If you loved the Nothing Phone’s Glyph Interface, the new Community Edition might be your next favorite. Revealed today after a community-driven design contest, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition brings a fresh twist to the original. While it still has the Glyph Interface with LED notifications, this version introduces glow-in-the-dark ribbon cables, unlike anything seen in phones recently.
Thanks to community members Astrid Vanhuyse and Kenta Akasaki, the phone’s glow comes not from LEDs but from a green, phosphorescent material that charges with ambient light. It offers a unique, eco-friendly style that shines subtly in dim light.
The design shift here is striking, especially if you recall the original Phone (2) and the more understated Phone (2a). While the Phone (2) showcased bright LED glyphs, the 2(a) dialed down the glow for a sleeker, more subtle look. Now, the Community Edition brings back some of that unique Nothing style with a twist: instead of LEDs, it uses a phosphorescent material along the ribbon cables and components. This creates a soft, gentle glow that gives the phone character without extra power or flashing lights. Picture your phone on the nightstand—glowing just enough to catch your eye, but not enough to keep you awake.
The phosphorescent material works like those glow-in-the-dark stars you might remember from childhood. It absorbs ambient light—natural or artificial—and emits a soft glow in the dark. Unlike standard LEDs, this glow doesn’t drain the battery, adding style to the 2(a) without affecting battery life or performance. It’s an understated, practical touch that perfectly aligns with Nothing’s design philosophy: thoughtful, sustainable, and functional. Plus, it makes the phone easier to spot in a dark room, adding both practicality and aesthetic appeal.
This phone’s collaborative design highlights Nothing’s commitment to creating with its community. Instead of designing the glow effect in-house, the company opened it up to the public, receiving over 900 submissions from fans in 47 countries. Out of these, Vanhuyse and Akasaki’s concept stood out, resulting in a design that feels uniquely Nothing while celebrating global creativity. It marks Nothing’s shift toward community-driven innovation, giving fans a real say in what they carry.
Nothing also ensured this glow effect is more than just a gimmick. The phosphorescent material is durable and seamlessly integrated, so it doesn’t impact the phone’s performance or longevity. The result is a sturdy, artistic device that blends tech with simplicity, fitting smoothly into everyday life.
The Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition is priced at $518 USD (£399 / €449 / ₹29,999), with sales starting on November 12. For those in London, there’s also a chance to pick one up in person at the Nothing Soho store on November 16. With only 1,000 units available, this is a limited release—perfect for anyone who loves the idea of a phone so striking, you’ll want to keep it case-free. And for accessory makers like dbrand or Spigen, it might spark demand for glow-in-the-dark cases for other flagship phones too!
