News

Nothing phone (1): What we know so far

Nothing’s first smartphone, the Nothing phone (1), is scheduled to launch on July 12. It is one of the most highly anticipated devices in recent times. But before the big reveal, here are all the details we know about it.

Nothing Launcher

The first feature revealed about the phone was the Nothing launcher. It was a beta preview of the Nothing OS based on Android.

It’s pretty much a stock launcher, combining a clean interface with unique “bespoke” Weather and Clock widgets and the Google search bar. You can try it if you like (here’s the link). It works on most Android 11 devices. But remember, it’s still in beta so your mileage may vary.

Nothing Phone (1) launch

Nothing phone (1): Design & Display

The hype train went full speed when the Nothing phone (1)’s design was revealed and with good reason. The phone showed off an intriguing transparent back panel which showed off its bits and pieces in white, in a clean and pristine layout.

This isn’t the first time a smartphone manufacturer came up with a transparent design. Way back when, the HTC U12 Plus and the Xiaomi Mi 9 Transparent Edition sported something similar, but both weren’t able to generate the buzz and the interest the Nothing phone (1) is having.

Nothing phone (1) Glyph Interface

The transparent back also showed off the Glyph Interface as well. It consists of 900 LED lights in a pattern and around the camera island. Apparently, it’s not just for aesthetics either but has an actual use. MKBHD showed on YouTube what it can do. You can use it as a light source. It also pulses for calls and other notifications. And the bottom Glyph doubles as a charging indicator.

Nothing phone (1) Glyph interface

As for the display, there’s no official information, but leaks are pointing to a 6.5-inch FHD AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 20:9 aspect ratio, and a small punch hole on the top right for the selfie camera. It is surrounded by thin bezels with equal thickness all around (even the chin), which give the phone a cleaner look.

The phone (1) also comes in two color options — white and black. The white variant we already know. The black variant was spotted by WinFuture. Images showed off its exposed parts painted in black. I have to admit, this one looks really good.

Nothing phone (1) black

Nothing phone (1): Processor

The Nothing phone (1) is going to be powered by a custom mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ processor. It’s pretty much the same chip made using 6nm technology. But the “+” sign signifies the addition of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.

The choice of processor is interesting, given that Nothing could have gone with more powerful options such as the top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, or even the Snapdragon 870. But the Snapdragon 778G+ was favored for its performance, power efficiency, and thermal management, all the while keeping costs at a reasonable level. It makes sense, seeing as Nothing founder Carl Pei favors overall user experience over tech specs.

Apart from the processor, the Nothing phone (1) will come 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB configurations.

Nothing phone (1): Other Hardware

The design also showcased the dual cameras at the back. According to popular tipster Yogesh Brar, the rear cameras include a 50MP main and a 16MP ultra-wide. There’s no information yet about the sensor type, but the main one is said to be from Sony.

The leaks also mention a 4500mAh battery capacity with 45W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging, stereo speakers, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

Nothing phone (1): Price

The Nothing phone (1) showed up on Amazon Germany, revealing its price. Take this with a grain of salt, just in case. The 8GB + 128GB variant is priced at €469.99, while the 12GB + 256GB variant will go for €549.99. Converted to Philippine currency, that’s around ~P27,000 and ~P31,600, respectively.

The prices are within range for upper mid-range phones. But do take note that these are potential prices for the European market. It could be less expensive when it debuts in Asia.

Related: Digital Walker to bring Nothing ear (1) TWS to PH market soon

All this contributes to the hype surrounding the Nothing phone (1). And it seems to be working, as interest in the phone is sky-high.

As for its availability in the Philippines, there’s a huge chance Digital Walker will bring it to the local market. They did launch the Nothing ear (1) in the country (which is now available in their branches, by the way). So they could do the same with the Nothing phone (1). Fingers crossed.

Source 1, Source 2, Source 3

Bryan is a geek at heart and a tech enthusiast by choice. He has a strong background in corporate communications, marketing services, and customer relations having worked in the telecommunications and banking sectors for over two decades. In his spare time, he enjoys watching clips on YouTube and binge watching shows on Netflix.

Write A Comment