Flashing, Lights! - Nothing Phone (1) - Worth it in 2024? (Real World Review)

Today I will be reviewing the Nothing Phone (1), a phone that is replaced by the Nothing Phone (2) and (2a). But does that mean this phone isn't worth buying? With Android 14, let's find out!
Ok, disclaimer here (kind of) about getting Android 14. This review was written at the end of last year, but not much has changed besides Android 14 coming out. That said, I do briefly go over it in this video. I omitted the most recent update that talks about ChatGPT simply because I don't use that and all it does it makes the app more integrated, like using it as an assistant.
Also, happy mothers day!
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Do you like Nothing? Want more random phone videos? Let me know on here or on Twitter / mattofrwr .
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:26 Using the Phone
5:48 Premium
7:55 Cameras
10:33 Final Thoughts
12:05 Outro

[@drm42]

I've been using this for about 1.5 years, give or take, and while it's not perfect, it's been my favourite phone to date. It really showed me how far ahead hardware is relative to what we really need. It's a few years old mid-range chipset yet it's buttery smooth. Perfectly adequate. 2 things: - Glyph timer countdown is not available on the Phone 1, because each strip of LED is a unit of its own. It doesn't have that gradual line that newer models have, where a unit consists of many tiny LEDs that can be controlled individually. - You definitely should NOT keep the screen protector on. It's a cheap blurry option that is static and collects dust all the time. When I removed it, it felt like I had a different phone with a screen twice as sharp. You're welcome! 😁

[@comicsans8994]

Can you tell me if it worth buying in 2024? I hear the company is basically downgrading the phone 1 via software updates ( looking at the battery life ) and i found it for a nice price 280$ for the 8/256 GB

[@MrOAPhex]

@@drm42 hello. I have updated my np1 to the latest nothing os version and I haven't experienced any problems with the battery life (I bought it in December of 2023). I will say that it's worth buying (used) if you want more of a premium experience than the np2a

[@cladadverse]

Glyph Timer countdown, I think is not available in Phone 1 bcoz it requires individually programmed lighting up LEDs to do that. Also, the glyph timer conutdown maybe works with Nothing's own timer in their widget.

[@WonderBlubber]

For $300 there simply isn't better on Android. The software is so snappy and stylish. It blows me away every time I navigate the menu or switch apps. I daily drive an S24+ but I bought a Phone 1 when sales in the US first opened and I love this thing as my spare phone.

[@MrOAPhex]

Cool video. But why didnt you use the black and white icon pack? Or tbh any nothing themed vidget/software feature. With hardware, yes its not the best but the software is so great that it feels like a 500$ phone (with its smoothness ect)

[@trapifygaming1426]

make videos on s20 for 2024 and 13 pro

[@Cake_Doge]

With Phone (2a) out, how would this compare to that? As an iPhone 6s user for 9 years it is the first that an Android phone caught my attention.

[@RealWorldReview]

I personally think the Phone 1 is better than the 2a. There are small processor improvements, but at the same price I would say the Phone 1 is a better device overall. Only issue I can see is that the Phone 1 might not get as many software updates compared to the Phone 2a. The Phone 1 is a smaller battery, glass back and aluminum frame, wireless charging with reverse wireless, more glyph LEDs, debatably better camera set but not by much, 6.5 inch screen vs 6.7 on the 2a, macro camera mode. Phone 2a is 500mah bigger battery with 45w charging vs 33w on the 1, plastic back and frame, no wireless charging, smaller glyph array thats only on the top, better (maybe?) 32mp sensor front camera, but the back is similar cameras but without macro mode. Given the same price, I would pick the Phone 1, but can see that the 2a might be a better deal if it's cheaper

[@Cake_Doge]

@@RealWorldReview In my country phone 1 is cheaper somehow, thanks for the reply

[@daffvelos]

Nothing phone makes android interesting again

[@scotty666tt]

Does anyone know if this device can work on ATT

[@RealWorldReview]

According to AT&T, only the Nothing Phone 2. But Nothing says this “AT&T: 5G network is not supported. 4G and 3G are supported. Additionally VoLTE and VoWifi will not work.” Personally I would never recommend using AT&T. No reason to stick with their terrible BYOD policies. They’ll accept an LG G3 but not a Samsung A51 5G from T-Mobile. They’ll let you use internet and make a call and then text you “your line is suspended because the phone you’re using isn’t compatible.” Straight up lies courtesy of AT&T

[@Bob_Squared23]

​@@RealWorldReviewThe NP1 isn't officially supported but it'll work on ATT. You're not wrong about their BYOD policy tho. If I'm remembering correctly, ATT pretty much allowed any unlocked model on their network until the Huawei ban/3G shutdown right?

[@johnnychang4233]

I have yet to see another competitor making a phone and called it 'A-Thing' 😅