<\/p>\nArticle Jumplist<\/p>\n
<\/default:svg><\/button><\/p>\n\n1. Nothing Headphone (a) gets a lighter trim<\/li>\n 2. Sounds like Nothing<\/li>\n 3. Nothing Headphone (a) gets A+ for endurance<\/li>\n 4. Local availability and pricing<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\nNothing <\/b>has just launched the new Headphone (a).<\/b> While it\u2019s designed to be an affordable pair of wireless headphones, it comes with incredible features. Among them are high-res LDAC<\/b> codec support and a jaw-dropping battery life of up to 75 hours<\/b> with ANC enabled, and we\u2019ll take you through all the key perks that help the headphones punch above its weight.<\/p>\nNothing Headphone (a) gets a lighter trim<\/h2>\n\nThe pink is a fun colour, but it might be hard for us to pull off.<\/p>\n
Photo: HWZ<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Design-wise, it looks very similar to the original Headphone (1), despite sporting fewer transparent areas. <\/p>\n
Nothing has also managed to shave the weight down to 310g <\/b>(19g lighter). It\u2019s still heavy for a pair of travelling headphones, especially compared to others like the Sony WH-1000XM6, which weigh 254g. <\/p>\n
Despite that change, these headphones still use 40mm<\/b> titanium-coated dynamic drivers with a PEN+PU (polyethylene naphthalate and polyurethane) diaphragm. <\/p>\n
Surprisingly, Nothing has given these LDAC support<\/b>, so people looking to stream their music in high-res can do so. <\/p>\nSounds like Nothing<\/h2>\n
Unlike the Headphone (1) which was tuned in collaboration with KEF, these headphones are tuned solely by Nothing themselves. It has a different sound profile. <\/p>\n\nThe sound signature is all Nothing.<\/p>\n
Photo: HWZ<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
In our short time spent with the headphones, we\u2019ve noticed that the bass response is quite boosted. People looking for a reference-like sound or monitoring headphones may not find it in the Nothing Headphone (a). <\/p>\n
At the same time, these ~S$260 cans are better suited to general consumers who want extra oomph and energy to their favourite tracks.<\/p>\n
The closed-back design grants it a narrower soundstage, but there\u2019s decent separation, and instrument imaging feels generally accurate. <\/p>\n
However, much of these audio perks are dependent on whether you can get a proper seal with the headphone. Folks who wear glasses (like me) might struggle to get the headphones to sit well without discomfort behind their ear\u2019s helix. The ergonomics also affect Nothing\u2019s bass-boosted sound signature, where an imperfect fit also negatively affects bass quality.<\/p>\n
That said, Nothing improved the clamping force, especially when comparing to its predecessor. That\u2019s still some relief for users with bigger noggins (unlike me).<\/p>\n
The brand claims up to 40dB<\/b> of active noise cancellation, although it isn\u2019t as effective as I hoped. I can still hear my keyboard clacking away when I\u2019m typing in the office. Other sounds, like doors closing or people holding a conversation about 15m away, can also be heard. This is most likely because of the imperfect earcups seal caused by wearing glasses.<\/p>\nNothing Headphone (a) gets A+ for endurance<\/h2>\n
The crown jewel of the Headphone (a) and the main reason to get one is the stunning battery life. <\/p>\n
According to Nothing, a full charge can last up to 135 hours if you\u2019re listening to your music (AAC, with ANC off). It can still deliver up to 75 hours of battery life with AAC and ANC enabled. <\/p>\n
This drops slightly if you\u2019re listening in LDAC, with 90 hours and 62 hours, respectively. <\/p>\n\nThe physical controls are quite intuitive.<\/p>\n
Photo: HWZ<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Nothing also kept the same physical control buttons from the Headphone (1). There\u2019s a track-skipping paddle and a roller for volume\/media playback on the side of the right earcup.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the right earcup has a customisable outer button that can either activate a voice assistant, switch between media apps, or even serve as a shutter button for photos and videos, all without touching the phone.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s also IP52<\/b> dust and water resistance, which is enough to withstand a sprinkle but not heavy rain.<\/p>\n