Nothing has repeated the formula and, after collaborating with MKBHD, has now teamed up with Arun Maini (Mrwhosetheboss) to draw the “dreamed” Android smartphone. It is not a real product, but a concept that includes specifications, design and an approximate cost calculation. Its goal is to quantify the most common desires of advanced users; and it was anticipated that it would have a price of about $1,800.
Nothing posted a video in which he breaks down the project costs – including the cost of components (BoM), services and development – and offers several clues about what an enthusiastic user would value in 2025: Top-of-the-line power, ambitious cameras, premium materials and, pleasant surprise, headphone and microSD port. A nod to practicality that almost no manufacturer maintains in the high range.
A “dream phone” with a luxury price
According to the concept, the terminal would mount a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5screen OLED with support Qi2/MagSafe (MPP) for magnetic accessories and one 5000 mAh battery. Nothing encrypts the BoM at $1,163; Adding labor, marketing, warranty, camera adjustment and other sections, the hypothetical RRP would amount to $1,800 and the project would require an investment of more than 26 million. An interesting exercise to understand why certain decisions—such as cutting features—end up taking shape in commercial mobile phones.
In photography, Maini asked for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra quad system with 10x periscopic telephoto lensbut in the final “budget” Nothing mixes that idea with sensors from its recent catalog. Beyond the detail, the intention is clear: an effective ultra-wide angle, a high-level main camera and a long-range optical zoom.
Design and extras that nostalgic people fall in love with
The casing is committed to titanium frame and sapphire crystal front and back. This material is very hard against scratches, although more prone to breaking in falls, so its use is usually reserved for small parts (lenses, camera protectors). The camera module adopts a design similar to that of the Pixel 6, while the back features geometric patterns, moving away from the usual Glyph style on Nothing. The front would have a slight curvature.
Beyond the visual, there are decisions that many have been asking for for years: 3.5mm jack and microSD slot. Next to stereo speakers and with a focus on 24/7 customer service in several languages, the set is emerging as a mobile phone for enthusiasts… and it is also difficult to manufacture and maintain at an affordable price.
Technical sheet of the «Dream Phone» concept
- Chip: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Screen: OLEDcompatible Qi2/MagSafe (MPP) for magnetic accessories
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Cameras: inspiration in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra with 10x telephoto lens; sensor mix Nothing on final receipt
- Materials: titanium (frame) and sapphire (front/rear)
- Audio and storage: 3.5mm jack and microSD
- Others: stereo speakers, 24/7 multilingual service
What does this experiment tell us about the Android market?
The message is clear: if possible gather “everything” we ask for, but it doesn't come cheap. Between expensive materials (titanium, sapphire), complex optics (10x periscope) and after-sales support, costs skyrocket. Even so, the concept leaves lessons learned for future releases: more real telephoto in the high range, best service and certain practical functions (jack, microSD) that could return in select formats.
In short, Mrwhosetheboss' “Dream Phone” is still a clear example of his aspirations. If Nothing or another brand adopts some of these ideas in a series model, we would all win. Likewise, the ambitions of this young company are heading in a very interesting direction, not only with this idea but also towards creating a new operating systemwhich might give you that dependency you're looking for.
Would you pay a price like that to have 10x telephoto lens, titanium, sapphire, jack and microSD on the same Android? We read you in the comments.
