Some things have changed with the new Nothing Phone (2)

Nothing’s back with a much anticipated, second-generation smartphone: the Nothing Phone (2). 

In many ways, the Phone(2) is quite similar to its predecessor, but aside from the larger (6.7” vs 6.55”) and improved OLED display (it’s now LTPO), the new Phone (2) offers improved ergonomics as well, in the sense that it features a midframe that is 1mm thinner, along with a pillowed glass back. The Glyph Interface looks slightly different, but you wouldn’t have been able to tell unless you lay both phones side by side. 

The Glyph is the heart of Nothing Phone’s identity and is designed to provide essential information at a glance, thus minimising the need to look at the screen. Like the first Nothing Phone, you can personalise light and sound sequences for contacts and apps, so you can filter incoming notifications down to the essentials. You can even use it to check volume or as a timer. And with the new Glyph Composer, you can create your own Glyph ringtones as well.

Nothing OS 2.0 also promotes this philosophy; it starts with a minimalist, monochrome layout and is packed with features that minimise attention-grabbing cues. You can also remove app labels and maximise the use of Home and Lock Screen widgets for quick access without needing to open apps. Nothing has also optimised over 500 transitions and animations to ensure a seamless and distraction-free user experience.

The decision to go with a Snapdragon 778G+ processor the last time around certainly ruffled feathers among enthusiasts looking for an OPPO 2.0-like offering, though it wasn’t bad at all for what it was. However, Nothing has caved and placed a proper flagship-class processor in the form of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. The cameras get an upgrade as well; the main shooter in its dual rear camera array features a flagship-class, Sony IMX890 sensor, while the front camera has been bumped with a 32MP sensor.

Nothing adds that the Phone (2) also has an advanced 18-bit Image Signal Processor that can process up to 4,000 times more camera data than its predecessor, offering more accurate results. For example, the Advanced HDR algorithm preserves intricate details by merging eight frames with varying exposure levels for more true-to-life results, while the Motion Capture 2.0 feature employs AI-based technology for precise focus on moving subjects.

The 4700 mAh battery isn’t the largest, but the phone’s 45W fast wired charging helps fill the phone to 50% power in under 20 minutes. On top of that, there’s 15W wireless charging for added convenience.

The Phone (2) will be available in both white and dark grey, and in two configurations. For Singapore, the 12GB/256GB variant goes for SGD 999 while the 12GB/512GB version goes for SGD1,099. For Malaysia, it is priced at MYR2,999 and MYR3,499 respectively.

If you absolutely must be among the first in the world to get one, you can head over to CHAMBER by LImited Ed at Wisma Atria (Singapore) on 15 July starting at 11 AM or Crossover Mid Valley (Malaysia) from 10 AM for a chance to do so.

The phone will be released to the public on 22 July on Nothing Official Store from Shopee and Lazada as well as supporting stores.