Sometimes you have to break the rules and challenge yourself. I was at Nothing’s product launch in New York City last week and picked up the Nothing Ear 2 and Nothing Phone 2. I’m a longtime Verizon customer now, but this seemed like a big hurdle to getting hands-on with this phone and its flashing glyphs. At one point, Nothing mentioned his Verizon’s “limited” support on his website, but the company has since removed this carrier from its tech specs entirely. This is never a good sign.
But from what I’ve researched, as long as you have an active SIM that was already in another Verizon-certified phone, you can toss it into the Nothing Phone 2 and start using it right away without any problems. When I try to do so, my phone’s mobile data lights up, calls and text messages (including RCS messaging) work fine, and have avoided hangups so far. I didn’t receive an automated SMS reprimanding me for using an unauthorized device.
After trying the Phone 2 as a full-time device for a week or so, I noticed the network indicator showing 4G, 4G Plus, 5G, and 5G Ultra Wideband. The VoLTE (Voice over LTE) icon is also almost always visible. I’m a bit unclear on what 4G Plus means in Verizon’s terms. Perhaps it’s LTE Advanced, or maybe I’m just confused as to which network the phone is on. But it packs a punch either way. I have traveled through Manhattan and Brooklyn and so far there have been no apparent interruptions in service. But this is New York City we are talking about. 5G, though overwhelming, is everywhere.
Elsewhere, you might have a slightly more unpredictable experience. For Nothing Phone 2, that’s because band 13 support is omitted entirely. This frequency band is very important for his Verizon’s 4G LTE network. For many countries it is essential. So, if you’re far from a city or crowded suburbs and start to stray away from 5G coverage, you’ll probably run into some hiccups from there and start losing signal. This is why Verizon is unlikely to fully certify Nothing’s latest phones.
I think it might just be that there are no rules
I’m a tech commentator and usually have a few different phones at my disposal. So I don’t have to spend time walking around town with Nothing’s $599 phone. But if I’m driving 7 hours upstate to see my dad in the “north country” of New York, chances are zero that I’ll dabble in gambling and stick with the SIM.
Think the glyph system is a gimmick? Most likely yes. I assign the top right LED to messages, and it’s certainly useful to know when a text is received even if you flip the phone over. Lights and network limitations aside, I’m a fan of this phone overall. The Phone 2 maintains what I consider to be excellent battery life and has a very nice and vibrant display. picky About screens, people, and I love the software tweaks Nothing has done.
Being able to put a quick settings toggle directly on the lock screen is surprisingly convenient. I’m pretty basic right now, so I’m sure there’s more I can do, but so far so good. The Phone 2 hums and works, but he barely noticed a single problem while using it. And the shots you get from the camera are mostly satisfying.
All of this means that if you own Verizon and want to give the Phone 2 a try, you can do it. You will be able to receive text messages and phone calls. Data works very well.but you shouldn’t according to On a device with nothing in this scenario. Outside of 5G coverage, you may not get as strong a signal as other phones that support all Verizon bands. So if you do decide to splurge on this new gadget, keep another phone that’s actually certified within reach.
