In the world of smartphones, new players often struggle to make a mark. However, one brand that has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts is Nothing: launched in 2021 by Carl Pei, the former leader of OnePlus, Nothing has made waves with its innovative take on the smartphone. One of their most recent offerings is the Nothing Phone 2, which also marked their entry into the U.S. market. In this article, we’ll unpack if the second-gen Nothing Phone is an Android phone, and what software and custom overlay Nothing uses to add to its brand’s unique aesthetic.
Is Nothing Phone 2 Android?
In short, yes, Nothing phones are Android-based phones. The Nothing Phone 1, stylized as Phone (1), debuted in July of 2022 with the Android 12-based ‘Nothing OS’. February of 2023 saw the Phone 1 get an Android 13 update in the form of Nothing OS 1.5, which formed the basis of the Nothing OS 2.0 that launched alongside the Nothing Phone (2). The company promises to deliver three years of Android updates and four years of security updates, so both of the previous Nothing phones will get the Android 14-based Nothing OS upgrades that will launch with the Nothing Phone 2a.
What software does the Nothing Phone use?
One of the standout features of the Nothing Phone 2 is its software – Nothing OS 2.0. Built on top of Android 13, the operating system strikes a balance between customizability and simplicity.
It offers a clean and bloatware-free user interface, reminiscent of Google’s Pixel phones. The native widgets for weather, clock, and quick settings are intuitive, while app icons and folders are visually appealing and easy to navigate. The Nothing Icon Pack, with its light and dark monochrome color scheme, adds a cohesive look to the system interface and home screen. Notably, app developers can leverage the Glyph Interface, a unique LED indicator system, to provide users with customized notifications and progress bars on the glyph lights on the back of the phone.
Nothing Phone 2 at a glance
| Specs | Nothing Phone (2) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 201.2 g |
| Display | 6.7 inches, LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 1600 nits |
| OS | Nothing OS 2.0 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Battery | 4700 mAh battery |
| Storage | 128GB 8GB RAM / 256GB 12GB RAM / 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Camera | 50MP main rear camera, 50MP ultra-wide, 32MP selfie |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6 |
Nothing Phone 2 pros and cons
As with any smartphone, the Nothing Phone 2 has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons:
Pros
- Unique Glyph Interface with LED indicator system
- Nothing OS 2.0 offers a clean and customizable user interface
- All-day battery life with fast wired and wireless charging
- Competitive pricing compared to other flagship Android phones
Cons
- Slippery design may require extra caution when handling
- Lack of a dedicated telephoto lens limits portrait and distant photography
- Limited carrier support, with no Verizon compatibility
Final thoughts
So, not only is the Nothing Phone 2 an Android phone, but its unique custom overlay called Nothing OS is actually one of the star features of this flagship smartphone. As well as having “a new visual identity that feels unmistakably Nothing”, Nothing OS offers the high level of functionality and efficiency you would expect from an Android overlay, and marks the device as a solid competitor to established market rivals including the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the iPhone.
