Today Nothing Ear (2) was launched. Meaning I no longer have to keep it a secret that I've been using this TWS as a daily audio accessory for the past week. If previously Ear (1) was tuned by Teenage Engineering, this time Ear (2) was tuned by Nothing himself as was done on Ear(stick).
This means that the audio quality on their latest flagship TWS should be better. But will it be as good as Ear (Stick) or vice versa? My experience so far has been satisfactory and Nothing is getting better at producing quality audio products. But is the sale price this time enough to convince you?
Read - Reviews - Nothing Ear (Stick) Sound Good But The Price Is Not Good
SPECIFICATIONS
Nothing Ear (2)
Type of in-ear headphones
Audio driver 11.6 mm dynamic type graphene + PU
Tuned by Nothing
Microphone 3x MEM microphone
Auto sensor pause
33mAh earphone battery
485mAh frame
6.3 hours continuous
36 hours with charger
Bluetooth 5.3 tethering
Google Fast Pair
Microsoft Swift Pair
Codec AAC, SBC, LHDC 5.0
USB-C charging
Qi
2.5W wireless charging
Fast charging 10 minutes
Nothing X app support
Android, iOS
Squeeze Control
Waterproof capability IP55 Earphones
IP54 Frame
Selling Price RM599
The specifications of Nothing Ear (2) are more or less the same as Ear (1). For example, it still uses an 11.6mm audio driver and is equipped with three microphones. The big difference in the new TWS seems to be in the software. Nothing this time focuses (Verb) on personalized audio profiles so that each TWS set that users use has audio quality that suits their individual tastes.
In addition, LHDC 5.0 support is also included for the ability to listen to music at a higher bit rate than usual. Nothing also introduces active noise cancellation support that requires users to perform a hearing test. Protection for the Ear (2) this time is IP55 for the earphones and IP54 for the charging frame.
Another thing I noticed is that the control of each earphone this time is by pinch and no longer touch. Then Nothing also claims that the battery life this time is longer, reaching 38 hours with a charging frame.
DESIGN
Like the design specifications, Nothing Ear (2) also uses the same design as Ear (1). One look as if there is no difference. The obvious changes are in the charging frame which is now clearer, the white plastic components inside are no longer patterned and the arrangement of components in each earphone is rearranged.
For the charging frame, the hinge is tighter making the quality more premium. Nothing also managed to reduce the weight of the Ear frame (2) because this time it is lighter. Even so the lid still has a tight hinge and a strong magnet provides satisfaction when opening and closing it.
The design is also flatter around the perimeter and no longer curved. It's just that the construction is still plastic which is still worrying that it will scratch quickly and this bright white color may get dirty quickly. After using Ear (1) before which became scratched after less than a week I am sure the same thing will happen to Ear (2).
Next for each earphone the most obvious difference with Ear (1) is the writing Nothing Ear (2) inside which is slightly larger. Then the microphone on the stem is now out instead of inside with a small hole.
Each ear bud is still the same. It's just that a design like AirPods Pro might not suit everyone's ears. For example, my colleague does not like it because it is not comfortable enough to cause pain after using it for a short period of time. But for me there is no problem with a design like this, it's just that it may not be so tight that it creates a feeling of worry that the earphones can fall out at any time.
AUDIO QUALITY
Although I feel the audio quality is better. Ear (2) still can't compete with OnePlus Buds Pro 2. But I understand because the price is cheap at RM270 compared to it. Here is my explanation of the quality of this TWS.
BASS/LOWS
Ear (1) at the beginning of the launch and when I reviewed did not have satisfactory bass. But this changed after a few dozen updates were distributed. On Ear (2) the bass produced has a stronger and more balanced bang. This gave me a more enjoyable experience and also made me want to tap my feet to the beat.
VOCALS/MIDS
The vocals on Ear (2) are clearly different because they have a higher quality. This time the voice of the male singer is better because it is better and has more details. This is probably because it is helped by the optimized bass. However, the female singer's voice, although melodious, seemed to be behind the head and a little submerged to enjoy the details I wanted.
HIGH TONE/HIGH
On the high end, the Nothing still tunes in a safe way to not be too loud. But because they depend a lot on the software, the high-pitched parts of the music have a bit of a noise effect. There's no denying that it's still quality, but the details seem to have gone through a digitally fabricated process that tries to mimic analog audio.
AUDIO STAGE AND ISOLATION
Wow, Wow, Wow. Yes. Noise isolation on the Nothing Ear 2 is very solid. Classical music like Bohemian Rhapsody allows me with every instrument clearly in every direction. Even some modern music like JVKE with the song Golden Hour also gives an immersive listening experience. This is all because of LHDC 5.0 support which allows quality audio to be played well.
It's just a pity that the audio staging on the Ear (2) is narrow. The drowned woman's voice will be heard in the back of the head while the man's voice will be in the middle of the head looking for space for freedom. This TWS is not wide enough for better long-term use. Things like this not everyone will be able to feel, for me who is used to IEMs with AMP/DAC this is a big thing that I can't enjoy.
ANC, SOUND THROUGH MODE, NEW FEATURES
The quality of active noise cancellation on the Ear (2) is far different from the previous model. This time it is more functional and based on experience it seems similar to the Sony XM5. This is because this mode focuses on canceling low-frequency sounds such as fan noise, air conditioning noise and the like. While the sound of conversations of people around will still be clearly heard.
For sound-through mode I still feel that no TWS can still beat Jabra's HearThrough which really works even when listening to music. On this TWS, the sound-through mode only works if you don't listen to music only.
For new features like adaptive ANC, it works well. Just still can't beat TWS Sony XM series yet. Personalized ANC and Personalized Sound Profile which require a hearing test to be done are quite interesting to use. Will there be any difference setting this feature? There are, but not many and you probably won't even be surprised by this feature.
MICROPHONE
The new TWS Nothing also still uses six MEM microphones, three on each earphone. This microphone also helps for better ANC features. But Nothing claims that their artificial intelligence feature is smarter this time because it can cancel noise for clearer phone calls. I agree with their claims. You can listen to my voice recording below.
BATTERY
Nothing Ear (2) also has a battery that can last longer. Can now reach up to 36 hours on a charging frame if ANC is not used. While with ANC it reaches 22.5 hours. On the earphones, the battery lasts up to 6.3 hours without ANC and 4 hours with it activated. Fast charging is also supported with 10 minutes lasting up to 8 hours and supports 2.5W wireless charging.
In my use after a week the frame still has 70% battery. This is with one day use of around one hour only. I can say I can feel the battery lasting longer. This is one thing I really like because it will really benefit me for long term use.
APPLICATION
I use this Nothing Ear (2) with the Nothing Phone (1) which has the Nothing X app built in. Even if you don't use this application, basic control directly on the notification tray is also supported. But the use of the Nothing X application this time I feel is more interesting. This is because more functions have been included.
I am very grateful that now more audio product manufacturers offer Personalized Sound Profile and Ear Tip Fit Test features. This feature tests the user's hearing ability which allows us to know and learn how to appreciate music.
The application is also easy to use and uncomplicated. The ability to set pinch control is also possible. An example that I also like on the Ear (2) is the volume control that is missing on the OnePlus Buds Pro 2. I feel that the pinch control is also more efficient than the touch on the Ear (1).
CONCLUSION
Nothing Ear (2) is a TWS that I can highly recommend to everyone. This is because there are not many TWS in the Malaysian market now that offer a beautiful transparent aesthetic design. Then the audio quality which is more satisfactory than the first model will definitely make users who appreciate artists happy because they can enjoy high quality audio. The audio quality I can say is like an Ear (Stick) but an in-ear version with ANC support. Not forgetting the battery that now lasts longer which will benefit users.
At the time this article was written I had received three updates to improve audio quality and a more stable connection. It is a common practice that products we receive before launch will receive many updates. At least when the user buys it later, the problem that happened on Ear (1) will not happen again on Ear (2). Nothing has so far consistently provided updates on the product post-launch I hope it continues.
With a selling price of RM599, Nothing Ear (2) offers a competitive option compared to other TWS in the market with a comparable price. While I will remain using the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 as daily TWS, the Ear (2) will remain in my bag as a backup TWS. Those interested you can pre-order on March 23 at 12:00AM tonight.
Pro
Beautiful and unique aesthetic transparent design.
A more solid and premium build.
Better audio quality.
Application support that has many interesting features.
Competitive prices.
Long lasting battery.
Cons
Incompatible earphone shape for all ear types.
The ANC still does not cancel the conversation of the people around.
Disappointing sound-through mode.
