Getting started with the Nothing Phone (2): the same and better

We were able to take control of the Nothing Phone (2) before its release! Here are our first impressions before the test is published very soon.

A design revised for the better

At first glance, the design of the Nothing Phone (2) is a carbon copy of its predecessor. But you shouldn’t trust it. The differences are many. Of course, the young London brand has taken over the general idea to help establish its identity, but the general impression is as follows: if the Phone (1) could have a somewhat toy aspect, the Phone (2) is completely free of it.

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The first undeniable is the reduction in the size of the borders around the screen at the front. These have lost some 0.4 mm, but that makes its small difference when comparing with the old model. We gain in viewing comfort. We also lose some with the punch, which has moved to the center, rather than to the left corner as on the Phone (1).

The general grip has clearly gained in comfort. This is due to two factors in my eyes: the frame has been thinned slightly, and this is undoubtedly very personal, but I find the contact of the aluminum more pleasant on the Phone (2). This one gives less the impression of being soft“. Second important factor for the grip, Nothing has made a choice that should cleave by integrating a curved glass back.

In writing, this choice divides, but for my part, I find that it pays off in terms of comfort once held in hand.

Improved glyph

The Glyph, this set of LEDs on the back of the phone that makes its whole identity, has been reworked. We have, you will surely have noticed, more different segments, which makes it possible to further accentuate the flashing side.

More specifically, the entire manufacturing process has been reviewed. If on the Phone (1), the LEDs had been placed on plastic elements, Nothing wanted to make everything more graceful. The LED strip was laid first, then a full molding was laid over it. The coating used that can be seen under the glass also has more texture and shine. It definitely gives a better finished look to the phone.

The Glyph of course retains the same attributes as on the Phone (1), with some significant additions:

• A composer that lets you have fun with fivesound boards, connected directly to the LEDs on the back of the phone. What create a ringtone that your colleagues will love…
• When varying the volume, the LED at the top of the center circle indicates what percentage you are at.
• In the same vein, in the long term, all applications with an Uber-like waiting time could use this LED to tell you where you are.

A more advanced interface

The Nothing Phone (2) interface has been reworked. It is now called Nothing OS 2.0. This is not just a new version, but a complete overhaul. Nothing OS 1.0 was made by a team external to Nothing. As soon as the Phone (1) was released, the company hired a team (including many former OxygenOS at OnePlus) to start from scratch.

The result is frankly convincing. The shortcuts pane, for example, has been subtly reworked to make it more user-friendly. We can also note a big effort on widgets and the work of monochrome icons. Nothing pushes you to organize your home screen in such a way that you don’t have to continually rummage through the app drawer. Note also the addition of widgets directly on the lock screen, which remain visible even in always-on display.

Photos, but no comments

Here is a quick sample of the photos taken with the Nothing Phone (2):

Nothing Phone Price (2)

Phone (2) will be available in white and dark gray starting July 21. Pre-orders are already open.

Three configurations are offered for three different prices:

• 8 GB and 128 GB for 679 euros;
• 12 GB and 256 GB for 729 euros;
• 12 GB and 512 GB for 849 euros.