What Is the Nothing Phone?
The smartphone world has been dominated for years by a handful of major brands — Apple, Samsung, Huawei and more recently Google. But every decade or so, a new challenger appears with a fresh take on what a smartphone should be. In 2022, that newcomer arrived: the Nothing phone.
Created to shake up a tech industry that many felt had become predictable, the Nothing phone has already built a loyal following. Let’s take a look at how this unique device came to be and why it’s caught everyone’s attention.
For more on the rise and fall of past smartphone giants, see our Downfall of the BlackBerry article.
What Is the Nothing Phone Brand?
The first Nothing phone launched in 2022, just four months after it was publicly announced. It comes from Nothing, a London-based tech company founded in 2021 by Carl Pei — the co-founder of OnePlus. Pei’s goal was simple: bring originality, transparency and creativity back to smartphones after years of similar-looking devices.
Since then, Nothing has released multiple models, each following a simple naming style:
- Phone 1 – July 2022
- Phone 2 – July 2023
- Phone 2a – March 2024
- Phone 2a Plus – July 2024
- Phone 3a – March 2025
- Phone 3a Plus – March 2025
No complex names. No flashy model numbers. Just “Phone”, followed by simple generational labels — a refreshing break from typical smartphone branding.
Does Nothing Make Anything Else?
Yes — Nothing also makes earbuds, wearables and accessories under its sub-brand CMF (Colour. Material. Finish). CMF products focus heavily on design and affordability, and even include budget-friendly smartphones. But the main Nothing Phone lineup remains the company’s flagship focus, so that’s where we’ll stay for this breakdown.
What Is the Light on the Back of the Nothing Phone?
One of the first things you’ll notice is the glowing pattern on the back. This is the Glyph Interface — a series of LED strips arranged in a distinctive circular design. The Glyph Light is the Nothing phone’s signature feature and serves multiple practical purposes:
- Notifications without turning the screen on
- Timers displayed visually
- Battery charging indicators
- Volume level indicators
- A built-in ring light for photos and videos
The idea is simple: reduce screen time and offer instant information through a unique external interface.
What Makes the Nothing Phone Special?
Beyond the light show, the Nothing phone stands out because it embraces transparency — literally. The back is completely see-through, revealing key internal components and giving the phone a futuristic, industrial look.
While it resembles an iPhone in its shape and camera placement, the Nothing phone has plenty of features that set it apart, including:
- Glyph Interface with programmable LED patterns
- Dual-side Gorilla Glass durability
- Advanced haptic motors for precise touch feedback
- Aluminium frame made from 100% recycled materials
- ChatGPT integration at system level
- 50MP dual camera with studio lighting and night mode
- 6.55-inch AMOLED display with HDR10+ and 120Hz refresh rate
- 18-hour battery life with fast charging
It’s quirky, bold and different — something the smartphone industry doesn’t offer very often anymore.
Curious what other big devices are coming soon? Have a look at our Smartphones Expected To Release In 2025.
The Nothing phone may still be young, but it has already proven that there’s room for innovation in a crowded market. From its transparent design to its playful lighting system, it’s managed to bring personality back into smartphones — and we can’t wait to see where it goes next.
