Forget Apple, some phone makers are now copying Nothing’s design language

In the world of smartphones, standing out is no easy feat. Everyone’s used to seeing smartphone makers copying Apple’s hardware or software, but a smaller company called Nothing is turning heads around the world with something different.

Founded by Carl Pei in 2020, Nothing burst onto the scene with phones that have a transparent back and LED lights that do more than just look pretty. They show notifications, charging status, and more. This fresh take has tech fans buzzing, and now other phone makers are jumping on the trend.

Nothing kicked things off with the Nothing Phone 1 in 2022. Pei, who once co-founded OnePlus, wanted to shake up tech with a minimalist vibe. The “Glyph Interface” — those LED lights — became a signature feature, carried into models like the Phone 2 and the new Phone 3a series. It’s a bold look in a market where most phones blend together.

So it seems other smartphone makers are also taking notice and want in on the fun. Take Doogee, for example, a Chinese company known for rugged phones. At MWC 2025, they unveiled the Blade GT Ultra. It’s got a see-through back with visible screws and customizable LED lights that flash for notifications or sync with music.

Sound familiar? Doogee says it’s the thinnest rugged phone at 10.5mm thick and 260g, but it’s still bulkier than your average smartphone. Priced at $399, it’s hitting select markets this month, and US buyers might see it as a cheaper alternative to Nothing’s lineup.

Carl Pei isn’t thrilled. He hopped on social media in December, poking fun at the knockoffs. “Me: Mom, can we get a Nothing phone?” he wrote. With the image of Doogee’s Blade GT Ultra he added, “Mom: We have Nothing phone at home.” Then he went on to comment, “Btw the lawyers are on their way.” So it sounds like Nothing might fight to protect its ideas.

This copying trend could shake things up in the US. If these lookalikes are affordable, they might grab attention from bargain hunters. But it’s got people wondering: who really owns a design like this? Beyond the US, brands like Infinix are trying it too with phones like the GT 10 Pro. Whether it’s a passing fad or a sign, Nothing’s onto something big, one thing’s clear. In a sea of same-old phones, Nothing’s got others chasing its vibe.

We’ll just have to wait and see which other brands start copying the trend or if this is going to be something that vanishes as quickly as it caught the attention of fans.