Phone (2): Nothing reveals display size and update periods

Sustainability is now also a selling point for smartphones. That's why Nothing on Twitter also praises what the Phone (2) would do well in this area. However, there are many things that have become standard and there are hardly any comparative values for an important figure. Instead, we also learn about the display size and how long the manufacturer intends to provide software updates.

53.45 kilograms of carbon dioxide and 6.7-inch display

The carbon footprint of the Nothing Phone (2) is said to be 53.45 kilograms. According to the manufacturer, this is five kilograms less than its predecessor. This is despite the fact that it offers more power and has a larger battery as well as a 0.15-inch larger display. That would be 6.7 inches.

However, the CO₂ footprint is not a standard unit for smartphones. For the latest iPhone models, Apple published it, however, for example, and the iPhone 14 is slightly worse off at 61 kilograms CO₂. The advantage of the Nothing Phone (2) corresponds to around 25 grams of beef steak or 50 kilometres of driving with an economical petrol engine.

Other manufacturers also refer to recycled materials in various components. At Nothing, the list appears to be comparatively long and the proportions very high. In some cases, these are very small quantities that add up with the number of devices.

• Frames made from 100 per cent recycled aluminium
• Foil on the mainboard made from 100 per cent recycled copper
• 100 per cent recycled tin on nine circuit boards
• 28 stamped parts made from 90 per cent recycled steel
• 80 per cent of plastic parts from sustainable sources

The packaging of the phone (2) should be plastic-free, which is now widespread. The paper and cardboard are to be made from 60 per cent recycled material. Incidentally, the entire production process is to be powered 100 per cent by renewable energy.

3 years of software updates

The long service life of smartphones, which is dependent on software updates among other things, also ensures sustainability. In its Twitter thread Nothing announces that it will provide the Phone (2) with software updates for three years. That would be Android 14, 15 and 16, with security updates for four years. The periods correspond to those of the Phone (1) and are fine in comparison, but there are smartphones where updates are promised for up to two years longer.