Nothing has introduced the Headphone A, a successor to the Headphone 1, offering an over-ear design that reduces weight and enhances battery life to 135 hours. Priced at $199, it retains the original’s aesthetic and controls while addressing call quality issues and swapping a carry case for a bag. The design closely resembles its predecessor, with an opaque enclosure and transparent ear shell, available in various colors. Despite some plastic components, the build feels sturdier, and the IP52 rating ensures dust resistance and some water protection, albeit with limited breathability. The tactile controls – a volume roller, navigation paddle, and voice assistant button – remain unchanged and effective. The sound profile is adjustable via the Nothing X app, offering comprehensive EQ customization, although the default settings may need tweaking. ANC performance is decent but falls short of high-end alternatives, and microphone noise cancellation struggles in noisy environments. Wired connections disable app features, but the headphones support dual-device Bluetooth connectivity. The Headphone A maintains Nothing’s unique style, improves affordability, and delivers adjustable sound quality, making it a compelling option over the previous model, despite certain drawbacks.
