The Nothing Ear 2 officially launched in India on March 28, 2023, alongside a global rollout. They are priced at ₹9,999 and are available through Flipkart and the Nothing India website, with the first sale starting April 1, 2023.
Background: The Nothing Ear 2 Announcement
Nothing, the London-based consumer tech company founded by Carl Pei, teased the Ear 2 for several weeks before the launch. The company confirmed the India launch date on March 10, 2023, via social media and press releases. The Ear 2 succeeded the Ear 1, which had launched in 2021 and was known for its transparent design but received criticism for inconsistent software and connectivity issues. With the Ear 2, Nothing aimed to address those complaints while keeping the signature transparent aesthetic.
Key Specifications and Features
The Nothing Ear 2 are true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC). Here are the main specs:
- Driver: 11.6 mm dynamic driver
- ANC: Up to 40 dB noise cancellation, with an adaptive mode that adjusts to your surroundings
- Battery life: Up to 6 hours with ANC on, 8 hours with ANC off (earbuds only); with the charging case, total up to 36 hours (ANC off)
- Charging: USB-C and wireless charging (Qi standard)
- Water resistance: IP54 for earbuds (splash and sweat resistant), IP55 for the case
- Bluetooth: 5.3 with support for Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair
- Codecs: AAC, SBC, and LHDC 5.0 (on compatible Android devices)
- Weight: 4.5 g per earbud, 51.9 g total with case
Design and Build Quality
The Ear 2 retains the transparent stem design of the Ear 1, but with refinements. The earbuds are slightly smaller and lighter. The case is also transparent with a matte finish, and it supports wireless charging. The build quality feels premium for the price, and the IP54 rating means they can handle light rain and workouts, though they are not fully waterproof.
Sound Quality and ANC Performance
Sound quality is a significant upgrade over the Ear 1. The 11.6 mm driver delivers a balanced sound profile with punchy bass and clear highs. The ANC is effective at reducing low-frequency noises like engine hums and air conditioner sounds, but it is not as strong as flagship earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Pro 2. The transparency mode is useful for hearing surroundings without removing the earbuds.
Software and App Integration
The Nothing X app (available on Android and iOS) lets you customize the equalizer, adjust ANC modes, and update firmware. The Ear 2 also support dual-device connection, allowing you to switch between a laptop and phone seamlessly. The app is straightforward, though some users have reported occasional bugs with firmware updates.
Comparison with Rivals in India
At ₹9,999, the Ear 2 compete with the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 (often available for around ₹8,000-9,000), the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 (around ₹11,999), and the Sony WF-C700N (around ₹7,990). The Ear 2 stand out for their unique design and wireless charging, but the Samsung and Sony offer better ANC and more mature software. The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 have better sound quality and spatial audio support.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Some users have reported connectivity drops with the Ear 2, especially on Android devices. To fix this, try resetting the earbuds (hold the stem buttons for 20 seconds until the LED flashes red and white) and re-pairing. Another common issue is uneven battery drain between the left and right earbuds; this is normal and not a defect. If the touch controls are unresponsive, clean the stem area and ensure your fingers are dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nothing Ear 2 available in India?
Yes, it is available in India. The earbuds launched on March 28, 2023, and are sold on Flipkart and the Nothing India website. You can also find them in select offline stores like Croma and Reliance Digital.
What is the price of Nothing Ear 2 in India?
The launch price was ₹9,999. During sales, you can often find them for around ₹8,000-9,000. The price has remained stable since launch, with occasional discounts during festive sales.
Does Nothing Ear 2 support wireless charging?
Yes, the charging case supports Qi wireless charging. You can use any standard wireless charger, including reverse wireless charging from a compatible smartphone.
Is the Nothing Ear 2 good for calls?
Yes, the Ear 2 have three microphones on each earbud and use AI-based noise reduction for calls. In quiet environments, call quality is clear. In noisy areas, voices remain understandable, though not as good as the AirPods Pro 2.
Can I use Nothing Ear 2 with an iPhone?
Yes, you can pair it via Bluetooth. However, you will need the Nothing X app to adjust settings, and some features like LHDC codec and Google Fast Pair will not work on iOS. You will be limited to AAC codec, which still sounds good.
How do I reset my Nothing Ear 2?
To reset, place the earbuds in the case, then press and hold the button on the back of the case for 20 seconds until the LED flashes red and white. Release the button, and the earbuds will reset to factory settings. You will need to re-pair them.
Alternatives to Consider
If you are looking for other options in the same price range, consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 for better ANC and a more compact design, or the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 for richer sound and spatial audio. The Sony WF-C700N is cheaper and has excellent ANC for the price, though the design is less unique. If you prioritize battery life, the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro offer longer playtime but lack wireless charging.
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