The Nothing Phone (2a) is a smartphone with cutting-edge design and excellent value for money. [COOL GADGETS Vol.62]

Exciting and unique design

The phone uses a "Glyph Interface" system in which the LED light on the back flashes in various ways when listening to music, receiving a call, or when the timer is running, etc. It's a fun feature to just look at. — The phone uses a “Glyph Interface” system that flashes an LED light on the back in various ways, such as when listening to music, receiving a call, or when a timer is running. It’s a fun feature to just look at.

The smartphone I’m going to be looking at this time is the Nothing Phone (2a). It’s known for being the best value for money product, but the reason I’m featuring it is because I want people to know about the unique brand “Nothing.” The world is filled with tech products, especially smartphones. Technology is just one of the foundations of our lives, and it’s not necessarily cutting-edge. Some people want special, cutting-edge products for their everyday tools, while others want affordable, comfortable products that fit into their daily lives.

Nothing focuses on smartphones, but also offers a lineup of earphones, an essential smartphone peripheral, aiming to bring new values to the world of tech products. You’ll notice the difference the moment you pick one up. The translucent back panel gives the feeling of peering into the inside of a device. This isn’t just a unique design feature; it’s designed to evoke a sense of familiarity with technology and the joy of ownership, yet it doesn’t use expensive materials that are out of reach. The soft texture, reminiscent of everyday items, gives off a casual, carefree impression without being too solid.

Necessary and sufficient functions

The LED light system on the back, called the “Glyph Interface,” glows like a living organism, pulsating to let the user know the type of notification, sometimes moving in time with the music, and visually indicating the remaining battery life. It combines the understated aspect of an inorganic everyday tool with an exciting design, and is carefully designed to subtly connect the device with the user.

The smartphone’s basic performance is sufficient. Some readers may not be familiar with the chip manufacturer MediaTek, but they are a trusted device manufacturer that has been supplying chips to the industry for a long time. While the performance is mid-range, it’s certainly not lacking in basic smartphone functionality. The battery lasts for two full days. It also supports Osaifu-Keitai, of course. The 6.7-inch screen not only boasts vibrant colors and smooth rendering, but also a sense of careful craftsmanship in the way the colors are well-balanced. The dual camera with wide and ultra-wide angles is an area where it differs from high-end smartphones, but unless you’re using it in extremely low-light situations, you won’t be dissatisfied.

A sense of affinity with technology

The smartphone's internal components can be seen through a semi-transparent panel, creating an outstanding design that evokes a sense of familiarity with technology and the joy of owning it. — The smartphone’s internal components can be seen through a semi-transparent panel, creating a brilliant design that evokes a sense of familiarity with technology and the joy of owning it.

Furthermore, Nothing OS features a unique user interface design, with basic operating procedures similar to those of an iPhone, making it easy to understand. In an age where most people use smartphones as everyday tools, Nothing is redefining the relationship between technology and humans by recreating truly essential functions and performance at an accessible price point. Bring a little surprise and joy into everyday life, and a new meaning to your relationship with technology. The Nothing Phone (2a) offers such an experience, but as a low-cost technology product, it is subject to rapid renewal. We hope you will also pay attention to the concept the brand as a whole is trying to portray, including family products such as earphones, and the upcoming addition of a higher-end model.

REPORT/Masakazu HONDA

PHOTO/Kunihisa KOBAYASHI

MAGAZINE/ GENROQ November 2024 issue

PRICE

49,800 yen (8+128GB) / 55,800 yen (12+256GB)

evaluation

It has a texture reminiscent of simple general goods, but is also a high-quality technology product. It is a unique brand that embodies the idea of what a smartphone is not as a cutting-edge product, but as an everyday item.

Cost performance: 5

Performance: 4

Built-in camera: 3

Ease of use: 4

Battery: 5

[Inquiries]

NOTHING Customer Support

TEL 0120-789-830
https://jp.nothing.tech