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Nothing or Google's Pixel 9—which smartphone wins? We compare design, performance, camera, and features to help you choose the best device for your needs!
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the competition is fierce, with manufacturers striving to offer the best features, performance, and value to consumers. Two of the most talked-about contenders in 2024 are the Nothing 2 Phone and Google's Pixel 9.
Both devices have garnered significant attention, but which one stands out as the superior choice? In this smartphone comparison, we will delve into various aspects of these smartphones, including design, performance, camera capabilities, software experience, and overall value, to help you make an informed decision.
When it comes to choosing a smartphone, it's easy to get lured by cutting-edge specifications. However, the decision to buy a smartphone goes beyond mere technical details. It's a statement—a reflection of your identity and personal values.
In today's market, where smartphones are not just tools but extensions of our personalities, the choice between brands like Nothing and Google is as much about functionality as it is about aligning with a brand that resonates with your individuality.
Nothing, co-founded by Carl Pei, has quickly made a name for itself with its unique and bold approach to smartphone design. With the Nothing Phone, featuring its transparent back and Glyph Interface, the brand offers something truly different in a sea of similar-looking devices. For many, owning a Nothing Phone is about more than just specs—it's about making a statement. It's about being part of a movement that values innovation and standing out from the crowd with something truly different.
Google, on the other hand, is a well-established name in the tech world. The Pixel series, especially the Pixel 9, showcases Google's expertise in software and hardware integration. Known for its pure Android experience, top-notch camera capabilities, and seamless integration with Google's services, the Pixel 9 is a favorite among those who value reliability and functionality. For many, buying a Pixel is about trust in the Google ecosystem and enjoying the latest in AI and computational photography.
Choosing between Nothing and Google often comes down to personal values and identity. Fans of Nothing are drawn to the brand's disruptive ethos and distinctive design. They see their phone as a fashion statement and a symbol of innovation. In contrast, Pixel users appreciate the reliability and cohesive experience offered by Google's extensive ecosystem. For them, a Pixel phone is about efficiency, integration, and staying up-to-date with the latest tech advancements.
Ultimately, the decision between a Nothing 2 and a Pixel 9 reflects individual preferences and lifestyle. Nothing 2 appeals to those who want to be different and embrace new, bold ideas. Google's Pixel, meanwhile, attracts those who seek a dependable, seamless digital experience. Both brands offer unique advantages, making the choice a matter of personal taste and priorities.
The Nothing 2 has taken the tech world by storm with its unique and minimalist design. The Nothing Phone aims to disrupt the industry with its transparent aesthetic and LED-backlit design. The phone features a sleek, transparent rear panel that reveals the intricately designed components, making it a true conversation starter. The LED lights on the back, called "Glyph Interface," provide customizable notifications, adding a futuristic touch to the overall design.
The Nothing Phone boasts a lightweight aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front and Gorilla Pillowed Glass 5 on the back, ensuring durability without compromising on style. The device feels premium in hand and stands out from the crowd with its bold and innovative design choices.
We should probably begin with the fact that Google Pixel 9 specifications are still yet to be confirmed and we are still in the rumor stages until the announcement on August 13. That being said, some details have already been leaked by a reliable source (@Onleaks) on X, that can give us an idea of what the new Pixel 9 will look like:
The Google Pixel 9 devices (Pixel 9 ,Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL) feature a refined and minimalist design with a matte glass back and an aluminum frame. The rear camera module is integrated seamlessly into the design, providing a smooth and cohesive look.
The Nothing 2 Phone boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED flexible display, an upgrade from its predecessor's 6.55-inch screen. This display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast.
Notably, the display’s maximum brightness of 1000 nits is twice as powerful as the previous model's 500 nits. The screen also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and fluid scrolling, gaming, and overall user experience.
The Pixel 9 features a slightly smaller 6.24-inch AMOLED display, 6.34 inch display for the Pixel 9 Pro and 6.73 inch display for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. According to Android Authority and sources familiar with the matter, the Google Pixel 9 will switch to an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for faster unlocking and improved reliability under various conditions.
Under the hood, the Nothing 2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, depending on the configuration. This flagship chipset ensures blazing-fast performance, seamless multitasking, and efficient power management. The device also comes with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, media, and files.
The Nothing 2 features a 4,700mAh battery with support for fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. The phone's battery life is impressive, easily lasting a full day of heavy usage. Additionally, the inclusion of 5G connectivity ensures future-proofing and faster download speeds.
In contrast, the Pixel 9 boasts Google's custom Tensor G3 chip, meticulously designed for exceptional performance and efficiency. With 12GB or 16GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB and 256GB, the Pixel 9 excels in AI and machine learning tasks. The Tensor G3 chip significantly enhances overall performance, enabling features like advanced voice recognition and computational photography.
The device is equipped with a 4,600mAh battery, similar to its predecessor, supporting fast charging, wireless charging, and 5G connectivity for swift and reliable internet speeds.
Best Phone for AI: The Pixel 9's custom Tensor G3 chip sets it apart in processing power, leveraging AI and machine learning capabilities to outperform the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 found in the Nothing 2. This advantage translates into faster performance, smoother multitasking, and enhanced efficiency across a range of tasks, from computational photography to advanced voice commands. For users seeking cutting-edge processing capabilities, the Pixel 9 offers a clear advantage over its competitor.
The Nothing 2 Phone features a dual-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 50MP primary sensor and a 50 MP ultra-wide sensor. The camera system is capable of capturing stunning photos with excellent detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy. The ultra-wide sensor allows for creative and expansive shots, making it versatile for various photography scenarios.
The phone's camera software includes AI enhancements, night mode, and Pro mode, giving users more control over their photography. The front-facing camera is a 32 MP sensor, capable of taking sharp and vibrant selfies.
Google's Pixel series has always been renowned for its camera prowess, and the Pixel 9 continues this legacy. The device features a Triple-camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor. Google's computational photography algorithms work in tandem with the hardware to deliver exceptional image quality, even in challenging lighting conditions.
The Nothing 2 runs on Nothing OS, a custom Android skin designed for a clean and intuitive user experience. Nothing OS focuses on simplicity and minimalism, offering a clutter-free interface with smooth animations and easy access to essential features.
One of its standout features is the Glyph Interface, which allows users to personalize notifications and interactions using the LED lights on the back panel. This innovative use of the back panel extends to custom notifications from various apps, such as displaying a progress bar indicating how close your Uber is to picking you up.
Additionally, the Nothing 2 features ChatGPT integration, accessible through the Nothing earphones (not included) for voice queries or directly on the phone for text queries.
We'll have to wait until August to learn all the features of the Pixel 9, but we do know it will run on Android 14. Based on the Pixel 8, we can expect deep integration of AI and machine learning within the OS, enhancing everything from predictive text to smart suggestions. Features like Google Assistant, Live Caption, and Now Playing add convenience and functionality to the overall experience. Additionally, Google offers features such as live crisis alerts in your surroundings, car crash detection with automatic notification to authorities, and Google One VPN for enhanced security and privacy.
The Nothing 2 Phone is positioned as a premium mid-range device, offering flagship-level features at a competitive price point. It starts at €499 for the 12GB/256GB model, while the 8GB/128GB variant is slightly higher at €509. For those needing more storage, the top-end 12GB/512GB model is priced at €579. Additionally, buyers can opt to purchase the Nothing ear earphones for €127 when bundled with the phone, compared to €149 when bought separately. With its unique design, strong performance, and innovative features, the Nothing 2 Phone offers excellent value for money.
The Pixel 9's pricing hasn't been announced yet as it hasn't been officially released. However, we can look at the pricing of the Pixel 8 series for a rough estimate. Currently, the Pixel 8 Pro, which shares specs similar to the Nothing 2, is priced at €1099, while the standard Pixel 8 is available for €799. It's anticipated that the Pixel 9 could follow a similar pricing strategy or potentially be higher, given the usual trend of new releases introducing advanced features.
While we can't make a direct performance comparison yet since full details of the Pixel 9 haven't been revealed, let's talk price and value. The Nothing 2 is currently the best smartphone when compared to the Pixel 8 Pro in terms of bang for your buck—the specs are comparable, yet the Nothing 2 comes in roughly €500 cheaper.
Unless Google surprises us with groundbreaking features in the Pixel 9, which hasn't been the case so far, the Nothing 2 holds a significant edge. Choosing between the Nothing 2 Phone and Google's Pixel 9 boils down to personal preferences and priorities. Are you drawn to a reliable flagship with incremental improvements, or are you intrigued by the innovative underdog with its unconventional design and customizable back panel?
At nearly €500 difference, the choice becomes clearer.
Google Pixel smartphones come with some surprising features, especially the ones for crisis alerts and car crash monitoring. But, here's the catch—they also mean Google knows a lot about you: who you are, where you go, what you do, and when you do it. For those of us who see this as a serious concern, ironically, a Google Pixel is the best smartphone to preserve our privacy:
Graphene OS is tailored for users who prioritize privacy and security on their mobile devices. Built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), it strips away Google Play Services and other proprietary components, granting users complete control over their data.
Graphene OS works exclusively with Google Pixel devices, leveraging their advanced hardware security features such as the Titan M security chip and Trusted Execution Environment (TEE).
To install Graphene OS, start by purchasing a Google Pixel device anonymously with cash in-store, avoiding debit card transactions to maintain privacy. The OS can be downloaded from the official Graphene OS website, where detailed instructions for installation are provided. While some technical knowledge is required, comprehensive guides and support are available. Once installed, Graphene OS offers a streamlined interface focused on essential functions, enhancing security, performance, and battery life.
Graphene OS delivers top-tier privacy and security, full control over your data. Its exclusive compatibility with Google Pixel devices ensures robust hardware security, independent from Google's data practices. While the latest Pixel models are ideal, older Pixel devices can also run Graphene OS, with potential support for upcoming models like the Pixel 9 upon its release.
