also an addition of the Action Mode to shoot intense videos or faster moving objects.
Note: My photography skills aren’t that great, its mostly just point and shoot, nothing more.
Display & Battery
Nothing Phone 2 sports a bigger screen this time, 6.7” flexible LTPO AMOLED display with Corning® Gorilla® Glass and 2412×1080 pixel resolution at 394 ppi. The LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology for displays is used by top manufacturers to maintain higher refresh speeds on devices without affecting battery life. On the Phone (2), this will adjust the refresh rate dynamically from 1Hz-120Hz depending on what you are doing with the phone, while maintaining the user experience and conserving battery life. The volume buttons and the main power buttons all sit on the side panels exactly like its predecessor. Overall display quality is sharp and outdoor brightness reaches a max of 1600 nits as and when you step into a bright environment (very common in Dubai). With IP54 rating the Phone (2) is splash, water and dust resistant, but you do not want to drop, immerse or dip it in water, it may literally turn in to Nothing.
The Phone (2) sports a 4700mAh battery which is a slight upgrade from Phone (1) and will take around an hour for a full charge from 0% – 100%. The battery lasted an entire day, even more with moderate or heavy use, no high-intensity gaming though. Its good to see the reverse charging in Phone (2) as well, especially when you are on the go and your wearables need just a bit of nudge to get you going. Phone (2) does not ship with a charger, so you may have to get your own (Only use with chargers compatible with PPS/PD3.0/PD2.0/QC4.0/QC3.0/QC2.0 /DCP/SDP/CDP).
What’s Inside
Phone (2) has three variants available, 8GB RAM + 128GB memory, 12GB RAM + 256GB memory and 12GB RAM + 512GB memory. The highest capacity in Phone (1) was 256 GB memory. Phone (2) sports the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 8+ Gen 1 chipset, not the latest but quite a few devices are using this in their 2023 launches. Considering the pricing, clear upgrades, a better device, the chipset still a powerful choice for Phone (2) as it offers more than Phone (1), maintains the phone performance and you are not paying unrealistic sums for buying a smartphone. With moderate to heavy usage, the phone performs like a charm, no lags, no hangs, streaming is a great experience with the display size, the touch sensors are quite smooth and will enhance your experience.
Nothing OS 2 is brilliant as the UI brings in a lot of fresh ideas and widgets/shortcuts to the home screen. There’s a lot happening on the home screen with widgets, which you can customize of course and place them on home/lock screens as you prefer. The monochrome look is absolutely fresh and is a treat to the eyes. If you are in public, with friends, your phone is definitely going to look different, feel different than all other phones. People will want to check it out. You will have to explore the different widgets and settings available which are quite simple to prioritize your home screen with handy apps.
Pricing & Availability
| Prices | Availability |
| UAE 12+256GB – 2,499 AED 12+512GB – 2,799 AED | UAE Sharaf DG Amazon (UAE) Jumbo Virgin Megastore Eros |
| KSA 12+256GB – 2,799 SAR 12+512GB – 3,099 SAR | KSA Jarir Bookstore |
| Kuwait 12+256GB – 209 KWD 12+512GB – 239 KWD | Kuwait Xcite (Kuwait) |
| Bahrain 12+256GB – 269 BHD 12+512GB – 299 BHD | Bahrain Sharaf DG |
Verdict – The Phone 2 is an extremely good-looking phone, which performs too. The display, UI, camera, glyph interface, battery, phone performance is all extremely satisfying. The Phone (2) seems to be fairly priced with the upgrades and the freshness in device look and feel. Although, would have been really nice to have the charger shipped along with the package. Also, a telephoto lens option would have enhanced the device a bit more. Overall, Nothing as a brand is fresh, innovative and Phone (2) is one example of how you can build a well performing device that looks awesome.
