Headphone (1) Launch in India on 15 July

Headphone (1) is set to make its debut in India on 15 July, following a global tease by Nothing. This over-ear audio product will retail at ₹21,999 but can be purchased for a promotional price of ₹19,999 on launch day, alongside no-cost EMI options available through major banks.

Competing in the Market

Headphone (1) enters a competitive landscape occupied by brands like Sony, Bose, and Apple, featuring a combination of transparent design, tactile physical controls, and audio fine-tuned by KEF.

Design and Comfort

Headphone (1) showcases Nothing’s signature design, with transparent elements that expose its internal components. The construction features a mix of aluminium and precision-moulded plastics to enhance durability. The ear cushions employ oil-resistant PU foam for prolonged comfort during extended listening sessions.

Physical Controls

Unlike many competitors that rely on touch gestures, these headphones are equipped with three physical inputs: a Roller for adjusting volume and playback, a Paddle for track skipping, and a Button that can switch ANC modes or access shortcuts, such as Channel Hop or voice assistants. Users can remap these controls via the Nothing X app.

Sound Quality

Nothing has collaborated with British hi-fi experts KEF to engineer the sound quality, utilising 40 mm dynamic drivers alongside a high-linearity suspension system and a nickel-plated diaphragm, which helps minimise distortion while maintaining clarity. It supports LDAC, USB-C lossless audio, and includes a 3.5mm jack, all with Hi-Res Audio certification.

Spatial Audio

Spatial audio is processed directly on the device and includes head tracking, allowing the soundstage to shift dynamically as the user moves. This feature works harmoniously with any stereo source and is compatible with music, films, and gaming.

Active Noise Cancellation

Headphone (1) features hybrid ANC, utilising dual feedforward and feedback microphones along with real-time sound analysis. A Transparency Mode is also available for times when awareness of surroundings is necessary. For phone calls, the AI-powered ENC system employs four dedicated microphones trained on numerous noise samples to effectively isolate the user’s voice amidst background noise.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The battery performance appears robust, offering up to 35 hours of playback time with ANC activated. A quick 5-minute charge provides approximately 2.4 hours of usage. It supports Bluetooth 5.3, dual-device connectivity, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair. Additionally, there is a low-latency mode available for gaming and video consumption.

Enhanced Features with Nothing Phone (3

When paired with a Nothing Phone (3), users can benefit from enhanced connectivity features like Essential Space, enabling users to record voice notes simply by long-pressing the Button, which are then automatically organised. Another innovative feature is Channel Hop, providing a smooth transition between audio applications or news updates.

Headphone (1) will be accessible through various online platforms, including Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Minutes, Vijay Sales, Croma, and prominent offline retail locations, starting from 15 July 2025.