Nothing Ear (1) Review: A Detailed Look

A Fresh Perspective in a Crowded Market

Carl Pei observed a prevailing sameness within the consumer electronics landscape, a sentiment shared by many. While Apple didn’t originate the truly wireless earbud concept with the AirPods, their introduction marked a turning point, prompting competitors towards a degree of uniformity. It’s unusual for a consumer electronics category to mature and consolidate so rapidly as Bluetooth earbuds have, yet discovering genuinely unique offerings remains a challenge.

The Ubiquity of Wireless Earbuds

Currently, functional wireless earbuds are readily available for as little as $50. An investment of $200 can secure a truly exceptional pair. However, genuine variety is increasingly scarce. Beyond the choice between the elongated stem design popularized by AirPods and more rounded alternatives, significant diversification is limited. Features like active noise cancellation and wireless charging once distinguished premium tiers, but have now become commonplace.

Launching a New Hardware Company

Consider launching a new consumer hardware venture in 2021, with earbuds as your inaugural product. How does one differentiate themselves in such a competitive market and effectively challenge established giants like Samsung, Google, and Apple?

Pricing is undoubtedly a crucial factor, and a $99 price point is certainly aggressive. Pei expressed some reservation about pricing the Ear (1) below $100 during initial discussions, suggesting that Nothing may not achieve substantial profit margins on every unit sold. Similar to his previous company, OnePlus, he appears hesitant to prioritize cost as a primary selling point.

The "Feature Glut" and the Need for Differentiation

Pei characterized the current industry state as a “feature glut” prior to the Ear (1) launch. A relentless specification race has been ongoing across various categories for years. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to stand out based solely on features, mirroring the challenges faced by smartphone manufacturers. Wireless headphones, meanwhile, progressed from an “exciting early-stage mess” to a state of “actually pretty good” functionality in record time.

Opportunities for feature differentiation still exist. The recently released NuraTrue headphones exemplify this, adopting an approach centered around specialized audio technology implemented across multiple headphone models.

Aesthetic Ideals and Design Partnerships

Pei emphasized that the company prioritized establishing its aesthetic principles before determining its first product. Their collaboration with Teenage Engineering, a design firm, was announced before any product imagery was revealed, with early concepts inspired by “a grandmother’s tobacco pipe.”

Further ideals relate to ecosystem development, but these will likely materialize after the release of subsequent products. We have now seen the product from all angles, and I have had the opportunity to experience it firsthand.

Form Factor and Design Considerations

The form factor draws inspiration from the AirPods, sharing the long stems and protruding white buds. While not entirely original in that regard, the inherent limitations of fully wireless earbud design regarding form factor should be acknowledged. Comfort, size, and protrusion are all critical considerations.

Pei explained that the product’s launch was delayed due to a redesign process. The resulting design is recognizable as earbuds, but incorporates unique elements. Transparency is the primary aesthetic differentiator, prominently featured in both the case and the stems of the earbuds.

The Challenges of Transparency

In isolation, the buds bear a resemblance to Apple products, with their glossy white finish and silicone tips. The initial renderings showcased fully transparent buds, but this was altered due to the unsightly appearance of internal components. This led to further delays, as creating a transparent gadget necessitates careful consideration of the aesthetics of components and adhesives. The white strip within the otherwise clear case exists because charging components are visually unappealing.

This approach could potentially lead to a cluttered design, but the team successfully achieved a solid and distinctive result. This alone represents a significant achievement in the often-homogenous world of gadget design. The partnership with StockX indicates the target audience: early adopters and influencers.

A Welcome Departure

The Ear (1) buds are more approachable than the style-focused experiments of Will.i.am. While distinct, they don’t necessarily stand out in public, meaning you won’t attract undue attention or inquiries about your ears.

I appreciate the overall aesthetic. There are subtle details, such as red and white dots indicating the right and left buds, referencing RCA and other audio cables. The Nothing logo is etched in a dotted font, reminiscent of circuit board printing, a motif extending to the brand’s overall identity. The design clearly reflects input from individuals with extensive experience in supply chain negotiations. Pei frequently found himself in Shenzhen, rather than London, resolving last-minute supply issues.

Comfort and Feel

The buds are exceptionally comfortable. I am prone to ear pain with certain earbud designs during prolonged use. During a four-hour walk, I experienced no discomfort. They also remained securely in place during gym visits. The magnetic snap when placing them back in the charging case is particularly satisfying.

The case is flat, square, with rounded edges. It resembles a tin of mints. The closure also provides a satisfying snap, though its long-term durability remains to be seen. The company acknowledges that transparent plastic is susceptible to scratches, particularly when in contact with keys. Pei suggests that such wear and tear will contribute to the product’s character, but that remains debatable. After a few days, I noticed a scratch across the bottom of my case.

Thoughtful Design Touches

A large concave circle on the top of the case prevents the lid from slamming into the earbuds when closing and provides a convenient thumb rest. It may also serve to alleviate fidgeting. The USB-C charging port and Bluetooth sync button are located on the back.

On iOS, initial connection requires pairing through both the app and Bluetooth settings. This is a limitation of not controlling the operating system, chips, and phones in addition to the earbuds. It’s a minor inconvenience, however.

Sound Quality and Features

The Ear (1) deliver decent sound quality for $99 headphones. While not groundbreaking, they are unlikely to disappoint. They don’t directly compete with high-end models like the Sony WF-1000xM4 or NuraTrue, but are suitable for everyday listening to music and podcasts.

The app includes an equalizer tuned by Teenage Engineering, offering three settings: balanced, treble/bass boost, and voice. The differences are noticeable, though subtle. Customization options are limited, prioritizing a balanced sound profile. I ultimately preferred the balanced setting.

Three ANC settings are available: noise cancellation, transparency, and off, with adjustable noise cancellation levels. The ANC effectively reduced street noise during walks, though it doesn’t completely eliminate loud sounds like cars. A “find my earbud” feature emits a chirp to locate misplaced buds.

Connectivity Issues and Final Thoughts

My primary concern is occasional Bluetooth connection dropouts, similar to what I experienced with the NuraTrue. This is frustrating during immersive listening. It’s a challenge for startups that don’t control the entire hardware and software stack.

Despite minor drawbacks and not revolutionizing the market, the Ear (1) represent a solid first product from a promising new company. It’s an idiosyncratic take on the category at an attractive price, making Nothing a brand worth watching.