Nothing Phone 1: The Hype Is Real, But Does It Live Up?
Mid-range smartphones often get overshadowed by their flagship counterparts, but the debut of the Nothing Phone 1 has sparked a level of excitement rarely seen in this segment. This is, after all, the first smartphone from Nothing, the tech company founded by Carl Pei, who was instrumental in catapulting OnePlus from a niche brand to a global phenomenon. With a transparent design, unique notification lights, and a promise of a clean software experience, the Phone 1 has generated substantial buzz. But does it live up to the hype? We take a first look at this intriguing device, delving into its design, features, and early impressions.
A First Look at the Phone’s Aesthetics and Uniqueness:
The Nothing Phone 1 arrives in a streamlined box with a subtle image of the phone’s back. The white and black versions sport color-matched packaging, and inside, you’ll find a SIM ejector tool that’s surprisingly stylish, a USB Type-C cable, and, as expected, no bundled charger. While the transparency on the back may not appeal to everyone, it’s undeniable that it’s the Phone 1’s most striking feature. The Glyph Interface, the array of LED lights beneath the glass, is not just a design element; it serves a practical purpose.
The Glyph Interface: More Than Just a Gimmick?
The Glyph Interface is a novel approach to notifications, allowing users to customize light patterns for different calls, alerts, and even battery status. However, the effectiveness of this interface depends on your usage habits. If you tend to keep your phone face down, then the light cues will be more visible. The lights are undeniably bright, though, and some of the flashing patterns might be distracting. We’ll need more time with the Phone 1 to fully assess the Glyph Interface’s utility.
Design and Build: A Solid First Impression
Beyond the unique back, the Phone 1 boasts a well-executed design. The flattened aluminum frame feels smooth, and the rounded edges ensure a comfortable grip. With a slim profile of 8.3mm and a weight of 193.5g, it strikes a balance between portability and solidity. The power and volume buttons have a satisfying click, and their placement on opposite sides of the frame makes them easy to access with one hand.
A Premium Mid-Range Display:
The Phone 1’s 6.55-inch OLED display is a standout feature. It delivers bright and vivid colors, thanks to its 10-bit color depth and full-HD+ resolution. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations. Another welcome addition is the in-display fingerprint sensor, which has been responsive and reliable in our initial experience. The display also supports HDR10+ playback and offers a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. Corning Gorilla Glass protects both the front and back of the Phone 1, adding to its durability.
Hardware and Performance:
Powering the Phone 1 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ SoC, a capable 5G chip found in other mid-range contenders like the Motorola Edge 30. It’s available in three configurations: 8GB RAM + 128GB storage (Rs. 32,999), 8GB RAM + 256GB storage (Rs. 35,999), and 12GB RAM + 256GB storage (Rs. 38,999). These configurations feature LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.
Battery Life and Charging:
The Phone 1 packs a 4,500mAh battery and supports up to 33W USB PD fast wired charging. However, what truly sets the Phone 1 apart is its inclusion of 15W fast wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging—a rarity in the mid-range space.
Software: A Clean and Familiar Experience
The Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS, which is essentially stock Android 12 with some customizations. These include a custom icon pack, unique wallpapers, and widgets, along with dedicated ringtones and notification sounds for the Glyph Interface. The focus is clearly on providing a clean and clutter-free software experience. Nothing promises three years of Android updates and four years of security updates, which is a reassuring commitment.
Camera Capabilities:
The Phone 1 opts for a dual-camera setup on the back, featuring high-quality sensors. The main camera utilizes a 50-megapixel Sony IMX766 sensor with optical image stabilization. This sensor has proven itself in several flagship devices, and we have high expectations for its performance on the Phone 1. The secondary camera, also a 50-megapixel ultra-wide unit, employs the Samsung JN1 sensor, similar to the OnePlus 10 Pro. This sensor boasts autofocus, making it capable of functioning as a macro camera as well. The front-facing selfie camera uses a 16-megapixel Sony IMX471 sensor, familiar from past OnePlus flagships.
The Verdict: Early Impressions and Expectations
On paper, the Nothing Phone 1 looks promising as a mid-range contender. The inclusion of wireless charging gives it a notable advantage over rivals, and the Glyph notification system, while potentially gimmicky, differentiates it from the competition. However, hardware alone is not enough; Nothing must deliver on its promise of excellent after-sales service to make its mark against established players. The company claims to have service centers in over 220 cities across India, which is a promising start.
While the excitement surrounding the Phone 1 is palpable, it remains to be seen if it can live up to the hype. Our full review, arriving soon, will provide a comprehensive assessment of its performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience.
