Nothing ear (1): the TWS earbuds flagship killer
The ear (1) has officially been released on 27th July. This is perhaps the most hype we’ve seen in the tech space for a new product launch in a long while.
We do think the hype is indeed warranted, as Nothing is looking to disrupt the industry just as Carl Pei did with OnePlus several years ago. Additionally, the Ear (1) is the first product to be launched by Nothing.
Ear (1) Design
In our opinion, the ear (1) design is sleek and beautiful. It features a transparent stem that showcases its intricate internal components.
While the concept of a transparent design seems simple, the execution is far from it. With a transparent design, every component has to be properly arranged and glued together in order for it to look presentable.
While we do agree that the overall form factor does share plenty of similarities to the AirPods Pro, we do think the ear (1)’s design is unique and distinctive enough.
The ear (1) casing is also consistent in its transparent elements. It is a clear case with areas of solid white to house the magnets and wireless charging coil.
Yes, the case does support wireless charging as well as wired-charging via a USB C cable.
Ear (1) Features
EAR BUDS
Height: 28.9 MM (1.13 IN)
Width: 21.5 MM (0.83 IN)
Depth: 23.5 MM (0.91 IN)
Weight: 4.7 GRAMS (0.16 OZ)
CASE
Height: 58.6 MM (2.30 IN)
Width: 58.6 MM (2.30 IN)
Depth: 23.7 MM (0.93 IN)
Weight: 57.4 GRAMS (2 OZ)
Driver: 11.6 mm Dynamic
Diaphragm: Graphene
Chamber size: 0.34 CC
Tuning: Teenage Engineering
Codec: AAC and SBC
Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
3 High Definition Microphones
AI Powered Environmental Noise Cancellation
Full charge:
Up to 34 hrs in the case (ANC Off); 24 hrs (ANC On)
Charge Compatibility:
ear (1) charges inside the case; ear (1) case charges with QI compatible wireless chargers or USB-C chargers
Controls: Customizable touch and slide
Equalizer
These are customizable via the ear(1) app that is available for Android and iOS devices.
In ear detection
iOS / Android app
Fast pairing
IPX4 Splash Proof
Android 5.1 and above
iOS 11 and above
Bluetooth Version:
v5.2
Bluetooth Profiles:
A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
Pair of earbuds with
Ear tips in size S, M, L (Buds are pre-fit with M size)
Wireless charging case
USB-C cable
Safety Information & User Guide
Official pricing and distribution channels
The official price of the ear (1) is US$99 / €99 / ₹5,999. The ear (1) will officially be available on August 17th in 45 countries including the US, Canada and the UK via the Nothing website and at select retailers.
(Updated 4th October 2021)
In the latest news, the Nothing Ear (1) TWS first sales will take place on 16th October at 12am, exclusively on Shopee.
Nothing is also giving away store vouchers and a chance to win a pair of Ear (1) simply by following their Shopee page. We’ll be sure to update the official pricing once they’ve launched!
Official Ear (1) Launch & Reviews
With the review embargo lifted on 31st July, we finally got a more in-depth review of the ear (1) sound quality and overall performance.
To quickly summarize, most reviewers are satisfied with the performance and quality of the ear (1). These stylish earbuds live through the hype and deliver true value to its proud owners.
Though it may not outperform some of the top true wireless earbuds in the market like the AirPods Pro, at only US$99, it is widely agreed that these earbuds by Nothing is a value-for-money purchase.
