Nothing Phone 2 CPU Detailed: Is It Any Good? Let’s Find Out

The Nothing Phone 2 gets a much needed performance boost with a brand new — but not totally current — chipset from Qualcomm. Here’s what you need to know…
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Processor: The Nothing Phone 2 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. While it’s not the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in some flagship devices, it’s a powerful processor that can handle a wide array of tasks with ease and optimize battery usage.
- Upgrade from Predecessor: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a significant upgrade from the Snapdragon 778G that powered the original Nothing Phone 1, offering a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- RAM and Storage Options: The Nothing Phone 2 offers three RAM and storage configurations to cater to different user needs. These include 8GB RAM with 128GB storage, 12GB RAM with 256GB storage, and a top-tier option of 12GB RAM with 512GB storage.
- Flexibility for Different Users: The variety of RAM and storage options ensures that there’s a Nothing Phone 2 model suitable for both casual and power users, providing a model that fits each user’s needs perfectly.
If you’re a tech enthusiast who’s been keeping an eye on the smartphone market, you’ve probably heard of the Nothing Phone 2. This device has been making waves for its unique design and impressive specs, and today, we’re going to delve into the nitty-gritty of what makes this phone tick.
Nothing Phone 2 CPU
At the heart of the Nothing Phone 2 lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 the latest and greatest from Qualcomm?” And you’d be right. Flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23 and OnePlus 11 are indeed sporting the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. But don’t let that fool you into underestimating the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.
This chipset is a veritable beast where it matters most. It’s got the processing power to handle a wide array of tasks with ease, from running demanding apps to streaming high-definition video. And when it comes to power management, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is no slouch either. It’s designed to optimize battery usage, so you can keep using your phone for longer without needing to reach for the charger.
In fact, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is such a powerhouse that it’s a significant upgrade from the Snapdragon 778G that powered the original Nothing Phone 1. So, while it may not be the absolute latest, it’s still a top-tier processor that’s more than capable of delivering a smooth and responsive user experience.
RAM Options



But the impressive specs of the Nothing Phone 2 don’t stop at the processor. Let’s talk about RAM and storage. The Nothing Phone 2 offers a variety of configurations to cater to different user needs. Whether you’re a casual user who just needs a phone for everyday tasks, or a power user who needs plenty of space for apps and files, there’s a Nothing Phone 2 model for you.
You can choose from three options – 8GB RAM with 128GB storage, 12GB RAM with 256GB storage, or the top-tier 12GB RAM with a whopping 512GB storage. This flexibility ensures that you can find a model that fits your needs perfectly.
Need plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos? Go for the 12GB RAM with 512GB storage. Just need a reliable phone for everyday use? The 8GB RAM with 128GB storage should be more than enough.
Bottom line? The Nothing Phone 2 is a device that truly lives up to its hype. With its powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and flexible RAM and storage options, it’s a phone that can cater to a wide range of users.
Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, the Nothing Phone 2 has something to offer you. So, if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, the Nothing Phone 2 is definitely worth considering. Or, if you’d like something a little more potent for the same money, have a look at the OnePlus 11.
Additional Resources:
Our Pre-Launch Report From Early 2023 (Based on Leaks)
During a recent sit-down with TechCrunch at MWC 2023, Nothing founder, Carl Pei, confirmed that the next phone from the company – the Nothing Phone 2 – will feature an upgraded CPU from Qualcomm.
The Nothing Phone 1 ran on Qualcomm’s mid-range Snapdragon 778G+ 5G which was a 5nm chip with plenty of features and, of course, built in support for 5G.
Nothing Phone 2 CPU



The Nothing Phone 2, however, will be upgraded to a newer model. Pei stated that the, despite current rumours circulating about the phone, the Nothing Phone 2 WILL NOT run on a MediaTek chipset.
Instead, Pei says the Nothing Phone 2 will use a Snapdragon 8 CPU; whether this means Qualcomm’s older Snapdragon 888 platform or its newer Snapdragon 8 GEN 1 or GEN 2 remains to be seen – the CEO didn’t go into specifics.
We’re going to be using the [Snapdragon] 8 series. Earlier, I said it was going to be a premium device. But we’ve never officially acknowledged whether it’s Qualcomm or MediaTek.
Qualcomm has been a really good partner. From the very beginning, when we were starting the business, there was a chipset shortage, and they gave us allocation at a good price. Today it’s different. There’s now an abundance of chipsets in the market, but they’ve been a strong supplier. And their product’s not bad, so we never really considered another option, especially for a more premium device.
Carl Pei
Will The Nothing Phone 2 Launch In The USA?
As you’re probably well aware, the Nothing Phone 1 did not launch in the US. And Pei outlined the reason for this. According to the CEO, the company did not have the resources to get the phone certified for multiple regions.
And the US is quite a bit different to, say, the UK and India which are very similar from a bands perspective.
But all this will change with the release of the Nothing Phone 2. Pei has confirmed that the phone will indeed be coming to the US, giving other mid-range phones like the iPhone SE and Google’s Pixel 6a a good run for their money.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about the Nothing Phone 2.