After using the Nothing Phone 2 as my secondary device for over a month, I’m ready to share my in-depth review. Here’s a look at what this uniquely designed Android phone does right, where it falls short, and how it stacks up to rivals like Google’s Pixel 7 series.
What I Like About the Nothing Phone 2
- Fluid 120Hz display with vibrant colors
- Zippy performance thanks to Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip
- Excellent battery life – consistently 6.5 to 8 hours screen-on time
- Clean software build of Android 13 with useful customization options
- Glyph interface lighting is customizable and fun when notifications arrive
- Solid build quality and durable aluminum frame
- Loud stereo speakers that sound great for videos and games
- Regular software updates and good optimization by Nothing so far
- High value for the price compared to phones loaded with bloatware
Room for Improvement
- Large and heavy body not ideal for one-handed use
- Poor quality pre-installed screen protector scratched easily
- Glyph interface lighting needs more customization and functionality
- Camera performance trails top phones from Apple, Samsung, and Google
- Haptic feedback is just average and could be more refined
- Default ringtones are too quirky for some – needs more normal options
- Some widgets look nice but aren’t fully interactive or useful
- Video recording straightening feature is over aggressive and annoying
- Only available on Flipkart in India – should be on other major retailers
- Pricing could be slightly more competitive against Pixel 6a and 7a
Detailed Assessment of the Nothing Phone 2
Here is an in-depth look at the key aspects and features of the Nothing Phone 2 based on my experience:
Display
- 6.7″ FHD+ OLED 120Hz screen
- Good brightness, colors, and fluidity
- Protected by a cheap low-quality plastic screen protector
The display quality is excellent, with smooth scrolling and vibrant image rendering. But the pre-installed screen protector scratched incredibly easily – should have been left off.
Performance
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor
- 8GB RAM / 128GB storage base model
- Remains fast and responsive even under heavy use
With the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, performance is consistently speedy and fluid. Heavy multitasking or demanding games are handled with ease.
Battery Life
- 4700 mAh battery capacity
- 6.5 to 8 hours screen-on time consistently
- Excellent standby time – can last 2 days on a full charge
Despite a lower capacity battery than expected, the Phone 2 delivers superb battery life thanks to software optimizations. Easily lasts 1.5-2 days for most users.
Software
- Nothing OS based on Android 13
- Useful customization options but fairly stock overall
- Some thoughtful widgets but room to improve
- Regular updates and bug fixes so far
Nothing OS offers a clean and smooth Android experience much like Google’s Pixel phones. But there is room to enhance the usability and interactivity of some widgets and features.
Cameras
- 50MP main + 16MP ultrawide rear cameras
- 13MP selfie camera
- Decent quality but trails top camera phones
While versatile and capable of good shots, the Phone 2’s cameras don’t match the Pixel 7 or iPhone 14 series, especially in low light. But quality is very solid for the price.
- Glyph light-up interface on rear is customizable
- Lights up with sounds and notifications
- Has some functional uses but needs more customization
The Glyph interface is a central fun feature of the Phone 2. But it needs an app to control the per notification behavior and colors for the lights. More customization options would make it far more useful.
Build Quality
- Glass front + aluminum frame + Gorilla Glass 5 back
- Large footprint and heavy 217g weight
- Sturdy construction that can take some drops
With premium materials, the Nothing Phone 2 feels solidly built. But it’s quite large and heavy compared to other phones with its 6.7″ screen.
Other Details
- In-display fingerprint scanner works quickly and accurately
- Loud stereo speakers but lacks Dolby Atmos
- 5G connectivity
- No official IP rating for dust/water resistance
Despite some rough edges that need polish, the Nothing Phone 2 delivers a uniquely fun Android experience with lots of speed and battery life for the cost. For techies who want something different, it’s a compelling option. But the Pixel 7 provides a more refined experience for not much more money.
With smart updates and refinements, Nothing could have a serious Pixel rival on its hands with the Phone 3. But for now, Google still leads the way in terms of Android software and camera experiences. The Phone 2 comes close in many areas and has lots of potential if Nothing continues improving it.