Review including features, price, and specifications.

 Nothing  has managed to carve a niche for itself in the competitive and unforgiving consumer electronics market. With a focus on  design , value for money, and a well-crafted minimalist experience, the company has already made waves with its TWS earbuds and mobile phones. It was only a matter of time before it ventured into over-ear headphones designed to impress. Today, we’re discussing the  Nothing Headphone (1) , available at a price of 299 euros. With striking aesthetics, a myriad of innovative features, and an experience that has left us pleasantly surprised, let’s dive into the analysis.

Technical Specifications of Nothing Headphone (1)

Design: Aesthetically Pleasing, Let’s Talk About Buttons

The design is undeniably one of the standout features of these headphones. Nothing has opted for a minimalist design that shies away from distracting touch panels. Instead, it embraces traditional buttons—a breath of fresh air in a market dominated by touch controls. The headphones are constructed from aluminum in key areas, while the driver casing and chambers are encased in transparent plastic. This design choice not only captivates the eye but also offers a glimpse of the technology contained within.

La diadema ofrece suficiente resistencia para aguantar perrerías como esta | Imagen: Xataka

The  headband  provides flexibility, allowing the drivers to pivot up to 90 degrees, although they cannot fold. They feature adjustable telescopic arms for a snug fit. While this is a positive aspect, I do wonder how durable this system will prove over time. Comfortably designed  ear cushions , made from polyurethane, completely cover the ear, ensuring excellent noise isolation and comfort. Special mention must be made of these cushions—they are soft and distribute pressure evenly, which is vital for long listening sessions.

Las almohadillas con es-tu-pen-das | Imagen: Xataka

A critical factor to note is that the cushions are not removable. If they become damaged, you’ll need to contact the brand’s support for replacement. This long-term durability concern could be a drawback, especially since the warranty may not cover cushion damage. Furthermore, it would have been beneficial if the  headband  were slightly wider to distribute the weight better, especially during long listening periods, as these headphones weigh over 300 grams.

Esa diadema pide a gritos unos centímetros más de anchura | Imagen: Xataka

What pleased me the most about the design were the  buttons . In a world dominated by touch panels, Nothing went for a more  analog  approach with buttons and levers. While touch controls are prevalent in TWS, the larger design allows for more functional buttons, avoiding cognitive overload for users trying to remember gestures.

Esos botones son geniales y la implementación no podría haber sido más inteligente | Imagen: Xataka

The  volume control wheel  on the right earcup is intuitive and functions smoothly, making it an excellent feature. Below that, a lever allows for song skipping and call management, while a multi-function button activates noise cancellation and controls the sound settings. This well-thought-out button placement enhances usability and confirms the thorough design iteration.

Convenient Case

El estuche está bien, pero no es el punto fuerte de los auriculares | Imagen: Xataka

Nothing also includes a  carrying case  that’s functional, albeit not the highlight of the package. It features a hard shell with fabric that tends to attract dust but protects the headphones well. Inside, you’ll find space for a charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable.

User Experience: A Simple App

De alguna forma, los dedos saben desde el primer momento dónde están ubicados los botones | Imagen: Xataka

The  Nothing X app , which controls the headphones, is user-friendly and available on both iOS and Android. The app allows adjustments to noise cancellation, spatial audio features, and other settings like EQ and bass boost. Notably, it includes:

• High-Quality Audio: Activating the LDAC codec enhances sound quality, albeit consuming more battery.
• Over-ear Detection: Automatically pauses music when the headphones are removed.
• Dual Connection: Connects to two devices simultaneously for seamless switching.

Capturas de la app | Imagen: Xataka

The app is responsive and facilitates custom settings for audiophiles, allowing for extensive frequency tuning. The headphones are also compatible with Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, enabling quick connections.

Sound Quality: Simply Impressive

Imagen | Xataka

Nothing’s sound profile strikes a chord of clarity and precision with minimal pre-equalization, allowing users to customize their experience. The headphones shine when tunes are adjusted to individual taste. They come equipped with KEF drivers, supporting both USB sound and Bluetooth 5.3 with multiple codecs, including LDAC that enhances streaming quality.

Si no queremos Bluetooth, siempre podemos usar las conexiones cableadas | Imagen: Xataka

The sound is well-defined, and if users seek a more balanced experience, adjustments can be made via the  extensive equalizer . Genres like rock and rap benefit significantly from subtle changes to the EQ, fulfilling the ideal sound profile. Even with varying genres, such as classics, the  Nothing headphones  consistently impress.

Active Noise Cancellation: Effective Implementation

Imagen | Xataka

Featuring  active noise cancellation , the Nothing Headphone (1) employs a system of six microphones analyzing ambient noise every 600 milliseconds. Though external noise is effectively managed, the quality of passive isolation from the ear cushions also contributes significantly.

The ambiance of any environment can be transformed while enjoying music at moderate volumes. The headphones managed to mute mechanical keyboard sounds and background noise, thus telling of their impressive performance in everyday settings.

Battery Life: No Concern for Power

The large size of the Nothing headphones allows for a substantial battery (1,040 mAh), offering approximately  35 hours of playtime  with ANC activated. In personal usage, they last nearly four consecutive workdays, providing ample time between charges. Additionally, with ANC off, users can achieve up to  80 hours  of playtime.

Imagen | Xataka

The charge is conducted via USB-C, reaching full capacity within two hours, though a quick-charge feature replenishes battery quickly when needed.

Nothing Headphone (1): Xataka’s Opinion and Rating

Imagen | Xataka

Overall, the  Nothing Headphone (1)  has received an excellent rating of  9.0  from us. While they might not be perfect, they undeniably showcase that Nothing has a solid understanding of audio. Comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and exceptional sound quality defines these headphones. The battery life is commendable, the rapid charging feature is valuable, and the noise cancellation functions impressively well. Finding fault with these headphones proves challenging.

At a price point of  300 euros , these headphones are a considerable investment, particularly for those on a budget. If you’re searching for quality over-ear headphones, the Nothing Headphone (1) undoubtedly deserves consideration. While some improvements are necessary, such as a wider headband or removable cushions, this first iteration sets a strong foundation for future developments.

In conclusion, Nothing has successfully produced headphones that offer an excellent audio experience. Adjustments to the EQ may enhance sound quality for different genres, but the default settings perform remarkably well.

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