Until recently, technology start-up Nothing has been a bit under the radar.
That changed when the company, which was founded in 2020, announced its new Nothing Phone (1), which has quickly caught the attention of both technology enthusiasts and consumers alike.
On June 16, the company presented the design of the phone, which is the firm’s second product launch, to a private audience during the Art Basel event in Switzerland.
Here is everything we know so far about the newest phone, considered one of the most environmentally friendly to be launched on the market.
What makes Nothing Phone (1) so different?
At first glance, the model appears to be similar in design and features to the iPhone 12, with flattened edges, side button designs, and dual rear cameras.
The phone has a transparent back and was inspired by artists like Massimo Vignelli who designed the New York subway map and made a complex system look like art.
“We were inspired by our childhood, the rush to relate to our first tech products, like the transparent Gameboy, or even old cassette tapes,” said Akis Evangelidis, head of marketing and co-founder of Nothing, and Euronews Next.
He adds that modern technological design “has become cold and does not cause the same feeling of emotion as before.”
The design team is led by Adam Bates, a former Dyson designer.
What really differentiates this product, however, is Nothing’s commitment to sustainability.
“We cannot deny the importance of sustainability at this stage, especially within the consumer technology industry,” Evangelidis continued. “We really don’t want to be another brand caught up in greenwashing.”
The phone is made of a 100% recycled aluminum frame that makes it lightweight and sturdy, while more than 50% of the phone’s plastic components are made from biologically based or post-consumer recycled materials, a leading percentage in the industry.
The packaging of the phone will also be made with eco-friendly soy ink, recycled fiber (bamboo, trees and sugar cane) and completely free of plastic components.
“We want to support our customers and technology users alike in making an informed decision as we continue to find new ways to improve technology sustainability,” Evangelidis told Euronews Next.
“For years, it seemed like all the artists had left the industry. All we have left are cold, unexciting and derived products. It was time for a new take.” said Carl Pei, CEO and co-founder of Nothing in a statement.
“The phone (1) was designed by instinct, making a product for ourselves and most of all, we would be proud to share it with our loved ones. I can’t wait for people to start experiencing it.”
The Nothing phone will run on a custom version of Android, backed by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset.
While many may expect the phone to use the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, it may be more reasonable to expect the more affordable Snapdragon 7 Gen 1.
In a tweet posted on June 15 announcing the new product, which showed the design of the back of the phone, Pei said: “Leaks are harder to contain today and many of you are waiting for a long time. So here it is. ”
When will the phone come out?
There is still nothing to set a specific date on when the smartphone will go on sale.
The company first confirmed that it was working on a smartphone in March 2022, at which time it was only confirmed that the launch will take place in the summer of this year.
Since then, the launch date has been somewhat concretized with the promise of a phone launch event on July 12 at 16:00 BST (17:00 CET).
There are rumors that the product will be available to order as soon as the event concludes; however, others suggest that the launch could be delayed a bit due to supply chain issues.
However, you can technically buy the phone before launch.
The company has partnered with StockX to auction off the top 100 serialized phone units (1) with all proceeds going to a community-managed fund.
Special phones will be recorded and serialized, available at a 48-hour auction starting June 21 at 14:00 BST (15:00 CET).
How much will the Nothing Phone (1) cost?
With the launch of the phone yet to come, Nothing has yet to put a solid price on the product. However, judging by the company’s previous releases, it is expected to be more affordable than its competitors.
Ear (1) headphones, for example, were priced at $ 99 (€ 94.09), priced below their counterparts while retaining premium features such as active noise cancellation.
If the same ethos applies to the launch of the company’s newest product, we can expect the phone (1) to reach a mid-range price without sacrificing the premium features you expect from industry-leading smartphones.