Introduction
The Nothing Phone 1 arrived as a fresh idea. It mixed a bold look with middle-of-the-road parts. People wanted a phone that felt fun and different. The Phone 1 did that with a clear back and a light pattern Nothing calls the Glyph. Reviewers praised the design and the clean software. At the same time, some buyers saw screen issues and asked for fixes. This Nothing Phone 1 review collects what reviewers, labs, and users reported. It explains the phone’s real strengths and its real limits. If you plan to buy one, this guide will help you decide with clear facts and plain language.
Quick Verdict: Is the Phone 1 Worth Your Attention?
The Phone 1 is a strong style statement. It is not a top flagship, but it tries to feel special. The Glyph lights, the semi-transparent back, and the Nothing OS give it a personality. For many buyers the value was the mix of good design and fair parts for the price. For others the chip and camera were only okay compared with flagship phones. If you want a phone that stands out and you like clean software, the Phone 1 is worth a look. If you need the best camera or raw speed, there are better phones.
What is the Nothing Phone (1)? A Simple Picture
The Nothing Phone (1) is the company’s first smartphone. It launched in 2022 and brought a new design idea to a crowded market. The brand came from people who helped make OnePlus. Their goal was a phone that felt playful but not cheap. The Phone 1 uses a Snapdragon 778G+ chip and a 6.55-inch OLED screen. It has a 4500 mAh battery and two 50MP rear cameras. Nothing also added its Glyph LED layout on the back. The phone aimed at buyers who want an interesting look and a clean Android feel without the top-tier price.
Design and Build: Transparent Style with Personality
Design is where the Phone 1 shines. The back shows a semi-transparent shell and visible components. The Glyph uses many LEDs arranged in bars and shapes that flash for calls, timers, or charging. The frame is aluminum and the glass uses Corning protection. The flat sides and slim feel make it easy to hold. However, the phone is not the toughest. Tear-down and repair tests showed low repairability. Water resistance is basic (IP53), so avoid deep water. Design fans love the phone because it looks different in everyday use. If you want something that gets noticed, this phone delivers a clear win in style.
Display and Screen Quality: Smooth, Bright, and Mostly Reliable
The Phone 1 uses a 6.55-inch OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate. That makes scrolling feel smooth and lively. Peak brightness reaches high levels for good outdoor visibility. The panel shows one billion colors and supports HDR10+ content. Early buyers did report some screen defects like green tint or dead pixels in rare units. Nothing responded with software calibration and support recommendations. Overall, for video, games, and browsing, the display is a strong point for the price.
Performance: Mid-Range Chip with Confident Everyday Speed
Under the hood sits the Snapdragon 778G+. It is a capable mid-range chip that handles apps, social media, and many games well. In daily use the phone feels snappy for browsing, video, and multi-tasking. Heavy 3D gaming will push the phone and may show differences from flagship chips. Nothing used LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage on many models, which helps speed. Memory configs include 8GB and 12GB options. The takeaway: real-world speed is solid for most users, but this phone does not match the fastest flagship chips.
Battery and Charging: Everyday Endurance and Flexible Charging Modes
The Phone 1 ships with a 4500 mAh battery. In normal daily use it typically lasts a full day for most people. Battery labs and long-term reviewers reported decent endurance but not record-breaking life. The phone supports 33W wired charging plus 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging. That gives real convenience if you own wireless earbuds or want to top up on the go. Charging speed is quick enough for daily needs, although some rivals charge faster.
Cameras: Strong Main Shooter, Limited Zoom and Motion Capture
The Phone 1 relies on two 50MP sensors: a main wide and an ultra-wide. The main camera shines in good light. It captures crisp photos with good detail and pleasing color in daylight. Low-light shots are solid but not class-leading; night mode helps but cannot fully match flagship sensors. There is no dedicated telephoto lens, so zoom uses digital crop and loses detail at high magnification. Video quality is usable for social sharing and casual clips, but motion-heavy scenes can look less stable than premium phones.
Glyph Interface: Fun, Useful, and a Real Identity Marker
The Glyph is a set of LEDs arranged on the back that light up for calls, notifications, and charging. It is programmable and can be set to different light patterns for contacts or apps. Beyond show, it also acts as a visual notification when the screen is facing down. Some users find it genuinely useful for silent situations. Others view it as a fun gimmick. From a design and brand angle, the Glyph made the Phone 1 instantly recognizable and helped Nothing build a clear identity.
Software and Updates: Nothing OS and the Update Promise
Nothing OS feels close to stock Android with a calm, playful skin on top. The interface keeps many Android basics but adds small touches like Glyph controls, slick icons, and custom widgets. At launch Nothing promised several years of OS updates and security patches. Over time the company has delivered multiple updates and refinements, which helps trust for long-term use. If you prioritize clean software and thoughtful small features, Nothing OS is a highlight.
Connectivity and Extras: Wireless Charging and Handy Features
The Phone 1 includes NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6, and stereo speakers. It supports both wired and wireless charging, plus reverse wireless for accessories. There is no 3.5mm headphone jack, which many phones dropped years ago. The IP53 rating means splash resistance but not deep submersion. If you travel or use public transport, the phone’s wireless perks and NFC for payments are practical. Some extras, like the missing high-end water seal or the lack of an official charger in the box, are trade-offs to be aware of.
Real-World User Feedback: Wins and Pain Points from Owners
Community threads and comment sections show real people’s views. Many owners praise the Phone 1 for its clean UI and unique look. Others reported rare screen issues like green tint or dead pixels, which Nothing addressed by software tweaks and support. Repairability and long-term durability were common concerns. Battery life reports vary, with most users getting a day of use while power users need daily topping up. These real voices give helpful context beyond lab numbers.
How the Phone 1 Compares to Rivals: Price, Value, and Trade-Offs
Compared with flagship phones, the Phone 1 trades off peak speed and top camera optics for design and a lower price. Against other mid-range phones, it stands out for looks and clean software. Brands like Google, Samsung, and OnePlus often beat it in camera or raw performance at higher price brackets. But for buyers who want personality and a good screen at a fair price, the Phone 1 often wins.
Who Should Buy the Nothing Phone 1? Simple Buyer Guide
Buy this phone if you value design and a clean Android feel. It is great for people who like to stand out and who use their phone for social media, video, and casual gaming. Consider another phone if you need the fastest processor, long top-tier battery life, or pro camera features like optical zoom. Also think about local support and warranty in your country, because service options vary by region.
Practical Tips and Settings for New Owners
Right after unboxing, check the screen for any tint or defects. Enable adaptive refresh and set brightness to auto for better battery life. If you care about camera quality, enable the higher resolution mode and try Night Mode for low light. Use the Glyph settings to assign light patterns to important contacts so you can see who’s calling without sound. Install updates as they arrive; Nothing has fixed some early problems via software. Finally, buy a good case if you plan to keep the look but want more protection.
Price and Availability: What to Expect
At launch the Phone 1 aimed at a mid-range price point. Availability varied by region, and Nothing expanded channels over time. Prices changed with storage and RAM options and with later models in the line appearing. If you shop used, consider battery health and the warranty. Check Nothing’s official store or trusted retailers for return policies. Price matters here because a lower cost can tilt the value strongly in the Phone 1’s favor.
Longevity and Repairs: How Easy Is It to Keep One Running?
The Phone 1 had a middling repairability score in teardown tests. Some internal parts are glued or placed in ways that complicate DIY fixes. That means professional repair may be pricier than for very repairable phones. Nothing’s support and replacement service improved over time, but checks on regional service are important. For people who keep devices several years, think about warranty and local repair options.
Final Take: Honest Summary of Strengths and Trade-Offs
The Phone 1 is memorable for design, a smooth OLED screen, and a pleasant software feel. It delivers solid day-to-day performance and useful wireless charging. But it is a mid-range device that trades off top camera zoom, highest raw speed, and easy repairability. The Glyph interface gives personality and practical notification cues. For many users the Phone 1 filled a gap: a stylish phone that felt different but worked well.
Frequently Asked Questions (6 Helpful FAQs)
Q1 — Is the Nothing Phone 1 still worth buying in 2025?
Yes, it can still be worth it for buyers who value its look and clean software. The phone provides a pleasant screen, decent cameras, and unique Glyph lights. But newer Nothing models and other brands offer faster chips and improved cameras.
Q2 — How long does the battery last on Phone 1?
The 4500 mAh cell will generally get most users through one full day of normal use. Light users may get more than a day. Heavy gaming or long camera sessions will drain it faster.
Q3 — Does the Glyph drain battery or cause problems?
The Glyph uses small LEDs and is designed to be efficient. It won’t be a major battery drain in normal settings. You can turn it off or customize the patterns to save a small amount of power.
Q4 — Are there known screen issues with the Phone 1?
Some early units showed green tinting or dead pixels. If you buy new, inspect the screen right away and request support if you notice color or pixel problems.
Q5 — Can the Phone 1 take great low-light photos?
The main camera performs well in daylight and captures pleasing shots. Low-light photos are okay with Night Mode, but they do not reach the quality of flagship phones with larger sensors and advanced optics.
Q6 — Will Nothing support the Phone 1 with updates?
At launch Nothing promised multiple years of OS and security updates. The company has released updates and patches since launch and continued to refine Nothing OS.
Conclusion — Your Next Step
The Nothing Phone 1 review above aims to be clear and helpful. If you want a phone with bold design, a smooth screen, and a clean software feel, this phone is a strong candidate. If you want peak camera performance, the fastest silicon, or top repairability, consider other options. My suggestion: test a unit in person, compare prices, and check local support policies. Pick the phone that fits your daily routines and budget.