Smart Phones

The Nothing Phone (2) Review: A Symphony of Light in a Sea of Sameness

It’s been over a year since Nothing launched the Phone (2), its second-generation smartphone and its first concerted effort to crack the notoriously difficult North American market. In the fast-moving world of mobile tech, a year is an eternity. Phones are announced, hyped, and forgotten in a matter of months. Yet, the Nothing Phone (2) continues to occupy a fascinating and unusual space in the conversation, refusing to fade into the background.

This isn’t just because of its flashy, blinking rear panel. It’s because the company behind it, Nothing, represents a philosophical challenge to the very industry it inhabits. In a market dominated by iterative spec bumps and monolithic, walled-garden ecosystems, Nothing asks a simple question: Can tech be fun again?

After 12 months of software updates, market repositioning, and living with its quirks and charms, we’re taking a deep dive to see if the Nothing Phone (2) is still a compelling “something” in a world saturated with everything, or if its novelty has worn thin.

The Nothing Philosophy: A Rebellion Against Monotony

To understand the Phone (2), you must first understand Nothing. Founded by Carl Pei, the co-founder of OnePlus who helped turn it from an enthusiast’s dream into a mainstream contender, Nothing was born out of a sense of fatigue. The smartphone industry, once a hotbed of wild innovation, had settled into a comfortable duopoly of design languages: the sleek, minimalist glass sandwich popularized by Apple, and the slightly more adventurous, camera-centric designs from Samsung and Google.

Nothing’s mission was to inject a dose of human artistry and transparency back into consumer electronics. Their design language, established with the Ear (1) earbuds, is built on the concept of “revealed construction.” It’s not about exposing raw, messy circuit boards, but about a curated, artful transparency—celebrating the components and giving them a visual hierarchy. This is industrial design as a statement piece.

With the Phone (1), this philosophy was made manifest. It was a bold, if slightly underpowered, first attempt. The Phone (2) is the maturation of that vision. It’s a refinement, a more powerful and thoughtful execution that feels less like a proof-of-concept and more like a confident product ready for the global stage.

The Glyph Interface: Gimmick or Genius?

Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the series of LED strips on the back of the phone. The Glyph Interface is Nothing’s most audacious feature and its primary identifier. On the Phone (1), it was a curiosity. On the Phone (2), with its 11 segmented LED strips and 33 addressable zones, it has evolved into a genuinely functional tool, provided you’re willing to invest the time to integrate it into your life.

A year on, the initial “wow” factor has certainly subsided, but its utility has become clearer. Here’s how it holds up in practice:

Granular Notifications: Assigning different light and sound patterns to specific apps or contacts remains its killer feature. With a glance, I can tell if a buzz is an urgent Slack message from my boss or just another Instagram notification, all without turning on the screen. This “Flip to Glyph” feature is a legitimate tool for digital wellbeing, encouraging you to keep your screen off while staying informed.
The Progress Trackers: The integration with apps like Uber and Zomato, where a Glyph strip depletes to show your ride or food delivery’s progress, is brilliant. It’s the kind of subtle, useful innovation we wish more developers would support. The adoption has been slow, which remains its biggest hurdle, but the functionality itself is flawless.
Essential Glyph: This feature, which keeps a single LED lit for a persistent notification from a key app, is perfect for avoiding notification anxiety. You know something important is waiting, but you aren’t hounded by constant screen-waking reminders.
The Composer: The Glyph Composer, allowing you to create your own ringtones and light shows, is still more of a fun party trick than a daily-use feature. But it speaks to the company’s commitment to making technology playful and personal.

Is the Glyph Interface a necessity? Absolutely not. But after a year, I can confidently say it’s more than a gimmick. It’s a well-executed secondary display that rethinks the very nature of notifications. It’s a feature you don’t know you want until you use it, and one you strangely miss when you switch back to a “normal” phone.

Design and Display: A Premium Feel

Glyphs aside, the Phone (2) is a beautifully constructed device. The move to a subtly curved Gorilla Glass back panel makes it vastly more comfortable to hold than its flat-sided predecessor. The 100% recycled aluminum frame feels rigid and premium, and the overall fit and finish are on par with devices costing hundreds more. The transparent back, showcasing the meticulously arranged inner components, remains a stunning conversation starter.

The display is another area where Nothing made a significant leap. The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED panel is fantastic. With a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, scrolling is buttery smooth, and it can intelligently ramp down for static content to preserve battery. With a peak brightness of 1600 nits, it’s easily viewable in direct sunlight. Colors are vibrant without being oversaturated, and the HDR10+ support makes streaming content a joy. In 2025, this display still holds its own against many flagships.

Nothing OS 2.5 and Beyond: The Beauty of Less

Perhaps the most underrated part of the Nothing experience is its software. Nothing OS is a masterclass in restraint. Built on top of Android, it offers a near-stock experience but with a unique, cohesive aesthetic. The dot-matrix font, monochrome app icons, and thoughtfully designed widgets create a user interface that is calming, clean, and incredibly fast.

Crucially, there is zero bloatware. No duplicate apps, no third-party stores, no intrusive ads. This is Android as Google intends it, but with a layer of artistic polish that even the Pixel series lacks.

Nothing’s update promise—3 years of Android OS updates and 4 years of bi-monthly security patches—was a key selling point. A year in, they have delivered. The Phone (2) received a timely update to Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.0, which further refined the experience and squashed early bugs. Performance remains exceptionally smooth, a testament to good software optimization.

Performance and Battery: The Smart Trade-Off

This is where Nothing made its most strategic, and perhaps controversial, decision. Instead of chasing the latest and greatest processor, they opted for the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. In mid-2024, when the phone launched, this was a year-old flagship chip.

It was a brilliant move.

The 8+ Gen 1 provides more than enough power for 99% of users. It chews through daily tasks, multitasking, and even heavy gaming without breaking a sweat. By avoiding the bleeding-edge chip, Nothing saved on cost (which they passed on to the consumer) and thermal management headaches, resulting in a phone that runs cool and stable. A year later, this decision has aged beautifully. The phone doesn’t feel slow or dated; it feels reliable.

The 4700mAh battery is a solid all-day performer. With moderate use, I consistently end the day with 20-30% left in the tank. The 45W wired charging gets you from 0 to 100% in under an hour, and the inclusion of 15W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging adds a layer of flagship convenience.

The Camera: Good, But Not a Giant-Killer

If there’s one area where the Phone (2) shows its price point, it’s the camera system. Let’s be clear: the dual 50MP setup (a main sensor with OIS and an ultrawide) is very good. The main Sony IMX890 sensor, in particular, captures detailed, vibrant, and well-exposed shots in good lighting. Colors are natural, and the HDR processing has improved significantly with software updates.

However, it doesn’t quite compete with the computational photography magic of Google’s Pixels or the sheer versatility and polish of the latest iPhones and Samsung Galaxy S series. In low light, it produces usable images, but noise can creep in, and details can get soft. The ultrawide camera is solid, but the color science isn’t perfectly consistent with the main lens.

For the average user posting to social media, this camera is more than capable. It’s reliable and produces pleasing images. But for the serious mobile photographer who scrutinizes every pixel, it’s a step behind the top-tier flagships.

The Verdict: Its Place in a Crowded Market

With a launch price of $599, the Nothing Phone (2) positioned itself as an upper-mid-range champion. It went head-to-head with the Google Pixel 7a and Samsung’s Galaxy A-series. A year later, its competitors are the Pixel 8a and their ilk.

Against these rivals, its value proposition is clear. It offers a vastly superior design and build quality, a cleaner software experience, and a unique feature set with the Glyph Interface. The Google Pixel will almost always win on camera prowess, and Samsung offers brand recognition and deep retail integration.

The Nothing Phone (2) isn’t for everyone. It’s for the person who is bored with the status quo. It’s for the design-conscious user who appreciates aesthetics and a thoughtful user experience. It’s for the Android purist who wants a clean slate without sacrificing flair.

After a year of refinement, the Nothing Phone (2) has proven it’s not just a flash in the pan. It’s a well-built, fast, and delightful-to-use smartphone that offers a genuine alternative. It successfully balances substance with style, proving that you don’t need to have the absolute best spec sheet to create one of the most compelling products on the market. It is, in a word, something special.

Final Score: 8.5/10

Related Topics:Featured Nothing smartphone

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Dean Iodice

Dean Iodice, a seasoned freelance tech writer and industry analyst for TheTechReview.net, specializing in emerging technologies and consumer electronics.

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Smart Phones

Mark Your Calendars: Google Sets August 20th for Annual Made By Google Event

Aug 20th Made By Google Event

Get ready, Pixel fans! Google has officially announced the date for its highly anticipated annual hardware event: August 20th. The tech giant is promising a showcase of its latest innovations under the “Made By Google” banner, with new iterations of their popular Pixel phones, watches, and earbuds leading the charge. But the tagline “and more” hints that we might be in for a few surprises this year.

For months, rumors have been swirling about the next generation of Pixel devices, and Google’s confirmation finally puts those speculations to rest. While the company remains tight-lipped about the specifics, the August 20th event is shaping up to be a must-watch for anyone invested in the Google ecosystem.

Pixel Phones: The Center of Attention

The star of the show will undoubtedly be the unveiling of the newest Pixel phones. Following Google’s established release cycle, we can likely expect the debut of the Pixel 10 and potentially a larger Pixel 10 Pro. These devices are anticipated to feature the latest generation of Google’s Tensor chip, promising enhanced performance, improved AI capabilities, and advancements in camera technology that Pixel users have come to love. Expect refined designs, potentially with new color options and material choices, as Google continues to push the boundaries of smartphone innovation.

Pixel Watch: Refining the Wearable Experience

Google’s foray into the smartwatch market with the Pixel Watch was met with enthusiasm, and the August event is expected to bring us its successor. The Pixel Watch 2 (or whatever the official name may be) will likely build upon the foundation laid by the first generation, addressing user feedback and incorporating new features. We could see improvements in battery life, enhanced health tracking capabilities, and tighter integration with the broader Pixel ecosystem. With competition heating up in the smartwatch space, Google will be aiming to solidify its position as a serious contender.

Pixel Buds: Elevating Audio with AI

Completing the expected trio of major announcements are the next-generation Pixel Buds. Google’s wireless earbuds have consistently offered a compelling combination of audio quality and smart features, seamlessly integrating with Google Assistant. The upcoming Pixel Buds are expected to continue this trend, potentially introducing advancements in noise cancellation, battery performance, and personalized audio experiences powered by AI. Keep an ear out for potential design tweaks and new color options to complement the new phone and watch releases.

“And More”: What Else Could Google Have in Store?

The intriguing “and more” in Google’s announcement leaves room for exciting possibilities. Could we see updates to the Pixel Tablet, which the user has previously shown interest in? Perhaps new smart home devices are on the horizon, further expanding Google’s ecosystem. Given the user’s past searches related to smart glasses and general tech innovations, there’s even a chance we might get a glimpse into Google’s future ambitions in the realm of augmented reality or other cutting-edge technologies. Only time will tell what surprises Google has up its sleeve.

The Countdown Begins

With August 20th just around the corner, the anticipation for the Made By Google event is already building. Pixel enthusiasts and tech lovers alike are eager to see what innovations Google will unveil. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for detailed coverage as the date approaches. This year’s event promises to offer a glimpse into the future of Google’s hardware and how it will continue to shape our digital lives.

Smart Phones

New iPhone on Your Mind? Should You Buy Now or Wait for the iPhone 17?

Should I buy an iPhone 16 now or wait for the iPhone 17?

For many, the allure of a new iPhone is a powerful one. Whether your current device is showing its age or you simply crave the latest technology, the question of timing always arises: should you buy now or wait? With the traditional September release window for Apple’s newest smartphones just a few months away, this dilemma is likely weighing heavily on the minds of many tech enthusiasts. Let’s delve into the benefits of waiting, the reasons why you might need a phone now, and what the rumor mill is whispering about the upcoming iPhone 17.

The Case for Patience: Benefits of Waiting Until September

Holding off on your purchase until the new iPhone models are unveiled in September can offer several advantages:

Access to the Latest and Greatest: This is the most obvious benefit. The new iPhones will undoubtedly feature the cutting-edge technology Apple has to offer. This could include a more powerful processor, improved camera systems, enhanced display technology, and potentially some innovative new features. If having the absolute latest features is important to you, waiting is the only way to guarantee that.
Potential Price Drops on Current Models: Historically, Apple tends to slightly reduce the prices of its current iPhone lineup when the new models are launched. If you’re happy with an iPhone 16 or 16 Pro, waiting a few months could mean snagging one at a more affordable price point. This is a particularly attractive option if you don’t necessarily need the absolute newest features but still want a high-quality iPhone.
Informed Decision-Making: Waiting allows you to see the official specifications, reviews, and hands-on impressions of the new iPhones before making a decision. You might find that the rumored features perfectly align with your needs, or perhaps the current models offer everything you require at a better value.

When Waiting Isn’t an Option: Why Buying Now Might Be Right for You

Despite the benefits of waiting, there are plenty of valid reasons why purchasing an iPhone now might be the more practical choice:

Urgent Need: If your current phone is broken, lost, or simply no longer functional, you might not have the luxury of waiting several months for a new device. In this situation, the need for a reliable smartphone outweighs the desire for the latest model.
Satisfied with Current Technology: The current iPhone lineup (iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models) are already incredibly capable smartphones. They boast powerful processors, fantastic camera systems, and access to Apple’s robust ecosystem. If you don’t feel a strong need for the rumored upgrades, purchasing a current model will still provide you with an exceptional mobile experience.
Immediate Gratification: Let’s face it, sometimes you just want a new phone! If you’ve been saving up or simply feel ready for an upgrade, there’s no shame in wanting to enjoy your new device sooner rather than later.

Whispers from the Future: Rumored Features of the iPhone 17

While Apple keeps its product plans tightly under wraps, the rumor mill is already churning with potential features for the iPhone 17 lineup (expected in September 2025). Based on current speculation, we might see:

Further Camera Enhancements: Expect improvements to the main, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, potentially with higher megapixel counts and improved low-light performance. Some rumors suggest advancements in periscope zoom technology could make their way to more models.
Next-Generation Processor: The iPhone 17 will undoubtedly be powered by Apple’s latest A-series chip, offering even faster performance and improved power efficiency compared to the current generation.
Design Refinements: While major design overhauls are less frequent, we could see subtle changes to the materials, button layout, or overall aesthetics of the iPhone 17. There’s also ongoing speculation about a potential portless design in the future, although this is unlikely for the 2025 models.
Focus on AI and Software Integration: Apple is likely to continue pushing the boundaries of software and artificial intelligence integration within iOS, potentially introducing new features that leverage the increased power of the A18 chip.

The Verdict: A Choice Between Savings and the Cutting Edge

Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy an iPhone now or wait until September depends on your individual needs and priorities. There are definitely compelling reasons to exercise patience. Waiting will grant you access to the newest technology Apple has to offer, and you might even benefit from a price reduction on the current models.

However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need a new phone immediately, or if you are perfectly content with the power and features of the current iPhone lineup, then buying now is a perfectly viable option. The iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models are still fantastic devices that are more than capable of handling the demands of everyday use for several years to come. You won’t be missing out on a poor experience by choosing to upgrade now.

Smart Phones

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: The Foldable Future Refined

The foldable phone market continues to mature, and Samsung, a pioneer in this space, has just launched its latest iteration: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Promising significant improvements in design, performance, and user experience, the Fold 7 aims to bridge the gap between smartphone portability and tablet productivity. Does it succeed? Let’s dive into the details.

Design and Build: Slimmer, Lighter, and More Refined

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: The Foldable Future Refined 60

One of the most immediately noticeable changes in the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is its drastically thinner and lighter design. According to the latest reports, the unfolded device measures a mere 4.2mm thick, slimming down to 8.9mm when folded. Weighing in at just 216 grams, this makes it the lightest book-style foldable phone yet, a welcome change for users who found previous models a bit bulky.

Samsung has also expanded the displays, offering a more immersive experience. The 6.5-inch outer display is now virtually edge-to-edge, making it feel more like a traditional smartphone screen. Unfolding the device reveals an expansive 8-inch inner display, providing ample space for multitasking, consuming media, and getting work done. Both displays boast a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 10-bit HDR, promising vibrant and fluid visuals with enhanced color and brightness range.

Performance and Specs: Powering the Future

Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, ensuring top-tier performance for even the most demanding tasks. It comes in configurations with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, paired with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or even a massive 1TB in select markets. This powerhouse combination guarantees smooth multitasking, lag-free gaming, and plenty of space for all your files and media.

The battery capacity remains at 4,400mAh, the same as its predecessor. While some might have hoped for a larger battery, the improved efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip should provide comparable, if not better, battery life. Charging speeds are still capped at 25W.

Improvements Over the Fold 6: Focusing on Usability

While the core specs are impressive, the Fold 7’s advancements lie in the refined user experience. The thinner and lighter design significantly improves portability and one-handed use of the cover screen. The expanded displays offer more usable screen real estate in both folded and unfolded states.

Samsung continues to iterate on its software, with Android 16 and One UI 8 providing a seamless transition between the cover and inner displays. The promise of 7 years of both major Android OS and security updates is a significant commitment, ensuring the longevity of this premium device.

Who is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 For?

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is designed for users who demand the practicality of a conventional smartphone but also crave the versatility of a larger screen. It’s ideal for:

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: The Foldable Future Refined 61

Multitaskers: The expansive inner display allows for seamless multitasking with multiple apps open simultaneously.
Content Consumers: Enjoy immersive video streaming, gaming, and e-reading on the large, vibrant display.
Productivity Power Users: The tablet-like inner screen is perfect for note-taking, document editing, and video conferencing.
Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest and greatest in mobile technology and appreciate innovative design.

Carriers, Price, and Colors:

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be widely available through major carriers and retailers. Some notable carrier deals at launch include offers from Verizon and Xfinity Mobile, providing trade-in options and even free devices with select unlimited plans.

Pricing for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has seen a slight increase, starting at $1,999.99 in the US for the base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Color options include Jet Black, Silver Shadow, Blue Shadow, and a Samsung.com exclusive Mint.

Accessories:

To complement the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung offers a range of accessories, including:

Slim Cover with Aramid Fiber: A lightweight yet durable cover included in the box for exterior protection.
Leather Cover: A luxurious premium calfskin leather case available in various colors (sold separately).
Wireless Battery Pack: A portable 10,000mAh battery pack with fast wireless charging capabilities (sold separately).
Galaxy Buds: Samsung’s truly wireless earbuds, often included in the box or available as a bundle, offering seamless audio integration.
Third-party manufacturers like OtterBox are also expected to release their own protective cases for the
device.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents a significant step forward in foldable phone technology. Its thinner and lighter design, coupled with larger, more immersive displays and powerful performance, makes it a compelling option for users seeking the ultimate in mobile versatility. While the price point remains high, the refined design, advanced features, and long-term software support position the Fold 7 as a top contender in the evolving foldable market. If you’re looking for a device that can truly do it all, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is definitely worth considering. Sources