What’s selling me is the baked-in app cloning support for all apps, and the icon theming to help with distractions
I know the hardware is lacking a bit, but if I’m not looking to game hard-core, are there other necessary features Nothing is missing compared to other androids?
Regarding cloning apps: Maybe try Shelter. It lets you setup a work profile and clone apps.
This can be nice for messenger apps for example.
I use Island for it now. I just thought it was a neat feature to have baked into the OS. Completely unnecessary for most people but saves me a bunch of clicks when customizing a new phone
Personally I’m very much missing eSIM support. Since I travel internationally somewhat often - however, not often enough to justify the costs of an international data plan - I don’t even consider getting another Nothing phone. (Currently using a Nothing phone 1)
On that note, I honestly don’t understand why eSIM support generally isn’t more common in Android phones…
my cell provider struggled so much with my current phone’s eSIM activation that they opted to just send me a physical sim lol. i didn’t mind since I don’t travel much anyway
A friend of mine borrowed me his old iPhone for my, recent trips to Canada and South Korea. Both times I was able to get, install and activate travel eSIM cards without any problems.
What’s your current phone? Maybe there’s a vast difference in eSiM experience between iPhone and Android phones?But as you mentioned not traveling much you probably don’t mind having no eSIM support.
s21. My provider is Visible. they’re kinda known for having eSIM troubles. fairly commonly mentioned issue in the subreddit
eSIM just locks you in even more
What’s selling me is the baked-in app cloning support for all apps, and the icon theming to help with distractions
Both of these things can be quickly and easily achieved on almost any Android phone through the use of third-party apps.
it’s just a personal preference for me if i can have it, and saves me the trouble down the line
I’m typing this from a Nothing 2 that I’ve had for almost a year. Don’t think there’s anything large I’m missing, almost a direct replacement from my Samsung S20 I had before meaning no SD card, no IR, etc on either. Maybe the main thing missing which I probably could recreate with other apps is Goodlock and it’s configurable gestures for edge of the screen but I’ve unlearned those macros and am fine.
I have an s21 now, and as much as I enjoy the oneUI-specific theming, I’ve learned to not rely on it too much. especially since the phones we’re given at work don’t have any of that lol
No, I don’t think you would miss out on anything important. Maybe Dolby Atmos
https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm
It’s a very personal choice. Check out the table and see if any of the features listed for various roms are MUST haves for you.
I’m writing this on a 2a and the only thing ‘missing’ for me is an SD card slot but I’m told that’s out of fashion these days anyway
Not exactly. Nothing’s sub brand CMF has SD card support in it, so Nothing could have provided it if they really wanted. It also misses a headphone jack, but Carl Pei would rather have you sell his earpods than give a jack. I don’t think any phone in mid to high range segment except Sony retains headphone jack now, which is a pity.
I mean, even with 256gb of storage, nothing isn’t that expensive compared to other mainstream brands
…and just so it’s perfectly clear: I am VERY happy with Nothing OS and the 2a. Like, happy enough that my next phone will likely be a Nothing phone as well. It’s been the best out-of-box user experience I’ve ever had with a phone
I appreciate the input! compared to other androids you’ve owned, what stood out for you specifically?
Primarily I just think the difference is overall good design between the OS and the phone itself. There are a lot of little thoughtful details that improve the experience.
The ‘glyph’ lights are a good example. When I was researching the phone I thought they were just a gimmick. Like sure they’re neat and all but I didn’t really see much value added. However, in practice you start realizing how valuable they are.
The notifications lights can be customized so important ones turn on a light until the phone is checked. This makes ignoring your phone so much easier. The Glyph Timer is really useful, especially if you need a silent timer. There’s also a Glyph flashlight. This seems redundant at first because there’s already an LED flashlight on the back of the phone, like every other phone. However, the Glyph flashlight is much softer which is perfect for navigating a dark room where someone is sleeping.
People will point out that most of Nothing’s features can be replicated in some capacity on any Android phone. This is absolutely true, but I think they’re discounting how thoughtfully these details are implemented by Nothing on their phones.
yeah that’s what I’m liking with Nothing. a lot of cool niche features that other androids can technically do via third party apps and other tinkering, are just baked into a stock Nothing phone
also the notification lights complimenting the OS’s color scheme to help with distractions is such a huge plus for people (me) who struggle with that
