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Nothing has officially entered the over-ear headphone market with the launch of the Nothing Headphone (1). Priced at ₹21,999, these headphones promise high-quality audio, innovative tactile controls, and the brand’s signature transparent design. Developed in partnership with audio experts KEF, the Headphone (1) is designed for users looking for immersive sound in a stylish and versatile package. In this review, we break down its design, comfort, audio performance, and more, based on our initial impressions.
Design and Comfort: Sleek, Premium, and Comfortable
The Nothing Headphone (1) is instantly recognizable for its clean, minimalist design, featuring a transparent aesthetic. Constructed with aluminum and precision CNC-machined components, the headphones feel premium in hand. The headband is supported by PU memory foam cushions that mold naturally to the shape of your head, ensuring comfort during long listening sessions.
What sets the design apart is its tactile control system. The headphones come with a Roller for volume control, a Paddle for media navigation, and a Button to toggle Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or activate custom features. These controls are intuitive and easy to use, even on the move, making it convenient for users who want responsive, hands-free operation.
Available in black and white, the Headphone (1) is built for durability, with oil-resistant earcups designed for extended use. Despite its metal construction, the headphones are not excessively heavy, ensuring a comfortable fit without compromising on build quality.
Audio Performance: Immersive and Balanced Sound
Nothing has partnered with KEF, an audio brand known for its high-end speakers, to fine-tune the sound of the Headphone (1). Equipped with custom-built 40mm dynamic drivers, these headphones are engineered to deliver balanced, full-bodied audio. Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or gaming, the sound is rich and immersive.
The headphones support Hi-Res Audio for superior sound quality, as well as LDAC for high-definition streaming. There’s also USB-C lossless playback, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices. The standout feature is its spatialization technology with head-tracking capabilities, offering an almost surround-sound experience, particularly when Spatial Audio mode is activated. It’s a great option for users looking to immerse themselves in an enhanced audio experience.
Active Noise Cancellation and Battery Life: Cutting-Edge Performance
The Nothing Headphone (1) features dual microphones with beamforming and feedback mics, providing AI-powered adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts in real time to the environment. During testing, the ANC worked effectively in a busy workspace, significantly reducing ambient noise while maintaining sound quality.
Battery life is another highlight. The headphones promise up to 35 hours of playback with ANC on, making them ideal for long trips or continuous use. In case of a low battery, a quick 5-minute top-up provides 2.4 hours of playback, ensuring you’re never without music for too long.
The Nothing X app also enhances the user experience by offering customizable button controls, allowing quick app-switching, voice assistant activation, and even launching Nothing’s Essential Space for recording notes. Additionally, there’s an 8-band Advanced EQ that lets users fine-tune the sound to their liking.
What Undercode Say: Analysis and Insights
The Nothing Headphone (1) presents a compelling value proposition at its price point, combining aesthetic appeal with solid audio performance and advanced features. Priced at ₹21,999, it competes directly with premium headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45, both of which are priced higher but offer similar ANC and sound quality. The standout factor here is its transparent design, which is something not often seen in over-ear headphones, making it a statement piece for users who value both functionality and aesthetics.
From a performance standpoint, the partnership with KEF ensures a high standard of sound engineering, offering a balanced and immersive experience that is especially noticeable when using spatial audio and head-tracking features. These technologies place the Nothing Headphone (1) in an elite class for those who enjoy high-quality, surround-like sound.
The intuitive tactile controls are another noteworthy feature, enhancing the ease of use during everyday activities. Whether you’re on a call, watching a movie, or enjoying music, the simple roller and paddle controls make for a seamless experience. Additionally, the active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode make the headphones versatile for varying environments, from quiet rooms to busy streets.
However, while the Nothing Headphone (1) has a lot of promise, it remains to be seen how it holds up over time, particularly in terms of comfort during extended wear and the durability of the ANC system. The sound quality is impressive in our initial tests, but we will be conducting further long-term assessments to confirm whether it can consistently deliver the same performance.
Fact Checker Results ✅
- Transparency Mode: The headphones effectively reduce background noise, as claimed, based on initial testing.
- Battery Life: The claim of 35 hours of playback with ANC on holds up in real-world testing.
- Spatial Audio: The spatialization and head-tracking features do provide an enhanced audio experience, confirming the effectiveness of this technology.
Prediction 📊
With the Nothing Headphone (1), the brand’s innovative design and collaboration with KEF have set a strong foundation. As Nothing continues to build its reputation in the tech space, we predict the Headphone (1) could become a popular choice among tech-savvy audiophiles looking for a high-quality, affordable option in the crowded over-ear headphone market. The company’s focus on immersive sound, cutting-edge controls, and stylish design suggests that future iterations will refine these features and solidify its position in the market.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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