The Nothing Phone (1), a mid-range device, is not the flagship that many had anticipated for, but since it has a similar feature set and pricing to the Pixel 6, we’re here to see how they compare.
The Pixel 6 is the first rung on the ladder to where the series has previously pitched because of the significant change that Google made back into the flagship market. The Nothing Phone (1) has a lot to offer at a reasonable price even though it is undoubtedly not a flagship-killer. We spent time comparing the two to determine which you should pick and why.
HARDWARE Smartphones in the middle of the price range frequently connect the cheap end and the high end. The boundaries have been obfuscated more and more in recent years. Prime instances of this include the Pixel 6 and the Nothing Phone (1).
When you hold either phone, you might be startled to learn that neither device is a true flagship in the conventional sense. It’s a good thing that the materials used virtually don’t match the price tag attached to each phone. You expect high-quality hardware when you invest your hard-earned money, and the Google Pixel 6 and Nothing Phone (1) both fit this description.
The Pixel 6 offers slightly greater internal processing power than the Nothing Phone (1), despite not nearly being a top-tier Android device. Although there aren’t many differences in day-to-day use, the Pixel 6 definitely feels smoother. Though the Google Tensor and Snapdragon 778G processors are not worlds apart, the Phone (1) does provide a larger RAM option, which should extend the life of this mid-ranger.
With the exception of the chipset, things compare rather favorably, with the Phone’s 120Hz AMOLED (1) being slightly smoother and bigger than the Pixel 6’s. Choosing which panel is generally superior is more difficult because each has unique characteristics to take into account.
You had better enjoy monotone hues if you like the design of the Nothing Phone (1). The only color options for the device are black and white. The rear clear glass panel isn’t really clear; it just conceals and caps the complicated technological components. If you desire elegant LED lighting, this is one of the few products that makes heavy use of light strips in its design. In contrast, the Pixel 6 has one of the most distinctive designs of recent smartphones thanks to the camera bar and design cues from earlier Pixel releases.
SOCIAL
Due to the many similarities between the very light Nothing OS shell and Android 12 on the Google Pixel 6, it is a little more difficult to really distinguish the software experiences on the Nothing Phone (1) and the Google Pixel 6.
The Glyph lighting and more significant changes to the Quick Settings panel, rather than huge overhauls as you’ll probably find on other Android skins, are the main distinctions that we’ve thoroughly examined. The Nothing Phone (1) might be the ideal substitute if you’re looking for a daily experience that comes as close to Pixel as possible.
A number of Pixel-only features, like Magic Eraser, On-device Live translation, and day-one firmware updates, are lost to you. Nothing does, however, include a fingerprint scanner and software-based Face Unlock, and it has promised quick support for its debut phone. We’ll just have to wait and see how that all works out.
Nothing makes a sub-$500 smartphone’s three OS upgrades and four years of bimonthly security patches a given. The Pixel 6s three full OS upgrades and five years of regular monthly patches surpasses this, however both will be compatible with Android versions up to and including 15 when they eventually appear in 2024.
CHARGER
The Phone (1) and Pixel 6 have quite similar battery capacities, but the latter has the advantage in this area as well. The duo’s actual lifespans are once more pretty comparable. Because Google set charging speed limits even for the official 30W wired charger, the Nothing Phone (1) provides quicker wired top-up choices with a Quick Charge 4.0 compatible power supply and USB-C connection.
Nothing Phone now has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging thanks to a modified Snapdragon 778G. (1). However, you do get regular 15W Qi charging and 5W reverse wireless charging for your accessories even if the chipset is normally not wire-free power ready.
The Pixel 6 has the same options, however you can get somewhat quicker 21W wireless charging speeds with the Pixel Stand 2. Given that wired speeds are limited to 21W, the Phone (1) has a slight advantage in terms of wired top-up times, but the Pixel 6 is the superior choice if you prefer wireless charging and are willing to invest in an additional device.
CAMERA
With 50-megapixel sensors at their core, the cameras on the Pixel 6 and Nothing Phone (1) have several features in common. But Phone (1) combines a good main sensor with an ultrawide that has comparable specifications.
The software processing with the ISOCELL GN1 sensor is where the Pixel 6 shines. In addition to being physically bigger, Google’s post-processing wizardry probably produces photos with better potential even when pixels are binned. With the ultrawide, the berth in quality is less noticeable.
Although the Samsung JN1 sensor can occasionally be flimsy and unreliable, the specifications favor the Nothing Phone (1). That is unquestionably true of the Phone (1)’s 12-megapixel ultrawide, which has a lower resolution.
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Both devices are lacking in features if you’re looking for additional modes and photography features. The Pixel 6 outperforms the Nothing Phone (1), though, thanks to more extensive video settings and post-processing features powered by Tensors like Cinematic Pan, Locked Focus, and Active modes. No Pixel device has yet to feature manual controls, although Phone (1) does have an Expert Mode that gives you access to them.
For point-and-shoot photography, you’re well served, but the Pixel 6 is far better in every way and is among the greatest smartphone cameras available right now, even without a telephoto zoom lens.
PIXEL 6 VS. NOTHING PHONE (1): WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
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Regarding upgrading: 9to5
Google frequently makes suggestions for particular products. Due to numerous factors, such as increased device cost, insignificant performance increases, or environmental impact, we may occasionally advise against updating. Although the choice to upgrade is always yours, we want to give you all the information you need to make an informed choice.
It’s difficult to not be pleased by the Nothing Phone despite excitement levels that are much above what they should be for a mid-ranger (1). It’s a fascinating Android device with a regular update schedule, pristine software, and a reliable camera arrangement. Is it an improved purchase over the Pixel 6? No, at least not generally. Of course, there is only one option available to you if you live in the United States, and we would venture that it is the best option overall.
The Pixel 6 outperforms the Nothing Phone (1) in enough categories to be a superior purchase all around. These two phones are among the most stunning ones available right now, yet design is a personal matter. A mid-ranger and a low-end flagship, respectively. They seem to come together in everyday use somewhere in the middle.
In some markets, restricted availability leads to a simpler decision, as was mentioned. Don’t be concerned that you will miss out if you are. Although the Nothing Phone (1) is a capable mid-ranger, it is by no means revolutionary.
