Nothing has officially unveiled its latest mid-range smartphones, the Nothing Phone (4a) and Nothing Phone (4a) Pro. Both models retain the company’s signature transparent design but introduce a new Glyph Bar lighting system for a fresh visual experience. They run on Nothing OS 4.1, based on Android 16, promising three major Android updates alongside six years of security patches.
The firm continues its commitment to long-term software support, matching the update policy of previous generations. This ensures users benefit from timely improvements and enhanced device security throughout the phone’s lifespan.
New Design with Enhanced Glyph Bar Lighting
Nothing Phone (4a) arrives with a simplified design compared to the Pro model. Its rear camera module adopts a pill shape, creating a cleaner and more minimalistic look. The highlight lies in the rear lighting system now called the Glyph Bar, featuring a straight LED strip split into six segments with a total of 63 LEDs. A red recording indicator is also integrated into this setup.
This new lighting system reaches a peak brightness of 3,500 nits at three different levels, making it about 40 percent brighter than the previous version. Meanwhile, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro takes a bolder approach, featuring a larger camera module spread across the upper rear portion that houses three lenses.
Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 Powers Performance
The Nothing Phone (4a) operates on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, which succeeds the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 found in its predecessor. Performance gains are modest, estimated at around a 7 percent improvement over the previous generation. This is paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage up to 256GB.
This hardware combination is optimized to maintain smooth performance across multitasking scenarios and everyday usage, handling apps and media efficiently without significant lag or slowdown.
6.78-inch OLED Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate
On the front, the device features a 6.78-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1,224 × 2,720 pixels. The panel supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which enhances fluidity when scrolling, gaming, or streaming video. The screen’s peak brightness hits 4,500 nits, ensuring readability even under direct sunlight.
To protect the display, Nothing integrates Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, adding durable resistance against scratches and minor impacts.
Impressive Camera Setup with 50MP Periscope Telephoto
In photography, the Nothing Phone (4a) boasts a competitive setup. The main camera uses a Samsung GN9 50MP sensor with an f/1.88 aperture alongside optical image stabilization (OIS) for steadier shots. The phone also sports a 50MP periscope telephoto lens capable of 3.5x optical zoom, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32MP front camera for selfies and video calls.
Interestingly, these camera specifications are similarly featured in the Pro model, which means users can expect a comparable photographic experience between the two devices.
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities
The device houses a 5,080 mAh battery and supports wired fast charging at 50W. This battery capacity is designed to deliver all-day power for typical users. The phone measures 8.55 mm thick and utilizes a plastic frame for durability.
Furthermore, the Nothing Phone (4a) has an IP64 rating, providing dust resistance and splash protection, making it suitable for everyday environmental exposure.
Availability and Pricing
Pre-orders for the Nothing Phone (4a) began immediately after the announcement. Global sales will start on March 13, 2026, through Nothing’s official website and select retail partners worldwide.
Pricing varies by region and memory configuration:
- 8GB RAM / 128GB Storage: €350 (approx. $380) in Europe, £350 (approx. $430) in the UK, and ₹32,000 (approx. $390) in India.
- 8GB RAM / 256GB Storage: €390 (approx. $420) in Europe and ₹35,000 (approx. $425) in India.
- 12GB RAM / 256GB Storage: €430 (approx. $460) in Europe, £400 (approx. $490) in the UK, and ₹38,000 (approx. $460) in India.
With its renewed transparent design, significantly brighter Glyph Bar lighting, Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera, Nothing aims to stand out in the mid-range smartphone market. This launch reinforces the brand’s commitment to long-term software updates and a distinctive aesthetic, appealing to users looking for innovation without sacrificing affordability.