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If you’re considering the Nothing Headphone (1), hold off for now.
The newer mid-tier model, Nothing Headphone (a), is $100 cheaper and superior to the flagship version.
Though the Headphone (a) makes some compromises in design and sound quality, its price makes any drawbacks negligible. After about a month and a half with them, here are my thoughts on what Nothing has done right this time.
Nothing Headphone (a): Price and specs
The Nothing Headphone (a) is priced at $199, significantly more affordable than the $299 Headphone (1).
Key features include:
Drivers: 40 mm RF drivers
Equalizer: Eight-band equalizer
Spatial audio: Includes concert and cinema mode
Noise cancellation: Adaptive and manually adjustable ANC
Battery life: 75 hours with ANC, 135 hours without
Quick charge: Eight hours of playback after five-minute charge
Microphones: Four mics, with two hybrid ANC mics
IP rating: IP52 dust- and water-resistance
Bluetooth connection: Bluetooth 5.4
Codecs: AAC, SBC, LDAC
Colors: White, black, pink, and yellow
The Headphone (a) outperforms the Headphone (1)
While both headphones look similar, the Headphone (a) uses more plastic. Despite that, it retains the retro look and is more comfortable due to its lighter weight.
The on-ear controls, a highlight of the Headphone (1), have been carried over to the Headphone (a).
Although both have similar ANC capabilities, neither is exceptional. Sound differences are minor, and the Headphone (a) performs well despite lacking the personal sound profile test available on Headphone (1).
The battery life made me do a double-take
The Headphone (a) offers an outstanding 75 hours of battery life with ANC and 135 hours without. The battery life alone is a strong selling point.
A standout design with perfect on-ear controls
The design consists of four key buttons: a volume roller, a track paddle, an action button, and a Bluetooth button inside the ear cup. The design strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality, making the Headphone (a) user-friendly.
Just a word of warning on the comfort front
The headphones are not as comfortable as the Bose QuietComfort line due to a slightly tighter fit, possibly for noise cancellation purposes. Those preferring softer padding may find these less ideal.
The sound is on par with the price point
The Headphone (a) is bass-heavy out of the box, but adjusting the equalizer improves balance. An eight-band equalizer and community-curated EQ profiles are available in the Nothing X app.
While not offering exceptional sound, music remains enjoyable. Sound leakage at higher volumes is a minor concern.
The ANC is less noteworthy
While adjustable, the ANC does not perform exceptionally in