Our journey continues to discover the new features of Nothing and after testing the headphones Headphone (a)let’s try the new Phone (4a) Pro today. A smartphone with an innovative futuristic look, with a mini rear display, a complete photographic section with super zoom and refined and well-optimized software.
Design and packaging
The Phone (4a) Pro clearly differs from all the other smartphones from the English company. It is, in fact, the first Nothing mobile phone to use a refined unibody shell in aeronautical aluminum: a single block of hollowed-out, high-quality metal. It’s also the thinnest all-metal phone currently on the market, measuring just 7.95mm thick.
Like all Nothing smartphones, the Phone (4a) Pro also retains the iconic semi-transparent rear design. However, this feature is reduced to a band in the upper area. Element with a futuristic look and plastic cover, which includes, in addition to the cameras, also the Glyph Matrix display which we will deal with later. As per Nothing tradition, we also find the red square, with integrated LED, which lights up when recording a video.
We continue with the front equipped with symmetrical frames around the 6.83-inch display.
Let’s move on to the side profile. On the left 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.
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).
We also remember the resistance to liquids and dust, with Ip65 certification, the dimensions equal to 163.66 x 76.62 x 7.95 mm and the weight of 204 g. Finally, the package includes a USB cable and a transparent cover.
Technical characteristics
Compared to standard variantthe Phone (4a) Pro uses a slightly larger display; the frequency and brightness also increase. The performance of the processor also improves, especially in video games, and the resistance to dust and liquids. Also new for the main camera, faster, with better performance at night and with 2X in-sensor zoom. The digital zoom has also been increased and now reaches 140X (the first on the market). Finally, connectivity with eSim support. Too bad for the absence of wireless charging even in the Pro variant.
Below are the complete features of the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro:
- Display: 6.83″ Ltps Amoled, resolution 1,260 × 2,800 (440 Ppi), adaptive refresh rate 30-144 Hz, brightness up to 5,000 nits peak, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (4 nm, Kryo CPU up to 2.8 GHz), now with 5,300 mm² vapor chamber cooling system
- Ram: 8 / 12 GB LpDdr5X
- Memory: 128 / 256 GB Ufs 3.1
Rear cameras: 50 Mp main Sony Lyt-700C, 1/1.56”, f/1.88, Ois + EIis, Pdaf + 50 Mp periscopic telephoto lens Samsung Jn5 f/2.88, Ois + Eis, 3.5x optical zoom, up to 140x + 8 MP ultra-wide Sony Imx 355 120° FoV - Front camera: 32 Mp Samsung Kd1 (f/2.2)
- Battery: 5,080 mAh, 50W wired fast charging, 7.5W reverse
- Operating system: Nothing Os 4.1 based on Android 16
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, GPS, Dual nano-Sim, eSim
- Audio: dual stereo speakers, 2 HD microphones
- Dimensions: 163.66 x 76.62 x 7.95 mm
- Weight: 210g
Glyph Matrix display
Nothing Phone (4a) Pro inherits the Glyph Matrix from the top of the range Nothing Phone (3). It is a small circular screen positioned on the back, made up of 137 white micro LEDs. Display now bigger and brighter. Glyph Matrix is an interface designed to reduce the time in front of the main screen and make receiving the most important information immediate. From notifications linked to individual apps, contacts or calls, Glyph Matrix keeps the user updated quickly, without the need to activate the front display.
It is also possible to create customized visual notifications capable of displaying a specific image on the Glyph Matrix based on apps, contacts and keywords chosen by the user. For example the image of a heart when receiving a message from our wife.
We also remember the “Flip to Glyph” function: activate notifications and silent calls displayed only on the second screen, positioning the Phone (4a) Pro with the display facing downwards. You can also view the battery charge indicator, caller ID, clock, timer and volume. We also mention the integration with third-party services such as Google Calendar. Additional user-created features are also free to download. Glyph Matrix can also be used together with or as an alternative to the flash.
Through the dedicated menu within the settings it is possible to customize the various functions, change the brightness of the screen and also deactivate it at certain times.
Software analysis
On board the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro 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 useless pre-installed apps. Software particularly optimized and able to make the most of the performance of the Qualcomm processor. The smartphone will receive 3 new Android versions and 6 years of security patches.
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 find 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) Pro 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) Pro 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. App that now presents itself with a completely renewed, more intuitive and fluid interface.
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
Let’s now analyze the performance of the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro with a positive overall opinion. Let’s start with high performance, with an interface that is always fast and responsive. We only report some limited slowdowns with some particularly demanding games from a graphic point of view.
The rating on the display is also excellent: a high quality Amoled, bright, with natural colors and obviously, with absolute blacks. Screen with thin bezels, with a high refresh rate. The Glyph Matrix is quite useful, especially for customizable notifications; shame about the reduced screen resolution.
Unlocks are fast and precise via face recognition and with the fingerprint sensor integrated into the screen. Complete connectivity. No problems from the telephone/audio sector with quality speakers and good power.
Let’s analyze the photographic sector. The quality of the main camera and the 3.5x periscope zoom (rare in the mid-range) is high, with detailed shots and natural colours. Good photos with reduced brightness, selfies and videos up to 4K-30 fps. 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 (140x).
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.
The evaluation of the software and construction quality is also excellent, with attention to every detail. Good ergonomics, with a slightly high weight.
Prices and colors
Phone (4a) Pro can be ordered in black, silver and pink, with sales opening from March 27, 2026:
● 8 + 128 GB for €499
● 12 + 256 GB for €569
Find out more on Amazon on offer starting from 449 euros
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