The Nothing Phone 1 arrived with considerable fanfare, largely due to its unique transparent design and Glyph Interface, aiming to offer a refreshing take on the crowded smartphone market.

Overall, it delivers a compelling mid-range experience, excelling in design aesthetics and offering a surprisingly smooth software experience, though it doesn’t quite redefine the category in terms of raw performance or camera prowess.

It’s a solid contender for those seeking something different and appreciate thoughtful design over bleeding-edge specs.

Here’s a comparison of the Nothing Phone 1 with other notable tech products you might consider for a complementary experience or as alternatives:

Nothing Phone 2
- Key Features: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, improved Glyph Interface, larger battery, enhanced camera sensors.
- Price: ~$600-700
- Pros: Significant performance upgrade, refined design, better battery life, more versatile camera.
- Cons: Higher price point, still a relatively niche ecosystem.
Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen
- Key Features: A15 Bionic chip, compact design, strong ecosystem integration, IP67 water resistance.
- Price: ~$400-500
- Pros: Unmatched performance for the price, excellent long-term software support, compact form factor.
- Cons: Outdated design, LCD display, single camera, smaller battery.
Google Pixel 7a
- Key Features: Google Tensor G2 chip, exceptional computational photography, clean Android experience, timely updates.
- Price: ~$450-500
- Pros: Best-in-class camera for its price, smooth software, good performance, durable build.
- Cons: Average battery life, display refresh rate capped at 90Hz.
Samsung Galaxy A54
- Key Features: Vibrant AMOLED display, long software support, good battery life, IP67 rating.
- Price: ~$400-450
- Pros: Excellent display, reliable battery, strong software commitment from Samsung, widely available.
- Cons: Performance can be inconsistent, plastic build feels less premium than some rivals.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
- Key Features: Industry-leading noise cancellation, exceptional audio quality, comfortable design, multi-point connectivity.
- Price: ~$350-400
- Pros: Superior ANC, immersive sound, great for travel and focus, premium build.
- Cons: Non-folding design, higher price.
Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 Power Bank
- Key Features: 25600mAh capacity, 60W USB-C PD output, fast charging for laptops and phones.
- Price: ~$80-100
- Pros: Massive capacity, charges multiple devices quickly, reliable for long trips.
- Cons: Bulky and heavy, takes a while to recharge itself.
Fitbit Charge 6
- Key Features: Comprehensive health tracking heart rate, ECG, SpO2, EDA, GPS, Google integration, long battery life.
- Price: ~$150-170
- Pros: Accurate health metrics, excellent sleep tracking, convenient for daily activity monitoring.
- Cons: Small display for notifications, some features require Fitbit Premium subscription.

Table of Contents

The Design and Glyph Interface: A Bold Statement

The Nothing Phone 1 truly stands out in a sea of increasingly similar smartphones, primarily thanks to its transparent back and the integrated Glyph Interface. This isn’t just about aesthetics. it’s about making a deliberate statement and rethinking how a device interacts with its user.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

Nothing opted for an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, giving the Phone 1 a surprisingly premium in-hand feel for its price point. The flat edges are reminiscent of recent iPhones, contributing to a modern and sleek look. The transparency isn’t absolute. it’s more of a semi-transparent effect that reveals some internal components, though not all. This design choice highlights a commitment to showing off the engineering rather than hiding it, which is refreshing.

Material choices: Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 front and back.
Dimensions and Weight: 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm, 193.5g. It feels substantial without being overly heavy.
Attention to detail: The visible screws and neatly arranged components under the glass demonstrate an unusual level of industrial design focus.

Understanding the Glyph Interface

This is where the Phone 1 truly differentiates itself. The Glyph Interface consists of a series of LED light strips on the back that illuminate for notifications, incoming calls, charging status, and even as a fill light for the camera. It’s more than just a gimmick. it’s a new form of visual communication.

Customization: Users can assign different light patterns and haptic vibrations to specific contacts or app notifications, allowing for “light ringtones” that provide information at a glance, even when the phone is face down.
Functionality beyond notifications:
- Charging indicator: A bottom light strip gradually fills up as the phone charges.
- Google Assistant feedback: Lights can pulse when the Assistant is active.
- Reverse charging indicator: A small light around the wireless charging coil indicates when it’s actively charging another device.
- Camera fill light: All Glyph lights can illuminate to provide a softer, more diffused light than a standard flash.
Practicality: While initially it might seem like a novelty, the ability to discern the importance of a notification without flipping the phone over or constantly checking the screen is surprisingly practical, especially in meetings or social settings where you want to stay present but still be aware. It leverages our innate ability to notice light changes, providing a subtler form of alerts than constant screen flashes or loud vibrations.

Display: A Smooth Visual Experience

The Nothing Phone 1 features a 6.55-inch flexible OLED display that offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, characteristic of OLED panels. It’s a strong performer in its category, delivering a pleasant viewing experience for media consumption and daily use.

Panel Quality and Brightness

The OLED panel chosen for the Phone 1 provides excellent contrast and color reproduction.

Watching videos or browsing photos is a genuinely enjoyable experience on this screen.

Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels FHD+, which is sharp enough for most users on a display of this size.
Peak Brightness: Capable of reaching up to 1200 nits in peak brightness, ensuring good readability even in direct sunlight. This is particularly useful outdoors, making navigation and messaging hassle-free.
HDR10+ Support: Enhances dynamic range for compatible content, making movies and shows look more vivid and lifelike.
Always-On Display AOD: Allows for quick glances at time, date, and notifications without fully waking the screen, balancing convenience with battery efficiency.

Refresh Rate and Touch Sampling

A high refresh rate is no longer a luxury but a standard expectation in modern smartphones, and the Phone 1 delivers with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

120Hz Refresh Rate: This makes scrolling through social media feeds, navigating menus, and playing supported games feel incredibly fluid and responsive. The difference from a standard 60Hz panel is immediately noticeable and contributes significantly to the perceived smoothness of the user experience.
Adaptive Nature: The display can dynamically adjust its refresh rate down to 60Hz or even lower for static content to conserve battery life, which is a smart power management feature.

Performance: Daily Driver Capabilities

Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 1 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G chipset. This is a mid-range processor, but it’s a well-optimized one, and Nothing’s software plays a significant role in making the most of it.

Snapdragon 778G+ 5G Capabilities

This particular variant of the Snapdragon 778G is slightly overclocked, offering a marginal boost in performance.

It’s built on a 6nm process, which contributes to its efficiency. Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus Review

CPU and GPU: Features a Kryo 670 CPU and an Adreno 642L GPU.
Daily Tasks: For everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, emailing, and messaging, the Phone 1 is remarkably fluid. Apps open quickly, multitasking is generally smooth, and there’s little to no noticeable lag.
Light Gaming: It handles most casual games with ease. Even graphically more demanding titles like Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact are playable, though you might need to lower graphics settings for the smoothest experience. It’s not a gaming phone, but it won’t disappoint the casual gamer.
Connectivity: The “Plus” in the 778G+ signifies enhanced capabilities, including robust 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections.

Nothing OS and Software Experience

One of the strongest aspects of the Phone 1’s performance is how well Nothing OS is optimized for its hardware. Nothing OS is a custom Android skin, but it’s deliberately minimalist and bloatware-free, aiming for a clean and fast user experience akin to stock Android.

Clean and Minimalist: The UI is uncluttered, with a unique dot-matrix font used throughout and custom widgets that maintain Nothing’s distinct aesthetic. There’s no unnecessary pre-installed software or duplicate apps.
Smooth Animations: The fluidity of the 120Hz display is complemented by well-designed, smooth animations that contribute to a premium feel.
Useful Features:
- Nothing Widgets: Custom widgets for clock, weather, and quick settings that align with the Phone 1’s visual identity.
- Quick Settings Access: Thoughtfully designed quick settings panel for easy access to common toggles.
- Game Mode: Optimizes performance and minimizes distractions during gaming sessions.
- Glyph Interface Integration: Seamless integration of the Glyph Interface controls within the settings, allowing for easy customization of light patterns.
Software Updates: Nothing has committed to 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security updates, which is commendable for a mid-range device and ensures the phone remains relevant and secure for a significant period. This commitment to long-term support adds significant value to the device. The timely delivery of Nothing OS 2.0 based on Android 13 further demonstrates this commitment.

Camera System: Capable, Not Class-Leading

The Nothing Phone 1 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultrawide sensor. While it’s a solid performer for its price, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of flagship phone cameras, nor does it consistently outperform some of the computational photography titans like Google Pixel devices in the same segment.

Rear Camera Performance

The main 50MP sensor Sony IMX766 with OIS is the workhorse of the camera system, and it generally produces good results in well-lit conditions.

Main Sensor 50MP Sony IMX766 with OIS:
- Daylight Photography: In good lighting, photos are sharp, detailed, and exhibit natural colors. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization OIS is a significant plus, helping to reduce blur in photos and smooth out video footage, especially in challenging conditions.
- Low Light: Performance in low light is decent, though not exceptional. The dedicated Night Mode does a fair job of brightening scenes and preserving some detail, but images can sometimes appear soft or introduce noise in very dark areas.
- Dynamic Range: The dynamic range is generally good, handling contrasting light and shadow areas reasonably well, preventing blown-out highlights or crushed blacks in most scenarios.
Ultrawide Sensor 50MP Samsung JN1 with EIS:
- Quality: The 50MP resolution helps maintain detail even in ultrawide shots, which often suffer from softer edges on other phones. Color consistency between the main and ultrawide lenses is fairly good, ensuring a cohesive look.
- Macro Mode: This ultrawide lens also doubles as a macro camera, allowing for close-up shots of subjects. While not as dedicated as some macro lenses, it’s a functional addition.
Video Recording: The Phone 1 can record video up to 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps. OIS on the main sensor helps stabilize footage, leading to reasonably smooth videos for casual use.

Front Camera and Software Features

The front-facing camera is a 16MP sensor, suitable for selfies and video calls.

Selfie Quality: In good light, selfies are clear and have decent detail. Portrait mode on the front camera provides a reasonable background blur effect.
Software Enhancements: Nothing OS offers a clean camera interface with common modes like Portrait, Night, Slow-mo, and Time-lapse. There’s also a Glyph fill light option, which utilizes the rear LEDs to provide a softer, more even light source for portraits or close-ups, which can be quite effective in dimly lit environments compared to a harsh traditional flash.
No Telephoto Lens: It’s worth noting the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens, meaning digital zoom is relied upon for magnified shots, which inevitably leads to a loss of detail beyond 2x zoom.

Battery Life and Charging: Solid Endurance

The Nothing Phone 1 is equipped with a 4,500mAh battery, which, combined with the efficient Snapdragon 778G+ processor and Nothing OS optimization, delivers a solid day’s worth of usage for most users.

Battery Longevity

For a mid-range phone, the battery performance is commendable.

All-Day Usage: With moderate usage browsing, social media, messaging, some video streaming, the Phone 1 comfortably lasts a full day on a single charge. Many users will find they still have around 20-30% left by bedtime.
Adaptive Refresh Rate Impact: The adaptive 120Hz display plays a role in optimizing battery consumption, scaling down when the high refresh rate isn’t needed.
Standby Time: Standby battery drain is minimal, indicating good software optimization in the background.

Charging Speeds and Wireless Capabilities

While the Phone 1 supports respectable charging speeds, it’s important to note that it does not come with a charger in the box, a trend increasingly adopted by manufacturers for environmental or cost reasons.

Wired Charging: Supports 33W wired fast charging. With a compatible charger, the phone can go from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes, and a full charge takes approximately 70-80 minutes. This is a decent speed, though not the fastest in the market.
Wireless Charging: A notable inclusion for a phone in this price segment is 15W wireless charging. This adds a layer of convenience, allowing users to simply place their phone on a compatible charging pad.
Reverse Wireless Charging: The Phone 1 also supports 5W reverse wireless charging, a feature usually reserved for more expensive flagship devices. This allows you to charge other Qi-compatible accessories like earbuds e.g., Nothing Ear 1 by placing them on the back of the phone. This is a genuinely useful feature for those who rely on wireless earbuds. The Glyph Interface lights up around the charging coil to indicate when reverse wireless charging is active.

Audio Quality and Haptics: Immersive Feedback

The audio and haptic feedback on the Nothing Phone 1 are areas where it quietly excels, contributing to a more immersive and tactile user experience.

Stereo Speakers

The Phone 1 features stereo speakers, which provide a more balanced and richer sound profile compared to single, bottom-firing speakers found on many phones in this category.

Sound Quality: The stereo setup offers good separation and a surprising amount of clarity for a smartphone. While they won’t replace dedicated Bluetooth speakers, they are more than adequate for casual video watching, podcasts, and even some light podcast listening.
Volume: They can get reasonably loud without significant distortion at higher volumes, which is important for hands-free calls or sharing content.
No Headphone Jack: Like many modern smartphones, the Nothing Phone 1 does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. Users will need to rely on USB-C headphones or wireless audio solutions.

Haptic Feedback and Vibrations

Nothing has put a significant emphasis on the haptic feedback system, aiming for a crisp, precise, and satisfying tactile response. Canon Imageclass Mf452Dw Review

Linear Haptic Motor: The Phone 1 utilizes a high-quality linear haptic motor, which produces tight and accurate vibrations. This is a stark contrast to the often mushy and vague haptics found on many mid-range Android phones.
Tactile Experience: Typing on the keyboard feels much more satisfying due to the distinct and precise vibrations. Navigating the UI, receiving notifications, or performing gestures all trigger subtle yet noticeable haptic cues that enhance the overall interaction.
Glyph Interface Integration: The haptic motor works in conjunction with the Glyph Interface, creating synchronized light and vibration patterns for incoming calls and notifications. This multi-sensory feedback loop is a key part of the Phone 1’s unique user experience, offering a tangible connection to the device’s alerts. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in the premium feel of the phone.

Value Proposition and Target Audience

The Nothing Phone 1 arrived with a clear ambition: to disrupt the smartphone market with a unique identity.

Its value proposition isn’t solely about raw specs but a combination of distinctive design, a clean software experience, and thoughtful features that set it apart.

Price Point and Competition

When it launched, the Nothing Phone 1 was positioned squarely in the competitive mid-range segment.

Pricing: The pricing was aggressive, especially for the base models, making it an attractive option for those looking for something different without breaking the bank.

Who is the Nothing Phone 1 For?

The Phone 1 isn’t for everyone, and that’s precisely its strength.

It caters to a specific demographic that values innovation and design over benchmarks.

Design Enthusiasts: This is the primary audience. If you appreciate unique aesthetics, enjoy the transparent look, and are drawn to the novelty and functionality of the Glyph Interface, this phone is designed for you. It’s a statement piece.
Users Seeking a Clean Android Experience: If you’re tired of bloatware-laden skins and prefer a near-stock Android experience with thoughtful additions, Nothing OS is a breath of fresh air. It’s fast, fluid, and respects user privacy.
Individuals Who Appreciate Thoughtful Features: The subtle integration of the Glyph Interface, efficient haptics, and features like reverse wireless charging show a design philosophy focused on user experience rather than just piling on specs.
Early Adopters and Tech Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy trying out new brands and concepts will find the Phone 1 an intriguing device to experiment with.
Not for:
- Hardcore Gamers: While capable, it’s not designed for the absolute best mobile gaming performance.
- Photography Purists: While the camera is good, it won’t consistently beat the computational photography prowess of a Pixel in all scenarios, nor does it have the versatility of a flagship camera system with multiple focal lengths.
- Those Prioritizing Maximum Raw Power: If benchmarks are your sole metric, there might be other phones with newer, more powerful chips in the same price bracket, though they often lack the Phone 1’s distinct identity.

Ultimately, the Nothing Phone 1 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers a distinctive and enjoyable user experience.

It’s a testament to the idea that innovation in smartphones can still come from design and software ingenuity, not just incremental spec bumps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nothing Phone 1 waterproof?

No, the Nothing Phone 1 is not fully waterproof. It has an IP53 rating, which means it is resistant to dust and splashes of water, but it cannot be submerged in water.

Does the Nothing Phone 1 have a headphone jack?

No, the Nothing Phone 1 does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. You will need to use USB-C headphones or wireless earbuds.

What is the Glyph Interface on the Nothing Phone 1?

The Glyph Interface is a unique set of LED light strips on the back of the Phone 1 that illuminate for notifications, incoming calls, charging status, and can act as a camera fill light. Users can customize patterns for different alerts. Jlab Jbuds Air Pro Review

What processor does the Nothing Phone 1 use?

The Nothing Phone 1 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G chipset, a capable mid-range processor.

Does the Nothing Phone 1 support wireless charging?

Yes, the Nothing Phone 1 supports 15W wireless charging and also features 5W reverse wireless charging.

How long does the Nothing Phone 1 battery last?

The 4,500mAh battery in the Nothing Phone 1 typically provides a full day of moderate usage for most users.

How fast does the Nothing Phone 1 charge?

The Nothing Phone 1 supports 33W wired fast charging, allowing it to charge from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes. A full charge takes approximately 70-80 minutes.

Does the Nothing Phone 1 come with a charger in the box?

No, the Nothing Phone 1 does not include a charger in the box. You will need to purchase one separately or use an existing compatible charger.

What kind of display does the Nothing Phone 1 have?

The Nothing Phone 1 features a 6.55-inch flexible OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and HDR10+ support.

Is the Nothing Phone 1 good for gaming?

The Nothing Phone 1 is good for casual gaming and can handle many graphically demanding games at lower settings, thanks to its Snapdragon 778G+ 5G processor. It’s not a dedicated gaming phone but performs well for its class.

How many cameras does the Nothing Phone 1 have?

The Nothing Phone 1 has a dual-camera setup on the rear 50MP main with OIS, 50MP ultrawide with EIS and a 16MP front-facing camera.

Is the Nothing Phone 1 camera good?

Yes, the Nothing Phone 1 camera is good for its price segment, especially in well-lit conditions. The main sensor with OIS produces sharp and detailed photos, and the ultrawide is also capable.

What operating system does the Nothing Phone 1 run?

The Nothing Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS, which is a clean, minimalist, and bloatware-free Android skin designed for a fast and fluid user experience. Oneplus 10T Review

How many years of software updates will the Nothing Phone 1 receive?

Nothing has committed to providing 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security updates for the Phone 1.

Does the Nothing Phone 1 have an Always-On Display?

Yes, the Nothing Phone 1 supports an Always-On Display AOD feature.

What is the build quality of the Nothing Phone 1?

The Nothing Phone 1 features an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, giving it a premium and durable feel.

Can the Nothing Phone 1 use dual SIM cards?

Yes, the Nothing Phone 1 supports dual SIM nano-SIM functionality.

Does the Nothing Phone 1 have expandable storage?

No, the Nothing Phone 1 does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage.

What are the color options for the Nothing Phone 1?

The Nothing Phone 1 is available in Black and White color options, both featuring the transparent design.

Does the Glyph Interface have customizable patterns?

Yes, you can customize the light patterns and haptic vibrations of the Glyph Interface for specific contacts and app notifications.

Can the Glyph lights be used as a camera flash?

Yes, the Glyph lights can be used as a fill light for the camera, providing a softer and more diffused illumination than a traditional LED flash.

Is the Nothing Phone 1 compatible with 5G networks?

Yes, the Nothing Phone 1 supports 5G connectivity.

How does the Nothing Phone 1’s haptic feedback compare to other phones?

The Nothing Phone 1 features a high-quality linear haptic motor that provides precise, crisp, and satisfying tactile feedback, which is notably better than many phones in its price range. Tamron 70 180Mm F28 Di Iii Vxd Review

Does Nothing Phone 1 have stereo speakers?

Yes, the Nothing Phone 1 comes with stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience.

Can the Nothing Phone 1 charge other devices wirelessly?

Yes, it supports 5W reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge Qi-compatible accessories like earbuds by placing them on the back of the phone.

Is Nothing Phone 1 good for content creation?

For casual content creation like vlogging or social media posts, the Phone 1’s camera and video capabilities are competent, especially with OIS. For professional-grade content, dedicated equipment would be better.

What are the main selling points of the Nothing Phone 1?

The main selling points are its unique transparent design with the Glyph Interface, a clean and fluid Nothing OS experience, solid battery life, and capable camera for its price.

What is the peak brightness of the Nothing Phone 1’s display?

The Nothing Phone 1’s OLED display can reach a peak brightness of up to 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright sunlight.

What is the touch sampling rate of the Nothing Phone 1’s display?

The display has a 240Hz touch sampling rate, which contributes to a highly responsive and accurate touch experience.

Where can I buy the Nothing Phone 1?

The Nothing Phone 1 is available through Nothing’s official website, select online retailers, and often through Amazon. Regional availability can vary.

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