Nothing Phone 2, set to debut later this year, will build upon the foundation established by its predecessor, the Nothing Phone 1, released in 2022. Although information regarding the new phone remains limited, early indications point towards significant enhancements being in the pipeline. Excitingly, there are strong possibilities that the Nothing Phone 2 will be made available for purchase in the United States, a market previous overlooked by Nothing Phone 1.
Carl Pei, the CEO of Nothing, has emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding its presence, making this U.S. launch a top priority. While official details are scarce, speculations and reports have begun to circulate, providing a glimpse into the anticipated features and improvements of the Nothing Phone 2. As enthusiasts eagerly await further announcements, the anticipation surrounding this upcoming device continues to grow, promising an elevated user experience and capturing the attention of tech enthusiasts worldwide.
So here’s everything we know about the Nothing Phone 2 so far.
Nothing Phone 2 : Latest news and rumors (Updated June 6)
- Leaked Renders of Nothing Phone 2 Show Rounder Edges
Recently leaked renders of the Nothing Phone 2 have surfaced, revealing a design that appears familiar yet features rounder edges. While specific details remain undisclosed, these renders provide a glimpse into the aesthetic direction of the upcoming device, stirring excitement among tech enthusiasts eager to see its official unveiling.
- Nothing Phone 2 to Receive Extended Software Support
Nothing, the company behind the upcoming Phone 2, has officially confirmed that the device will receive three years of software support. Additionally, users can expect an extra year of security updates. This announcement highlights Nothing’s commitment to providing long-term software maintenance, ensuring a smooth and secure user experience for its customers.
Nothing Phone 2 : Price and availability
The Nothing Phone 2 has been confirmed to launch in “Summer 2023,” aligning with the release timeline of its predecessor, the Nothing Phone 1, which debuted in mid-July 2022. Excitingly, the phone has already appeared at the Indian Bureau of Standards, indicating that the launch may be imminent, particularly in India.
While details about the price of the Nothing Phone 2 remain unknown, the company’s social media presence and CEO Carl Pei’s statements suggest that the handset will be positioned as a “more premium” offering compared to the Phone 1. The starting price of the previous model was £399 (approximately $490) in the U.K., but Pei’s remarks imply that the Phone 2 may come with a higher price tag. However, it is hoped that it will be closer to the $699 range of the OnePlus 11 rather than the $999 range of the iPhone 14 Pro.
In a positive development, the Nothing Phone 2 will indeed be available in the United States. Nothing and Pei had previously mentioned engaging in discussions with American cell carriers, and these efforts seem to have paid off, ensuring the phone’s arrival in the U.S. market.
Nothing Phone 2 : Rumored specs
According to a report from MySmartPrice, the upcoming Nothing Phone (2) is expected to feature several notable specifications. These include a 120Hz adaptive AMOLED display, a 5,000 mAh battery, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and an unannounced Snapdragon 8 series SoC from Qualcomm.
While some of these specifications do not differ significantly from those of the Nothing Phone 1, which offered options of 8GB or 12GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, a 4,500 mAh battery, and a 120Hz OLED display, the switch from OLED to AMOLED is expected to bring about improved image quality. The display resolution of the Phone 2 has not been disclosed in the rumors, leaving uncertainty regarding a potential upgrade from FHD to QHD resolution.
The transition from the Snapdragon 778G+ to a Snapdragon 8 series chipset, as confirmed by Nothing, could prove to be a significant advantage, given the impressive performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in benchmarks. It is likely that the Phone 2 will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Plus, assuming the rumors of an unannounced chipset are accurate. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Plus is expected to offer even greater power than the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
While it is technically possible for a start-up like Nothing to opt for a custom version of the chip, similar to the Samsung Galaxy S23’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, which powers the Galaxy S23 models, such a move seems unlikely for Nothing at this stage.
Nothing Phone 2 : Design
One of the most prominent rumors surrounding the design of the Nothing Phone 2 comes from reliable source OnLeaks, who shared leak-based renders showcasing the device. Based on these renders, it appears that Nothing will be transitioning from the flat sides of the Phone 1 to curved edges for the Phone 2. However, the transparent design that was introduced with the Phone 1, Nothing Ear 1, and Nothing Ear (Stick) seems to be carrying over to the new model.
In an interview with inverse, Carl Pei, the CEO of Nothing, expressed his belief that U.S. consumers are bored and indifferent towards existing phone designs. He noted that foot traffic in stores for people exploring new phones has not significantly increased. Pei’s observation holds weight, as aside from foldable phones, most devices still adhere to the conventional glass-enclosed rectangle design. The last notable design change came with the introduction of the dual-curved Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge in 2015.
While a transparent phone may not be considered a disruptive design, it was distinctive enough to make the Nothing Phone 1 stand out. It is reasonable to expect that the Nothing Phone 2 will continue this trend, but the extent of the design changes remains to be seen until the official unveiling.
Nothing Phone 2 : Camera
As of now, there is no information available regarding the camera specifications of the Nothing Phone 2. However, it is hoped that the emphasis on creating a more premium device extends to improving the photo-shooting capabilities. The cameras on the Nothing Phone 1 were considered underwhelming, even for a mid-range phone, and a significant improvement in this aspect is desired.
The weaknesses of the Phone 1 in terms of photography included poor performance in low-light conditions and producing pale, over-exposed images that appeared washed out compared to competitors like the Google Pixel 5a. Selfies also suffered from an unnatural appearance due to excessive application of face-smoothing effects.
While the camera hardware of the Phone 1 was not inherently flawed, it is expected that its successor will offer an overall improvement in image quality, including better color reproduction and more true-to-life images. The addition of a telephoto lens would be a welcomed inclusion, although expecting a periscope lens from Nothing might be ambitious. It is preferred that resources are directed towards enhancing the quality of captured photos rather than focusing solely on hardware additions.
Nothing Phone 2 : Software
Similar to OnePlus’s OxygenOS, Nothing OS is designed to provide a minimalist approach to the Android operating system. While Nothing OS is not an independent operating system but rather a custom Android user interface, it distinguishes itself by avoiding bloatware and unnecessary additions often seen in other manufacturer’s Android skins.
The initial version, Nothing OS 1, was based on Android 12, but it has since been updated to Nothing OS 1.5, which is built on Android 13. It is expected that the Nothing Phone 2 will follow a similar pattern, launching with an updated version of Nothing OS based on the latest available Android version before the anticipated release of Android 14 later in the year.
Although specific details about the changes in the upcoming Nothing OS version are not yet known, it is hoped that the minimalist and retro-inspired UI that defined Nothing OS will be maintained and continued in the new iteration.
Nothing has officially confirmed that the Nothing Phone 2 will receive three years of software updates, ensuring users can enjoy the latest features and enhancements. Additionally, the device will receive four years of security updates, providing a robust level of protection. This level of software support aligns with Google’s approach for its Pixel phones, which includes an additional year of security updates.
Nothing Phone 2: Outlook
Although there are still many unknowns about the Nothing Phone 2, the limited information available suggests a positive outlook. Nothing has already established its presence with the Nothing Phone 1, which, despite its flaws, served as a promising initial venture for a new smartphone brand.
By addressing the shortcomings of the Phone 1 and potentially offering an enhanced experience at a higher price point, Nothing has the opportunity to make significant progress with the Nothing Phone 2. However, it remains to be seen how the market will respond, and Nothing still has a considerable distance to cover before it can effectively compete with more established brands, particularly as it enters the highly competitive U.S. market.
The success of the Nothing Phone 2 will depend on the company’s ability to deliver on its promises, improve upon the previous model’s weaknesses, and capture the interest and loyalty of consumers seeking something fresh and innovative in the smartphone market.
