The company Nothing, which was established in January 2021, has already released one phone and a few TWS buds. Now, they are preparing to launch their second phone. The company is strategically approaching its releases in order to establish a reputation for innovative and distinctive products, as they aim to enter the highly competitive and crowded smartphone market, which involves navigating various challenges.
Although the official unveiling of the Nothing Phone (2) is scheduled for July 11, several key details about the device have already been confirmed by Carl Pei and his team. Unofficial leaks have also provided some information. Here is a summary of what we know so far.
While the first phone (Phone 1) was equipped with a slightly customized version of the Snapdragon 778G, the upcoming Phone 2 will feature the more advanced Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. Although it is not the latest generation, Nothing may not have had the influence to secure Gen 2 chips at this stage. Pei mentioned that the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 has undergone extensive testing and optimization since its introduction a year ago, prioritizing user experience rather than being at the forefront of the specifications race. He also implied that the chip offers the best value for money, with a larger price premium for the performance increase compared to the 8 Gen 2.
Furthermore, Nothing has established its software division and is now developing its own operating system, Nothing OS. They are currently working on Version 2 of their custom user interface. Pei understands the importance of extended software support, which gave OnePlus an advantage in its early years. Therefore, the Phone 2 will receive three years of OS updates and four years of security patches, approaching Google’s commitment of 3/5 years but falling short of the 4/5 years offered by companies like Samsung and OnePlus.
Similar to OnePlus in its early stages, Nothing’s strategy is to release one phone per year. This year, the phone will have a larger display, increasing from 6.55 inches to 6.7 inches. To support the bigger screen and more powerful chipset, the battery capacity has been increased to 4,700mAh from 4,500mAh. The first model achieved an impressive endurance rating of 108 hours, thanks to the combination of battery capacity, efficient chipset, and well-optimized software.
Regarding the request for a smaller phone, Pei stated that developing a smaller version costs as much as creating an entirely new product, and there is low demand for small phones among consumers. One recent reveal is the design of the new charging cable that will be included with the Phone 2. The cable follows Nothing’s signature transparent-on-white aesthetic.
Marketing is a significant expense but crucial for a relatively unknown brand, and Carl Pei excels in this area. Despite it being just a cable, it garnered over 100 comments on the post, attracting a lot of attention to the upcoming Nothing Phone.
The company has also focused on making the Phone 2’s design more eco-friendly compared to its predecessor. The carbon footprint has been reduced to 53.45kg, 5kg less than the Phone 1. Additionally, the new design incorporates more recycled materials, with the mid-frame entirely made of recycled aluminum.
The mention of “red tape” refers to the rules, regulations, and contracts that need to be navigated when launching a phone in a new market. The Phone 1 was only available in the US through an unsupported beta program, making it unsuitable for daily use. Carriers play a vital role in entering the US market, and proper approval from them is necessary for a successful launch. Last year, the young company did not have the resources to accomplish this. However, now that Nothing is up and running, they are prioritizing entering the
US market with the Phone 2. While it may not happen at the initial launch, it is a high priority, and the phone is expected to arrive in the US later this year. As of now, this is the available information, but more teasers and details are likely to emerge in the coming weeks leading up to the launch.
@OnLeaks has shared 3D renders of the Nothing Phone 2, revealing a more rounded design with rounded edges on the sides and beveled glass on the front and back. However, Carl Pei has dismissed this design as fake, though it could be a deliberate misdirection. The truth will only be known on July 11, so currently, rumors are filling in the gaps in the specification sheet.
According to rumors, the Nothing Phone 2 will allegedly combine the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 with 8/12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128/256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The 6.7-inch display will feature an FHD+ panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. So far, there have been no significant surprises.
The main camera is expected to have the same key specifications as the original, including a 50MP sensor and OIS. There is limited information available about the other cameras, but if the renders are accurate, there will be no third camera module.
The most notable improvements in the Nothing Phone 2 compared to the Phone 1 appear to be the upgraded chipset, refined software, and expansion into new markets. We will continue to monitor for any new developments, and you can expect detailed coverage of the Phone 2 once it is launched.
Published on 07/5/23 5:23 | by Rawa John