I figured I’d throw in my ten cents - I bought a Nothing phone because it ISN’T a Google phone. I DID buy a different brand - Nothing!! If you want Google’s apps/experience/features, there’s a phone for that; it’s called a Pixel.
Bloatware isn’t what comes on the phone - it’s what can’t be removed. Apple’s first-party apps aren’t “bloat” because they’re present, they’re bloat to many iPhone users because Apple forces them to be used. It’s the same with Google here. Consider:
- Nintendo - humble hardware, excellent software == King of Gaming for 4-decades, everybody knows who Mario is.
- Apple - Snow Leopard, classic iOS, O.G. iTunes. They’ve never been spec champs, but look at them.
- Linux - (desktop) fails because there’s no dang first-party software! The kernel is fine, there are even nice D.E.'s, but the apps aren’t there so nobody invests…
- Microsoft - Windows Phone, but also the hate desktop gets is because UI/UX has never evolved past squares and gradients at Microsoft. Their marketing is beautiful lately, but the apps are still obnoxious (ignoring stability and recent AI invasiveness).
I agree that Samsung’s first-party implementation is chaotic, and I would hate to see that happen here. Having tried OxygenOS on a OnePlus 12: it was nice but felt like “discount iOS” - I didn’t love it even if some of the features and extra apps were thoughtful and well executed (the notes app & app locker in particular). But Google is not primarily a software company. They are an advertising company, engineering software platforms for reach. Their designs are a cut above Microsoft at best, and their consistency is all over the place (peep “The Google Graveyard”). Nevermind the privacy concerns and constant subscriptions… In the words of Gene WIlder: “You GET NOTHING!”.
I bought the phone because of the interesting hardware, but the software approach is what sold me beyond some of the teething issues. This brand gets it - slowly roll out exercises in design and build a library of first-party app functionality that maintains immersion; just like Apple did.
Yes the Camera tuning should be a main priority. Yes, the IP-rating’s need a lot of work. But first-party apps are what makes the Nothing experience shine. I tried a Sony Xperia 1 Vi before settling on a Nothing Phone 2 - The camera was exquisite, but the “stock” experience is WHY I returned the phone. I get to use the camera once in a while, I HAVE to use the smartphone every day. For $1300!?!, I shouldn’t be required to go hunting for apps to solve common use-cases, especially when many are ad-filled garbage, or don’t do it “quite right”. Sony is making old mistakes with excellent hardware and engineering, but no software to make use of it! Apple established the “experience” pillar of computing 2 decades ago - it’s not up for debate anymore. Hardware is dope, but software is king.
Shortlist:
- Files Manager - Keep AI local if it’s even there, and allow people to disable it completely regardless. I d e s p i s e having to use my phone at work and my Files Manager (lookin’ at you Google) is constantly serving up “suggestions” of personal stuff. NO. If I wanted a “dashboard” with file suggestions and invasive search, I’d build one?! File systems are for viewing directories, and CRUD, simple search, and intuitive quick previews.
- Gallery - this was such a miss on the Sony. Why have a good camera and then a latrine for a gallery? Makes no sense. I don’t need suggestions, I don’t need advanced features in this app (keep those in a dedicated screenshot/editor app). Just Albums, password/biometric locking for albums (NDA’s, work privacy, etc.) and easy controls for group selecting and moving things around.
- Scrolling screenshot needs a bit of tweaking, I like this one a lot but it was hit or miss a lot of the time.
- Music is a whole opportunity for you guys tbh - the Teenage Engineering friendship could be so so good! A simple “local” music player - integrated right into your “Now Playing” widget (chef’s kiss!). If those madlads could create some kind of “OP-X” Midi recorder/mini-DAW, I think I could die happy. I was super pumped to see the 3.5mm on the Sony, because I thought I could plug my Korg Volca’s into it and record audio (a la Sony Music Pro right?!) but nope.
- Widget tweaks - need more sizing for the photo widgets (5-column home screens cause weird alignments), and the Now - playing widget would be so cool with a 3×3 variant.
Haven’t had this much fun with a device in years - and that’s coming from an S21 Ultra so keep it up guys! ✌
