Nothing's Black Variant of Ear (2) Combines Premium Design and Balanced Sound at Rs 9,999

Tech startup Nothing continues to garner attention with its distinctive product lineup, including the recent launch of its smartphone and two variants of truly wireless earbuds—the ear (1) and ear (stick). Building on their transparent design philosophy, the company unveiled a classic black variant of the ear (2) TWS earbuds on July 6, along with updates to the equalizer settings on the Nothing X app, aimed at enhancing sound quality. Priced at Rs 9,999, the black variant offers the same features as its white counterpart, which is currently available on Flipkart and Myntra.

The black variant of the ear (2) retains the sleek and minimalistic packaging of the original white version. The charging case showcases an artistic design with a transparent top and a matte black, fingerprint-resistant bottom. The earbuds themselves feature transparent stems, offering a glimpse into the inner circuits and machinery. The package includes two sets of ear tips, a charging cable, and user and safety guides.

Weighing 4.5 grams, the medium-sized earbuds provide a comfortable fit during exercise sessions and walks. With features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), 11.6mm drivers supporting various codecs, Bluetooth 5.3, IP54 water and dust resistance for the buds, and IP55 for the case, the ear (2) delivers a high-quality audio experience. It also offers Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, dual connection capabilities, Clear Voice Technology with three microphones in each bud, LED charging status, and a Low Lag Mode.

The ear (2) introduces a force-touch system for controls, similar to Apple's AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), offering better accuracy and functionality. These touch controls are customizable through the companion Nothing X app, allowing users to control playback, adjust volume, switch between ANC and transparency modes, and activate the voice assistant. The earbuds also feature in-ear detection for automatic play and pause functionality.

Connecting the ear (2) to Android smartphones or Windows laptops is effortless with Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair. For additional sound tuning and customization, users can utilize the Nothing X app. The app's advanced equalizer, with its eight-band control and precise frequency adjustments, provides users with greater control over their audio experience. However, some users may find the extensive sound tuning options complex to navigate.

While the ear (2)'s ANC performs adequately for its price range, ambient sound reduction is not perfect, with some indoor sounds still audible. The ANC effect may give the impression of strong noise cancellation, but it can create a vacuum-like sensation. Overall, the Nothing ear (2) in black delivers a premium design, balanced sound signature, improved bass, and decent ANC at a competitive price point. The advanced equalizer and customization options add an extra layer of flexibility, although they may be overwhelming for some users.