The Nothing Phone 1 sits in the midrange smartphone space and runs Nothing OS, offering a distinct hardware and software approach compared with mainstream Android skins. Benchmarks and user reports place its CPU/GPU performance in the expected midrange band — Geekbench user-submitted results show roughly 1,010 single-core and 2,857 multi-core scores, and AnTuTu 10 listings report a 637,859 total score with CPU 205,648 and GPU 156,535. Its mix of flashy extras and a pared-down OS made it a noticeable entrant for buyers who wanted something different, not necessarily a flagship-level spec sheet.
This review synthesizes published benchmarks and long-term user commentary: Geekbench Browser and Nanoreview benchmark aggregations for raw performance figures; an independent six-month long-term write-up for daily use and thermals; Reddit/GSM Arena user threads for real-world complaints (battery impressions, charger omission, ingress protection); and professional reviews from TechRadar and CNET for software and design context. All claims below are grounded in those specific sources and their reported numbers and observations.
High-level verdict: the Phone 1 delivers what its sources promise — clean Nothing OS, midrange Snapdragon 778G+ performance (reflected in Geekbench and AnTuTu figures), and generally solid camera images with 'lots of detail' reported in long-term testing. The trade-offs are concrete: reviewers and users flag inconsistent battery impressions (some call it 'great', others say 'could be better'), no charger included in the box, and only minimal ingress protection (reported IP52). If you value distinctive design and a light, efficient software experience, it’s a strong contender; if you need robust water resistance or a guaranteed long battery life, it may miss the mark.
How fast is the Phone 1 in real-world and benchmarked use?
Benchmarks collected from user-submitted runs and aggregated results place the Nothing Phone 1 squarely in the midrange class: Geekbench Browser reports around a 1,010 single-core score and a 2,857 multi-core score for devices running the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ variant, while Nanoreview/AnTuTu lists an overall AnTuTu 10 score of 637,859 with a CPU subscore of 205,648 and a GPU subscore of 156,535. These numbers indicate competent general performance for everyday tasks, web browsing, and moderate multitasking.
Long-term user commentary notes the Phone 1 'runs pretty cool and efficiently', which aligns with the midrange SoC behavior shown in the benchmarks — you should not expect flagship-class sustained high-end gaming performance but can expect smooth UI responsiveness and solid app performance for the phone’s intended class.
Battery life is inconsistent across reports — what to expect?
Battery impressions in the sources are mixed: a Reddit/GSM Arena thread and some user comments report 'great battery life', while CNET’s review explicitly lists 'battery life could be better' as a con. The long-term review notes efficient thermals ('runs pretty cool and efficiently'), which suggests the phone manages heat well under typical loads, but battery endurance appears sensitive to individual usage patterns and settings.
Because published sources disagree, treat battery as a potential variable: some users report full-day usability comfortably, others expect more. If long screen-on endurance is a top priority for your workflows, that inconsistency is an important consideration before committing.
Does the Phone 1 take good photos?
Multiple user and reviewer reports describe the Phone 1’s camera output as 'solid' with 'lots of detail' — the long-term review explicitly praises retained detail, and a Reddit summary notes 'solid camera image quality.' Those comments indicate the camera system performs well for stills in typical lighting for its class.
Professional reviewers also highlight competent imaging for the price/segment. Expect reliable daylight performance with good detail; as with other midrangers, low-light and specialized imaging modes will reflect the limits typical of non-flagship camera hardware and processing.
Is Nothing OS a good daily driver?
TechRadar summarizes the device as offering a 'clean Nothing OS Android-based user experience.' That simplicity is a core selling point — reviewers and users appreciate the pared-back approach compared with heavier OEM skins.
TechRadar also cautions that the 'user interface requires refinement', a sentiment echoed in user threads; combine that with the Phone 1’s quirky extras (described as 'flashy extras' by CNET) and you get an interface that is lightweight overall but occasionally rough around the edges in polish and UX consistency.
Design flourishes and practical durability trade-offs
CNET highlighted 'flashy extras' as a differentiator for the Phone 1; those hardware and visual touches contribute to its distinct identity. However, practical trade-offs exist: community reports note there is no charger included in the box, and ingress protection is limited — sources reference a minimal IP52 rating rather than higher IP67/IP68 standards.
That combination means you get a design-forward product with personality, but you should not expect flagship-level environmental protection or bundled charging accessories — plan accordingly if those are requirements.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ AnTuTu 10 aggregated score of 637,859 with CPU 205,648 and GPU 156,535 indicates solid midrange overall performance
- ✅ Geekbench user-submitted scores ~1,010 single-core and ~2,857 multi-core for Snapdragon 778G+ show responsive everyday performance
- ✅ Clean Nothing OS Android-based experience praised by TechRadar for a lightweight UI
- ✅ Camera reported as 'solid' with 'lots of detail' in long-term testing and user threads
- ✅ Runs 'pretty cool and efficiently' in long-term real-world use
- ❌ Battery reports are inconsistent across sources — some users call battery 'great' while CNET states 'battery life could be better'
- ❌ No charger included in the box (reported in GSM Arena / Reddit thread)
- ❌ Ingress protection is minimal (reported IP52-level protection rather than higher dust/water ratings)
- ❌ User interface still 'requires refinement' according to TechRadar
How It Compares to the Competition
- Google Pixel 6a — A mainstream alternative in the midrange space with a different Android experience and similar class-level performance.
- Samsung Galaxy A54 — A broad-market rival focusing on conventional feature balance and mainstream software expectations.
- OnePlus Nord 2 — A design- and performance-focused midranger that targets similar buyers seeking polished hardware and snappy performance.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: Buy the Nothing Phone 1 if you want a midrange Android phone with Snapdragon 778G+ class performance (Geekbench ~1,010/2,857, AnTuTu 637,859), a clean Nothing OS experience, and a camera that delivers detailed stills — especially if you value distinctive hardware and efficient thermals.
Skip it if: Skip this phone if you need guaranteed long battery endurance (sources disagree on battery life), expect robust ingress protection (reported as minimal IP52), or require a bundled charger out of the box. Buyers who prioritize flagship-level water resistance or the longest possible battery runtimes should look elsewhere.
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