When the Nothing Phone (1) launched, it wasn’t just another smartphone; it was a statement.

In a market saturated with near-identical slabs of glass, Carl Pei’s Nothing brand promised to inject “fun” and “artistry” back into consumer tech. The result was an affordable Android phone with a transparent back, a unique light show, and a clean user experience.

But is this “affordable Android” still a smart buy in a competitive market? We break down the Phone (1)’s standout features, its compromises, and deliver the final verdict on whether you should spend your money on this unique device.

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The Good: Style, Software, and a Stunning Screen

The Phone (1)’s strengths lie in its premium feel and refreshing take on software.

1. The Head-Turning Design & Glyph Interface

The transparent back, with its meticulously arranged internal components, is the Phone (1)’s identity. It gives the device a premium, retro-futuristic look that instantly stands out.

The centerpiece is the Glyph Interface—an array of over 900 white LEDs that light up for notifications, display charging status, and even act as a subtle fill light for photos. While some call it a gimmick, it’s a genuinely fun, novel way to keep tabs on calls and alerts when the phone is facedown.

2. A Gorgeous, Flagship-Level Display

The screen on the Phone (1) is arguably its best feature for the price. It boasts a 6.55-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and stunningly uniform bezels—a feature often reserved for more expensive flagships. The display is bright, colorful, and makes the daily scrolling experience feel incredibly fluid.

3. Clean, Bloatware-Free Nothing OS

Nothing’s custom Android experience, Nothing OS, is praised for being close to “stock Android” with minimal visual clutter or bloatware. The experience is fast, uncluttered, and focuses on useful features over unnecessary duplication of Google services.

Performance & Power

The Phone (1) is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ processor. This mid-range chipset was a sensible choice to balance performance with battery efficiency and price.

• Performance: It delivers more than enough power for day-to-day use, social media, multitasking, and even light to moderate gaming. The snappy, 120Hz screen ensures the UI feels exceptionally fluid.
• Battery & Charging: The 4,500mAh battery consistently provides all-day endurance for most users. A massive plus for an affordable device is the inclusion of both 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging—features almost unheard of at this price point.

The Trade-Offs: Where it Falls Short

No affordable phone is perfect, and the Phone (1) has a couple of clear compromises:

Area	The Verdict
Camera	The dual 50MP system (with a great main sensor) takes excellent, true-to-life photos in good light. However, the ultrawide and front-facing cameras struggle in low-light scenarios, and the overall performance is not class-leading against rivals like the Google Pixel A-series.
Haptics & Audio	Some users report that the haptic vibration motor is “dodgy” or “clunky” compared to flagships. The stereo speakers, while loud, can sound a little tinny or lack bass.
Software Longevity (Crucial!)	As an older model, the Phone (1) has reached the end of its promised software update lifecycle for major Android/Nothing OS versions. While security patches continue, you won’t get the latest major features.

Should You Buy the Nothing Phone (1)?

The buying decision for the Nothing Phone (1) ultimately comes down to your priorities and the current price.

✅ Buy it if…

• You prioritize style and experience: You want a phone that is unique, feels premium, and has the cool Glyph Interface.
• You love clean software: You want a fast, near-stock Android experience with zero bloatware.
• You want features for less: Wireless charging and a 120Hz OLED screen are non-negotiable for you at a mid-range price.

❌ Look Elsewhere if…

• You need the best camera: For a similar price, the Google Pixel A-series offers a superior photographic experience.
• You are a heavy gamer: While capable, the 778G+ is not the fastest chip at its tier.
• You need the latest software: The Phone (1) will no longer receive major Android version upgrades, meaning its feature set is largely finalized.

Final Verdict

The Nothing Phone (1) is an impressive and capable mid-range phone that delivers a balanced user experience with unparalleled style. It successfully lives up to its promise of being “something different.”

If you can find it at a competitive price, and the end of major software updates doesn’t concern you, the Phone (1) is an excellent, premium-feeling daily driver that remains worth considering for its sheer uniqueness and premium feature set.