The Nothing Phone 1, launched in July 2022, marked the ambitious debut of London-based startup Nothing, founded by former OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei. The device quickly gained attention for its unique design, transparent back, and the innovative Glyph Interface. This guide provides a detailed, fact-based review of the Nothing Phone 1, covering its design, performance, software, camera, and overall user experience, all sourced from reputable and authoritative references.

Design and Build Quality

The Nothing Phone 1 stands out with its transparent back design, allowing users to see internal components such as the wireless charging coil and screws. The rear panel is made of Corning Gorilla Glass 5, while the frame is constructed from recycled aluminum, giving the phone a premium feel. The device measures 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm and weighs 193g, making it slightly heavier than some competitors but still comfortable to hold.

The most distinctive feature is the Glyph Interface, a series of LED strips on the back that light up for notifications, charging status, and even as a camera fill light. This feature is not just for aesthetics; it adds a layer of functionality and personalization, setting the Phone 1 apart from other mid-range devices.

The front of the phone features a 6.55-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1080 x 2400 resolution, and HDR10+ support. The display is vibrant, responsive, and ideal for media consumption and gaming.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 1 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ chipset, paired with either 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. This configuration ensures smooth multitasking and decent performance for most daily tasks, including gaming and media playback.

Benchmark scores reveal that the Phone 1 performs competitively in its price range. For example, the AnTuTu 10 score averages around 637,859 points, with strong CPU, GPU, and memory performance. The Adreno 642L GPU handles graphic-intensive games like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact without significant frame drops, though the phone may get slightly warm during extended gaming sessions.

The device runs on Nothing OS, a clean and bloatware-free skin based on Android. Nothing has committed to providing three years of major Android updates and four years of bi-monthly security patches, ensuring long-term software support. The user interface is intuitive, with features like a customizable Glyph Interface, monochromatic icon packs, and experimental features such as Tesla integration.

Camera Performance

The Nothing Phone 1 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 50MP primary sensor (Sony IMX766) with OIS and a 50MP ultrawide sensor. The front camera is a 16MP sensor for selfies and video calls.

Primary Camera: The 50MP main camera performs well in good lighting conditions, capturing detailed and vibrant photos. The OIS helps stabilize videos, and the camera app offers an Expert mode for manual adjustments.
Ultrawide Camera: The ultrawide sensor is decent but struggles in low-light scenarios, producing softer images compared to the primary camera.
Video Recording: The Phone 1 supports 4K video recording at 30fps, but stabilization could be improved for smoother footage.
Selfie Camera: The 16MP front camera is adequate for social media and video calls, though it lacks the detail and dynamic range of higher-end devices.

Overall, the camera system is competitive for a mid-range phone but falls short of flagship standards, especially in low-light performance.

Battery Life and Charging

The Nothing Phone 1 is equipped with a 4,500mAh battery, which provides enough power to last through a full day of moderate use. However, heavy users may need to recharge before the end of the day. The phone supports 33W wired charging, which can top up the battery to 50% in about 30 minutes. It also supports 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging, adding convenience for users with compatible accessories.

Battery life is one area where the Phone 1 could improve, as it lags behind some competitors with larger batteries or more efficient processors. However, the fast charging capabilities help mitigate this issue.

Software and User Experience

The Nothing Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS, a lightweight and clean Android skin that closely resembles stock Android. The software is optimized for performance and stability, with minimal bloatware and a focus on user experience. Nothing has committed to regular updates, including major Android version upgrades and security patches, which is a significant advantage for long-term usability.

The Glyph Interface is a standout feature, offering customizable LED notifications and visual feedback. Users can assign different light patterns for calls, messages, and app notifications, making it both functional and visually appealing. The interface also integrates with the camera and charging system, adding a unique touch to the user experience.

Additional software features include a customizable launcher, monochromatic icon packs, and experimental options like Tesla integration. The overall software experience is smooth, responsive, and user-friendly, making the Phone 1 a joy to use daily.

Connectivity and Extras

The Nothing Phone 1 supports 5G connectivity, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC. It also features an IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance, though it lacks the full waterproofing of some competitors. The phone does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack, but it supports USB-C audio and wireless headphones.

Other notable features include:

Stereo speakers for immersive audio.
In-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking.
Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added versatility.
Customizable vibration motor for haptic feedback.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Unique and eye-catching transparent design with Glyph Interface.
Premium build quality with Gorilla Glass 5 and aluminum frame.
Vibrant 120Hz OLED display.
Clean and responsive Nothing OS with long-term software support.
Decent primary camera performance in good lighting.
Fast wired and wireless charging options.

Cons:

Battery life could be better, especially for heavy users.
Ultrawide and low-light camera performance is mediocre.
No official waterproofing (IP53 rating only).
No bundled charger in the box.
Limited availability in some regions, such as the US.

Conclusion

The Nothing Phone 1 is a bold and innovative entry into the mid-range smartphone market. Its standout design, premium build quality, and unique features like the Glyph Interface make it a compelling choice for users looking for something different. While it may not excel in every area—particularly battery life and camera performance—it offers a well-rounded experience with clean software, solid performance, and a distinctive aesthetic.

For those who value design and user experience over raw specs, the Nothing Phone 1 is a strong contender. Its combination of style, functionality, and affordability makes it a noteworthy option in a crowded market.