These are the new features of the LED back
Nothing has been teasing the next smartphone for months: co-founder Carl Pei already confirmed at the MWC in Barcelona that it will be better equipped than the Phone 1 (test). The company later gave more details about the Phone 2. Now, a few days before the official launch on July 11, 2023, Youtuber Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, has the opportunity to show the back of the smartphone and the new features of the OLED – Demonstrate display items.
As MKBHD shows in his video, Nothing improves the characteristic Glyph interface introduced with the Phone 1 on the Phone 2. The OLED display built into the back of the smartphone now shines through the glass back with eleven elements instead of the five elements of the predecessor. The manufacturer has retained the arrangement.
Nothing has not only expanded the number of LED elements, but also the number of lighting zones: The Phone 2 has 33 zones, while the Phone 1 only has twelve. Due to the finer subdivision, Nothing can visualize other functions on the Phone 2 in addition to the charging indicator through the LEDs next to the USB connection. For example, the large LED ring serves as a display for the volume control, but it can also be used as a timer.
The LED back of the Phone 2 can also be used for the glyph timer. (Screenshot: MKBHD)
It is also planned that third-party apps can use this LED bar like a progress bar. The ride-sharing service Uber and the Indian restaurant app Zomato are already on board, according to Brownlee.
The Phone 2 (right) has more LED elements divided into several sections. (Screenshot: MKBHD)
Another new feature, according to MKBHD, is the ability to set an “essential app.” Their notifications will light up on the top right bar of the glyph interface. So it is possible on the Phone 2 that the LEDs light up for Whatsapp notifications, but not for Gmail or Instagram.
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The Nothing Phone 2. (Image: Nothing)
As in the video and one of Nothing published image As can be seen, the Phone 2 largely retains the design language of the Phone 1. However, there are a few changes: The darker variant is now more gray than black and according to Brownlee, the back is a bit more rounded.
A first look at Nothing’s glyph composer. (Screenshot: MKBHD)
A few days ago, Nothing announced that users will be able to compose ringtones themselves and visualize them on the back. For this, Swedish House Mafia has composed a glyph sound pack consisting of five tones and sounds. However, the sound pack should also be made available for the Phone 1.
In terms of features, it is known that the Phone 2 is equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip and the battery has a capacity of 4,700 mAh instead of the 4,500 mAh of the Phone 1 will provide.
