Nothing Phone (1)

The Nothing Phone (1), released on July 16, 2022, presents a distinctive design and a solid mid-range performance profile. It measures 159.2mm in height, 75.8mm in width, and 8.3mm in depth, weighing in at 193.5 grams.

Build Quality The device features a unique transparent back design with the "Glyph Interface," which consists of LED lights that can be customized for notifications and other functions. The construction feels robust, although it's not officially rated for water or dust resistance. The phone utilizes a flat aluminum frame sandwiched between two glass panels, with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 providing protection for the front display.

Screen Quality The Nothing Phone (1) sports a 6.55-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 402 ppi. The screen offers a 120Hz refresh rate and supports HDR10+, with peak brightness reaching 1200 nits and a typical brightness of 500 nits. It has a color depth of 1 billion colors, and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, ensuring vibrant and sharp visuals. Additionally, a 240Hz touch sampling rate is included, enhancing responsiveness during gaming and other touch-intensive tasks. The display features a hole-punch notch for the selfie camera.

Camera Performance The device houses a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 50MP primary lens using a Sony IMX766 sensor with an aperture of f/1.88, a pixel size of 1.00µm, and optical image stabilization (OIS), coupled with a 50MP ultrawide/macro lens using a Samsung S5KJN1 sensor with an aperture of f/2.2, a pixel size of 0.64µm, and a 114º field of view. The camera system offers 4K video recording at 30fps, and 1080p at 30/60fps, all with HDR and EIS. It also supports a slow-motion video at 120fps. The front-facing camera is a 16MP Sony IMX471 sensor with an aperture of f/2.2 and a pixel size of 1.00µm. The camera offers features such as autofocus, touch focus, manual focus, phase detection autofocus (PDAF), RAW capture, and a dedicated night mode.

Software Experience The Nothing Phone (1) ships with Android 12, but is upgradable to Android 15, with a near-stock Android experience enhanced by Nothing's custom user interface. This UI emphasizes simplicity, and smooth performance is ensured through minimal bloatware. The device is slated for three years of Android OS upgrades and four years of security patches.

Battery Performance The phone is equipped with a 4500mAh Li-Ion battery. While it includes 33W fast charging support, it does not come with a charger in the box. Wireless charging is supported at 15W, with reverse wireless charging at 5W. The battery supports reverse charging and is not user-removable.

Value for Money The Nothing Phone (1) is positioned in the medium price range. It offers multiple configurations: 8GB of RAM with 128GB or 256GB of storage, or 12GB of RAM with 256GB of storage. Pricing varies based on the selected configuration and market, however the 8GB/256GB version has been seen at $302.17 and $529.00, while the 12GB/256GB version can be found between $349.50 - $382.90. The phone provides a unique design and solid mid-range specifications, potentially representing a compelling option for users looking for a device with an emphasis on style and an efficient user experience. The inclusion of NFC, along with comprehensive connectivity options, and capable camera system further bolster its overall value proposition.