Tested with: OnePlus 13, Oppo Reno 14 Pro & Google Pixel 6 Pro (LDAC) | Music/Movies/Gaming/Daily Commute
Design & Comfort: Balancing Retro Aesthetics with Modern Engineering
The Headphone (1)'s design makes an immediate statement. Its transparent acoustic chambers and minimalist silhouette strikes a thoughtful balance between nostalgic tech (classic Walkmans) and Nothing’s minimalism. Having tested the black variant, I appreciate its stealthy sophistication though many will prefer the white model’s distinctive cassette-tape aesthetic.
Build Quality Observations:
Material Choices: Nothing uses reinforced aluminum at stress points (hinges), stainless steel for sliders, and precisely molded plastics throughout. This combination delivers impressive structural integrity without excessive weight.
Weight Considerations: At 329g, these sit between Sony’s WH-1000XM5 (250g) and Apple’s AirPods Max (385g). Crucially, the weight distribution prevents neck strain during multi-hour sessions.
Comfort Experience: The memory foam ear cushions (IP52-rated against sweat/dust) provide excellent isolation and initial comfort. Clamping force is well-judged for stability without pressure points.
Features: Bold Choices, Mixed Execution
Physical Controls (Mostly) Win:
The Genius: Dedicated power switch > hold-to-wake nonsense. Volume roller + track paddle = perfectly thumbable.
The Quirks:
➔ Volume roller lags (annoying mid-song adjustments)
➔ Track-skipping requires awkward pauses between presses
➔ AI button? Ignorable gimmick.
Performance Features: Smart Compromises
ANC Performance:
Effective against low rumbles (subways, AC units)
Struggles with sharp noises (office chatter, clattering dishes)
Transparency mode is impressively natural
Mic Quality: Crisp calls even in windy parks. No “Where are you?!” complaints.
Spatial Audio: The head-tracked 3D soundstage works best with cinematic content but feels less transformative for music.
Sound: Bass Beast with Caveats
Tuning Personality:
Bass: Deep, punchy, cinema-grade feels physical during explosions (not bloated!)
Mids: Clear but vocals sit slightly back needs EQ boost at 2-3kHz
Soundstage: Narrow for over-ears instruments lack “air” between them
Gaming/Movies:
✅ Directional cues: Precise enough for competitive shooters
✅ Bass impact: Their strongest suit you feel thunder & gunfire
Nothing Community made a web verison of Nothing X app, there we can change settings
The KEF Partnership: Substance Behind the Hype
The collaboration with British audio pioneer KEF isn’t just marketing. The custom 40mm drivers support high-resolution LDAC wireless, revealing subtle details in well-mastered tracks.
EQ Transformation:
The 8-band parametric EQ in Nothing X app is essential. After adjustments notably reducing mids the 40mm drivers shine with detailed separation and KEF’s signature clarity.
Key Takeaways:
You’re getting legitimate hi-res capability without proprietary codec lock-in
Driver tuning reflects KEF’s signature balance between technical precision and musicality
This partnership elevates the headphones beyond typical “lifestyle” audio products
Verdict: Style Champion
You’re Buying This For:
✅ Head-turning, conversation-starting design
✅ God-tier battery life
✅ Physical controls done right
✅ Movie/gaming bass that punches above its weight
Compromises You Accept:
➔ EQ required to fix vocal recession
➔ Good (not elite) ANC
➔ Non-removable ear pads
Final Thought:
A flex that actually delivers. Not the “best” headphones, but possibly the coolest and when tuned right, shockingly capable. Just keep that EQ app handy.
