In the fast-paced world of technology, the opportunity to test the latest audio accessories and wearables is a significant perk. Recently, the high-end Nothing Ear was put to the test for a week, transitioning from the OnePlus Buds Z2. Here is a detailed and unbiased review of the experience.
Design and Comfort
The Nothing Ear shares a striking resemblance to the Nothing Ear (2) in terms of design. It features a transparent case, a familiar earbud design, and the signature crater on the case. The difference is truly felt when worn, offering a remarkably comfortable fit. This fit is superior even to the Sony WF-1000XM5s tested last year. Users can wear these earbuds for extended periods without discomfort, and they come with two additional pairs of ear tips (sizes L and S).
Audio Quality
Transitioning from the OnePlus Buds Z2, which are known for their loudness, the Nothing Ear initially seemed quieter. Users accustomed to lower volume settings may need to increase the volume significantly. However, after a short adjustment period, the audio levels become comfortable. The Nothing X app offers extensive customization options, including an Advanced EQ that allows control over every frequency. This feature goes beyond basic adjustments like Mid, Bass, and Treble.
The earbuds support Hi-Res audio with LDAC and LHDAC. Testing with tracks such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” “Paper Trail,” and “Blinding Lights” revealed that the audio output is rich and well-balanced, with clear separation of mids, highs, and lows, and no crackling at high volumes.
Customization and Features
The Nothing Ear allows users to share custom EQ settings with others via QR codes, which can be imported into the Nothing X app. However, the default sound profile may require significant tweaking to reach optimal performance. Once properly adjusted, the audio quality is comparable to the Sony WF-1000XM5, a notable achievement given Sony’s reputation and the higher price point of their earbuds.
While the Sony WF-1000XM5 offers unparalleled ANC and Transparency modes, the Nothing Ear’s ANC mode is commendable. The Transparency Mode, however, could benefit from improvements, as it does not isolate sounds effectively, sometimes creating a mixed audio experience.
The Nothing X app includes a home screen widget for convenient switching between ANC and Transparency modes and checking battery levels. Users can also create a Personal Sound Profile to enhance their experience, although this feature may see limited use when LDAC or LHDAC is enabled.
Battery and Microphone
The Nothing Ear boasts solid battery life. After approximately two hours of gaming, the battery dropped from 100% to 65%, suggesting around six hours of continuous usage. With the charging case, users can expect up to 40 hours of backup. The microphone quality is excellent, providing clear communication during calls and gaming sessions.
Drawbacks
Despite its many strengths, the Nothing Ear has some drawbacks. The 120ms latency is not ideal for gaming, even in Low Lag Mode, so wired earbuds are recommended for serious gamers. Additionally, the Nothing Ear lacks features like Spatial Audio and Zen Mode, which are available in competitors like the OnePlus Buds Pro 2. Spatial Audio can significantly enhance the listening experience, particularly for devices without additional audio services like Dolby Atmos.
The transparent case is prone to scratches, which become highly visible over time, making the case look cloudy and unattractive. This issue has been confirmed through long-term use by others. The new ChatGPT integration is currently unreliable and only works with Nothing devices, often failing to provide a smooth experience. Even when tested with a Nothing Phone 2, the feature proved to be more of a hassle than a convenience.
Conclusion
The Nothing Ear offers a comfortable fit, impressive audio quality, and extensive customization options, making it a strong contender in the market. However, potential buyers should be aware of its high latency for gaming, lack of certain advanced features, and the susceptibility of its transparent case to scratches. The ChatGPT integration, while innovative, is currently underwhelming.
For users looking for a high-quality listening experience with detailed sound customization and a sleek design, the Nothing Ear is a worthwhile consideration. It provides significant value, especially when compared to more expensive alternatives like the Sony WF-1000XM5, despite a few imperfections.
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