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Nothing Phone 2 daylight camera samples (tap to see full size)
The main camera in the Nothing Phone 2 is a step up over the Phone 1 as textures on objects are a bit sharper and better defined. If you have ‘Scene Detection’ enabled, colours on certain objects such as flowers or trees can look exaggerated. Close-up shots look good too with very good details and sharpness and a pleasing background depth. Macro images also pack good details and natural colours. In low light, the camera app automatically enables Night mode, and here too the benefits of the upgraded sensor are visible. Landscape shots are brighter with better details and dynamic range, and close-ups look good too.
Nothing Phone 2 low-light camera samples (tap to see full size)
The ultra-wide camera does a decent job with daytime shots but quality is visibly weaker compared to shots taken with the main camera. However, due to a better image signal processor in the upgraded SoC, images do look a tad better compared to ones shot with the Phone 1. Low-light photos pack decent details and colours but the quality is not as good compared to what something like the OnePlus 11 5G can produce.
The selfie camera does a decent job in daylight. With the retouching filters disabled, it captures fairly accurate skin tones and facial details. Portrait mode also works well and does a good job of separating you from the background. However, this camera does struggle in low light as even with Night mode, images are underexposed and look dull.
Nothing Phone 2 selfie camera samples (tap to see full size)
The Nothing Phone 2 can record up to 4K 60fps video and supports LiveHDR recording at 4K 30fps. There’s also an Action Mode and a Night Mode, both of which are limited to 1080p 30fps. However, the quality of recorded videos is strictly average. Even in daylight, a faint jitter is visible if you’re walking and recording, and colour saturation looks a bit off. Low-light videos aren’t noisy, but this jitter is more pronounced with every footstep. In very dark scenes, Night mode does make a difference to exposure. When recording at 4K 30fps, you can still switch between the two rear cameras, but it’s worth noting that the ultra-wide camera capture considerably weaker quality footage, especially at night.
Verdict
The Nothing Phone 1 offered a comprehensive package for its price, and while it didn’t necessarily excel at everything, it didn’t miss out on any important features either. The Nothing Phone 2 feels exactly like that, just in a different price segment. Sadly, our criticisms of Phone 1 also apply to the new model: the ultra-wide and selfie cameras are strictly average in low light, and video recording needs improvement. I also think Nothing should have bundled a fast charger with the phone considering most of the competition still does this.
The Nothing Phone 2’s strongest feature remains its software. Other than a Google Pixel 7, I can’t think of anything else that comes close to it in this segment. It’s slick, refined, and feature-packed without feeling bloated. Those who intend to use the Glyph lights will appreciate that added functionality. Battery life is another big plus point for the Phone 2, and its premium in-hand feel is second to none.
If you’re looking for a specialist rather than an all-rounder, though,you might want to consider some of its competitors. If gaming is a priority, then you’ll find the same SoC in much less expensive smartphones such as the OnePlus 11R 5G (Review) and iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G, both of which also support much faster charging. If survivability if important, then phones such as the Samsung Galaxy A34 (Review) and Motorola Edge 40 (Review) come with an IP68 rating and still cost a lot less.
The 512GB variant of the Nothing Phone 2 does not offer the best value, as of now anyway. At Rs. 54,999, you could get the Oppo Reno 10 Pro+ 5G (Review) or the OnePlus 11 5G (Review), both of which offer higher-resolution curved-edge displays and better camera performance.
Overall, the Nothing Phone 2 is a solid option that offers a decent number of premium features without really missing out on anything. The launch pricing might be a put-off for some buyers considering the fierce competition, especially for the top-end variant. However, its unique software experience and quirky design are unmatched.
