Nothing OS: Full Review — How It Compares to Android & iOS
Nothing OS is the custom user interface developed by Nothing Technology Limited for Android devices. It launched in 2022, along with the company’s first smartphone — the Phone (1) — and has since evolved through versions 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, up to the latest Nothing OS 3.0, which is based on Android 15.
In this post you’ll learn:
- What Nothing OS really is
- How it works internally
- How it differs from stock Android and Apple’s iOS
- Advantages and disadvantages
- What users think of it
What Is Nothing OS?
- Though called “OS,” Nothing OS is more precisely a skin / user interface layer over Android. It customizes design, certain features, but relies on Android’s core system.
- Built by Nothing Technology Limited, a London-based consumer electronics company founded by Carl Pei in 2020.
- Key goal: minimal, intuitive, visually distinct UI with a clean and cohesive experience. It avoids heavy bloatware and focuses on design consistency.
How Nothing OS Works
- It is built on top of Android (Android 12 originally, now Android 15 for version 3.0) and thus inherits Android’s core functionality, security, and compatibility with Google Mobile Services.
- Customization layer includes:
- “Glyph Interface” LED lights for notifications or visual cues.
- Theming: themed icons, wallpapers, UI elements designed for visual consistency.
- Special apps or features (camera, recorders) customized by Nothing.
- Update policy: Nothing commits to a number of system updates and security patches; for example, Nothing OS 2.0 got several updates.
Nothing OS vs Android (Stock) & vs iOS
Here’s how it compares in key dimensions:
| Feature | Stock Android | Nothing OS | iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design / UI Minimalism | Clean, but some manufacturers add heavy skins/Bloatware | More minimal than many OEM skins; clean visuals, consistent theming, less bloat | Very polished, consistent UI, tightly integrated with Apple ecosystem |
| Customization | High with skins, launchers, third-party tools | Medium-high: themes, glyph, icon packs, some unique UI features but less than full Android modding | Lower: user limited to what Apple allows; less freedom |
| Hardware Compatibility | Very wide (many devices) | Limited: mostly Nothing Phones, CMF phones; limited third-party support though launcher includes some reach | Only Apple devices |
| Privacy & Updates | Varies by OEM; pure Android gets fast updates; many skins slower | Better than many OEM UIs; Nothing is reportedly fairly prompt with security updates etc. | Very strong: Apple controls both hardware & software; consistent/longer support |
| Ecosystem & Integration | Depends on manufacturer & services | Integrates Google services; some unique Nothing features; less mature ecosystem than Apple’s | Strong integration across devices (Mac, iPad, Watch, etc.) |
Pros & What’s Good
- Visually appealing, minimalist, consistent aesthetic. Many users like the design.
- Feels lighter than heavy OEM skins (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI etc.), with fewer unnecessary apps.
- Features like Glyph, themed icons, subtle animations provide enjoyable UX touches.
- Decent update promise: performance improvements, OS updates, security patches.
Cons & What’s Less Good
- Limited device compatibility: only working official phones or certain models; not all Android phones will get full Nothing OS experience.
- Some features are still early; occasional bugs or lack of polish compared to more mature OEM UIs.
- Certain advanced customization or deep system tweaks are less available than on Android with full root / modding.
- Ecosystem is younger; fewer accessories/apps/features deeply integrated compared to iOS ecosystem.
Do People Like Nothing OS?
- Reviews generally positive: critics and users often praise its design, balance between minimalism and utility.
- Some mixed opinions: users say design inconsistency where Google apps don’t fully adopt Nothing’s theme; also say features could be richer.
- Market performance: the brand is growing; launch of newer phones with Nothing OS 3.0 shows confidence in software strategy.
Who Should Choose Nothing OS?
- Users who want something visually minimal but still user-friendly.
- Those who like having a UI that stands out from typical Android skins without sacrificing performance.
- Not best if you want the widest app/device compatibility or if you’re deeply invested in Apple ecosystem (iMessage, iCloud etc.).
Final Thoughts
Nothing OS represents an interesting middle path: not completely stock Android, nor as restricted as iOS. It offers good design, decent performance, and fewer bloatware annoyances. While it may not yet match the polish or app ecosystem of Apple, its rapid development and strong user appreciation suggest it’s a viable choice for many users.