After the presentation a few days ago, the time has come to try the new Nothing Phone (4a). Mid-range smartphone with an original design with an innovative LED user interface, advanced cameras, refined software and now also available in pink.
Let’s therefore analyze in detail all the features and performances of the new Nothing Phone (4a).
Design and packaging
The Nothing Phone (4) also boasts the original futuristic design of the back that distinguishes all the English company’s smartphones. Transparent rear in Corning Gorilla Glass 7i which allows a glimpse of some internal components with the NFC coil and the speaker. We also find visible screws, small recesses of various shapes and sections with smooth and knurled covers. Underbody made with plastic and metal components, with a decidedly original design that strikes at first glance. The “pill” shaped section in aluminum also stands out, dedicated to the three photographic sensors with the new Glyph bar on the right which we will deal with later.
We continue with the front equipped with symmetrical frames around the 6.78-inch display.
Let’s move on to the side profile, with an opaque band surrounding the smartphone. On the right side we find the Essential key button which we will analyze later, while on the opposite side there is the volume rocker and the power button. Controls now made of aluminium.
Let’s not forget the USB-C port at the bottom; lower side which also houses the trolley for the two SIMs and the second speaker (ear capsule that can also be used as a speaker).
Let’s not forget the resistance to liquids and dust, with Ip64 certification, the dimensions of 163.95 x 77.57 x 8.55 mm and the weight of 204 g. Finally, the package includes a USB cable and a transparent cover.
Technical characteristics
Despite being a mid-range smartphone, the Nothing Phone (4a) boasts a complete photographic sector. One of the biggest upgrades to the Phone (4a) is the new tetraprism periscope telephoto lens. This is the same Samsung sensor as the top of the range Phone (3).
With Phone (4a) you can get 3.5x optical zoom, 7x lossless zoom and up to 70x digital zoom. Furthermore, this new sensor takes up 32% less space than the Phone (3a) Pro’s 3x L-shaped telephoto lens. Let’s not forget the advanced and fast 120 Hz display, with high brightness of up to 4,500 nits.
Below are the complete features of the new Nothing Phone (4a):
- Display: 6.78″ Ltps Amoled, 1,224 × 2,720 pixels, 440 ppi, adaptive refresh rate from 30 to 120 Hz, brightness up to 4,500 nits peak, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, 4 nm, 8 cores, up to 2.7 GHz
- Ram: 8 / 12 GB LpDdr4X (Ram Booster up to 20 GB)
- Internal memory: 128 / 256 GB Ufs 3.1
- Rear cameras: 50 Mp main Samsung GN9, f/1.88, Ois, 1/1.57″ sensor +
50 Mp periscopic telephoto lens Samsung JN5, f/2.88, Ois, 3.5x optical zoom, 7x lossless zoom, digital zoom up to 70x + 8 Mp ultra-wide angle Sony Imx355, f/2.2, 120° field of view - Front camera: 32 Mp Samsung Kd1, f/2.2
- Battery: 5,080 mAh, charging up to 50 W, 0-100% in approximately 64 minutes, no wireless charging
- Operating System: Nothing OS 4.1 based on Android 16, 3 years of Android updates, 6 years of security patches
- Water and dust resistance: IP64
- Connectivity: Dual nano-Sim 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, no eSim
- Dimensions: 163.95 x 77.57 x 8.55 mm
- Weight: 204.5g
- Colors: Pink, White, Black, Blue
Glyph bars
On the Nothing Phone (4a) we find the interesting Glyph interface also present on the previous models of the English company. It is an innovative way of communicating with the user designed to minimize the time spent on the screen. Interface now with more compact shapes, no longer distributed across the entire rear. To the right of the cameras we find, in fact, the new Glyph bar made up of 6 square-shaped areas (with 63 LEDs inside), plus a red element that indicates when video recording is active. Bar now with increased brightness that reaches up to 3,500 nits. The interface features numerous and useful functions:
- Calls: It is possible to activate the Glyph interface when we receive a call. Furthermore, it is possible to associate a contact with a ringtone and a single LED light pattern. Thanks to this solution, it is possible to know who is calling us even in silent mode, simply by looking at the back of the Nothing Phone (4a).
- Notifications: it is possible to associate a particular light pattern and a ringtone with a notification coming from a specific app. It is thus possible to distinguish, for example, a WhatsApp notification from an email simply by looking at the back of the smartphone. Furthermore, it is possible to create personalized “Essential” notifications based on apps, contacts and keywords chosen by the user.
- “Flip to Glyph” function: activate silent and only light notifications by placing the Phone (4a) with the Glyph interface facing upwards.
- Other features: the LEDs of the Glyph interface can be used alternatively or together with the flash and as a countdown for the self-timer; you can also monitor the volume level of your smartphone; there is also a timer and integration with apps and services from external partners. For example, through the Glyph interface, you can track an appointment on Google Calendar.
The Glyph interface can be managed via the dedicated menu in the Nothing Phone settings (4a). Interface that can be deactivated by the user, even at certain times, and with adjustable lighting.
Software analysis
On board the Nothing Phone (4a) we find the Android 16 operating system (January 2026 security patch), customized with the Nothing OS 4.1 interface, clear and essential, in black and white and with small elements in red. Interface without unnecessary pre-installed apps. Software particularly optimized and able to make the most of the performance of the Qualcomm processor.
Interface with numerous customization possibilities. We remember, in particular, the excellent and useful widgets which also include the Essential Apps: mini applications, utilities and games created by users. There is also an AI-based wallpaper generator.
We continue with the automatic organization of apps within the drawer and the Gallery app capable of recognizing people’s faces. We also mention the Private Space to hide our most important information and apps and the complete AI-based Search Essential utility. You can search for contacts, messages, notes, photos, apps and quick replies by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
Another AI-powered feature, coming to Phone (4a) via an update soon after launch, is Essential Voice: transform your speech into text by correcting errors and adapting the tone for more formal messages, emails or texts. You can also speak in one language and immediately receive text in another.
We conclude with the refined and intuitive software for managing cameras with numerous available modes: night, portrait, slow motion, time lapse, panoramic and expert. The Phone (4a) also incorporates Ultra XDR developed in collaboration with Google; photo processing algorithm that allows for more natural shots. Finally, let us remember the new presets (black and white, retro, etc.), which can also be created by the user.
Essential Space
Nothing OS hosts the Essential Space app, which can also be used via the physical Essential Key button on the left side of the smartphone. Useful application for organizing and simplifying our daily activities, organizing memories and managing events and reminders.
Going into detail, with a click of the Essential key it is possible to capture a screenshot also from the camera, with the possibility of attaching a voice note. A long click, however, allows you to record just one voice note. With a double click of the button you access the Essential Space where screenshots are collected and the voice notes are also transcribed. The integrated artificial intelligence software then processes the information sent by the user automatically creating summaries, lists, collections and reminders of appointments or events.
For example, you can take a screenshot of a concert poster by holding down the Essential Key and adding a voice note: “Remind me tomorrow to buy tickets for this concert”. The app will then create a reminder which will be shown on your phone as a notification when it expires.
User experience
Overall, our assessment of the Phone (4a) is very positive: one of the best mid-range phones currently on the market. Let’s start with the good performance, with some slowdowns only in the most graphically demanding games.
The screen does not disappoint: fast, bright and with natural colors.
Positive opinion also on the photographic sector. The shots from the main camera and those taken with the powerful and advanced telephoto lens are very good. Photos in low light conditions, selfies and videos up to 4K-30 fps are quite good.
Too bad for the wide angle of only 8 Mp, with decent results.
Below are three shots with the main camera, the wide angle and the maximum zoom available (70X).
Unlocks are fast and precise via face recognition and with the fingerprint sensor integrated into the screen. The connectivity is quite complete, it’s a shame about the absence of the eSim.
No problems from the telephone/audio sector with quality speakers and good power.
The Glyph Bar is useful, but requires a few days of learning and complete configuration.
Let’s move on to autonomy: the 5,080 mAh battery allows two days of average use and more than one day with intense use of the smartphone.
Excellent evaluation on the software, well optimized and full of useful features, and on the construction quality. Good ergonomics.
Compared to the previous model, the Phone (4a) boasts better performance in most areas, in particular: telephoto lens, display, processor and memory.
Prices and colors
Phone (4a) is available in Pink, White, Black and Blue at the following prices:
- 8GB+256GB: 369 euros
- 12GB+256GB: 409 euros
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