When Nothing Phone (1) was announced in July 2022, it wasn’t just another smartphone launch. It felt like the beginning of something refreshing. A startup led by Carl Pei – the man who helped shape OnePlus – set out to break the monotony of today’s smartphone world. And they weren’t just promising specs. They were promising character, design, and something personal.
I bought the Nothing Phone (1) on its first sale in India – a 256 GB Black variant. July 20th, 2022. I still remember the excitement as the Flipkart delivery arrived. I was betting on a brand-new company with no track record, but something about the confidence and clarity in their vision spoke to me. Now, nearly three years later (1,067 days to be exact), I’m still using the same device. No regrets. No replacement. Here’s the honest truth about what it’s been like living with the Nothing Phone (1).
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A Phone with an Identity
Let’s start with the design. It still turns heads. The transparent back, the Glyph interface, the symmetry – it’s not just another rectangle. Three years in, and people still ask, “Which phone is that?” That’s rare. The Glyph lights may seem gimmicky at first, but they’ve actually become subtly useful. In meetings, I leave the phone face-down and rely on the silent light cues. No buzzing, no distractions. Just a quiet notification dance of white LEDs.
The build? Premium. Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 front and back. After years of use, it’s held up remarkably well. No major scratches, no looseness in buttons, no frame bends. Nothing cut no corners here.
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Performance & Daily Use
The Snapdragon 778G+ wasn’t the fastest chip on paper, but paired with Nothing OS, it has aged like fine wine. The software is close to stock Android, with some minimal, tasteful tweaks. The animations are smooth. Multitasking works well. I’m not a mobile gamer, so I can’t speak for PUBG frames, but for daily tasks – messaging, photos, browsing, productivity – it’s been rock solid.
Battery life was great in the beginning. I easily got a full day with 6+ hours of screen time. Over the last two months, I’ve noticed it draining a bit faster. Still, I get through a full day on moderate use. That’s impressive for a 3-year-old device.
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Camera: Good Enough
The camera system is clean: a 50MP main and a 50MP ultra-wide. No useless macro lenses or depth sensors. It delivers natural-looking photos, especially in daylight. Low light could be better, and the ultra-wide struggles at night. But for someone who takes everyday photos – kids, pets, trips, documents – it’s more than enough.
Video recording has been stable and smooth. The red LED light that switches on when filming? A neat privacy-focused touch.
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Glyph Lights: More Than a Gimmick
At first, I thought I’d forget about the Glyphs. But they stuck around. They’ve become a part of my silent alert routine. The LED patterns are customizable now – thanks to updates – and even act as a mini flashlight, charging indicator, and ringtone composer. It’s just fun. It gives personality to the device.
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Software Journey: Better Over Time
This phone launched with Android 12 and Nothing OS 1.0. Since then, it’s been updated regularly – Android 13, then 14, and now Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.0. With each update, the phone felt newer. The UI got smoother, features like lock screen widgets, better Glyph controls, and even a new gallery app arrived. It’s rare to see a new brand support a device this well.
Nothing also kept the UI clean. No ads, no bloat. Just a slick, responsive, fuss-free experience.
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The Verdict After Nearly 3 Years
I never upgraded to Phone (2). It didn’t feel like a big enough leap. But Phone (3)? That looks interesting. Still, the Phone (1) has set a high bar. Here’s where it stands today:
Pros:
Gorgeous design that still feels futuristic
Excellent build quality
Clean, fluid software
Useful Glyph interface
Decent camera for most needs
Wireless charging in a mid-range device
Solid battery performance (even after 3 years)
Cons:
Low-light photography could be better
Speaker audio lacks bass
No charger included in box
Midrange chip limits gaming potential
IP53 rating means no full waterproofing
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Final Thoughts
The Nothing Phone (1) is more than a tech product. It’s a statement. Three years later, it still delivers. It proved that a new brand can not only stand out – but also stay relevant with consistency, updates, and community love.
As someone who took a leap of faith on day one, I can say this phone didn’t just meet expectations – it matured with time. And if Nothing Phone (3) carries that same spirit forward, I’m ready for round two.
Still Nothing. Still Something.
And now, I’m just waiting for Phone (3). Let’s see what’s next
