Retro-inspired Headphone 1 blends traditional style with modern technology, but there's a crucial detail to consider before purchase.
The London-based upstart brand, Nothing, has entered the over-ear headphones market with the launch of the Nothing Headphone 1. This innovative product offers a unique design, competitive specifications, and a compelling value proposition that sets it apart from other products in the market.
### Design and Build
The Nothing Headphone 1 boasts a distinctive aesthetic, with a modern, minimalist look available in white and black. The headphones come with plush cushioning for comfort and a color-matched carry case. Measuring roughly 173.8 x 78 x 189.2 mm and weighing 329 grams, the headphones are well-balanced in terms of size and weight, offering a comfortable fit without compromising on build quality.
### Audio and Sound Features
The headphones feature 40mm custom dynamic drivers with a PU diaphragm, tuned by KEF, delivering a broad frequency response from 20Hz to 40kHz for detailed sound. Support for high-resolution audio includes LDAC, USB-C audio, and a 3.5mm jack. They also have Hi-Res Wireless and 24-bit/96kHz certification.
The Nothing Headphone 1 offers adaptive bass enhancement, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for a 3D soundstage effect, and a customizable 8-band EQ via the Nothing X app.
### Noise Cancelation and Microphones
Equipped with real-time adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), the headphones can cancel up to 42 dB of noise, featuring a transparency mode for ambient awareness. The microphone setup includes six total mics (four for ENC calls) enhanced with AI-powered Clear Voice technology to ensure clear, noise-free call quality.
### Connectivity and Controls
Bluetooth 5.3 with support for Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair enables pairing with two devices simultaneously. Physical controls include a customizable button accessible through the Nothing X app, and integration with Nothing phones allows for advanced features like AI Assistant and quick task triggers.
### Battery and Charging
The Nothing Headphone 1 is equipped with a 1,040mAh battery, providing exceptional battery life: up to 80 hours playback with ANC off, and 35 hours with ANC on using AAC codec. Fast charging allows 5 minutes of charge to yield 5 hours playback (ANC off) or 2.4 hours (ANC on), with a full charge taking about 120 minutes.
### Market Comparison
The battery life of the Nothing Headphone 1 is very competitive, outperforming many rivals in terms of playback duration, especially with ANC off. The ANC capability (up to 42 dB) positions the headphones strongly against premium noise-canceling models. The inclusion of spatial audio, LDAC support, and customizable EQ via an app enhances their appeal to audiophiles and tech-savvy users.
Weighing 329 grams, they are within a typical weight range for over-ear ANC headphones, balancing comfort and build quality. At a price point around Rs. 21,999 (~$270 USD), they offer a strong value proposition given the specs and features.
In conclusion, the Nothing Headphone 1 stands out in a crowded market through a combination of innovative design, thorough audio customization, excellent battery life, and advanced ANC technology, making it a compelling option for consumers seeking high-performance wireless over-ear headphones. The author had a chance to test the Nothing Headphone 1 ahead of launch and found the design, audio quality, and battery life to be impressive.
The Nothing Headphone 1, with its unique design and minimalist look, could be a news item about the latest gadgets in the technology sector. The headphones, boasting features like adaptive bass enhancement, spatial audio, and a customizable 8-band EQ, promise to deliver an exceptional audio experience. With a competitive battery life and advanced active noise canceling technology, theNothing Headphone 1 appears to be a strong contender in the over-ear ANC headphones market, offering a compelling value proposition for tech-savvy consumers.
