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| The Nothing phone (4a) Pro (pictured) gets a brand-new glyph matrix LED system. |
In a bold move that shakes up the smartphone status quo, Nothing has officially unveiled its latest creations: the Phone (4a) and the Phone (4a) Pro. Stepping away from the annual flagship arms race, the London-based tech disruptor is doubling down on the mid-range segment, and the result is a pair of devices that look less like incremental updates and more like a statement of intent. Arriving as the successors to the popular (3a) series, these new phones aren't just about transparent backs and blinking lights anymore; they’re about democratizing technology that was once reserved for devices costing twice as much .
Forget what you know about budget phone cameras. Both the Nothing Phone (4a) and the (4a) Pro come equipped with a 50MP periscope telephoto lens—a piece of hardware typically found on premium flagships. This allows for a true 3.5x optical zoom, bringing distant subjects into sharp focus without the digital noise . This singular feature alone catapults the (4a) series into a league of its own, offering photography enthusiasts a compelling reason to look beyond the usual suspects from Samsung and Google.
Two Phones, Two Personalities
While they share a core philosophy, the standard (4a) and the (4a) Pro are tailored for slightly different users.
The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is the undisputed star of the show and, perhaps surprisingly, Nothing’s de facto flagship for 2026 . It boasts a sleek new metal unibody design, making it the thinnest Nothing phone to date at just 7.95mm . Powering this sleek device is the new Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, promising a 27% faster CPU and 30% improved graphics over previous generations . This is paired with a stunning 6.83-inch 144Hz AMOLED display that can hit a blinding 5000 nits of peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight .
The camera system on the Pro is where things get seriously interesting. It features a Sony LYT700C main sensor with OIS, but the headline act is that 50MP periscope lens, which Nothing claims is capable of an "industry-leading" up to 140x digital zoom . To manage all that photographic power, it utilizes the new Glyph Matrix—a sophisticated array of 137 mini-LEDs covering the camera island, capable of displaying pixel-style notifications, timers, and even animations .
On the other hand, the Nothing Phone (4a) is the faithful guardian of the brand’s original DNA. It retains the iconic transparent glass back, allowing you to see the carefully arranged components underneath . It’s powered by the capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor and features a slightly larger (in terms of footprint) 6.78-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 4500 nits .
While it uses a different main sensor (a 50MP Samsung GN9), it retains the powerful 50MP periscope telephoto lens, offering up to 70x digital zoom . Its lighting system is the new Glyph Bar, a refined, rectangular strip of 63 mini-LEDs that serves as a more functional and mature evolution of the signature interface, perfect for visual timers and notifications .
Under the Hood and in the Hand
Beyond the cameras and lights, both phones share a robust set of features that solidify their mid-range dominance. They both run Nothing OS 4.1 based on Android 16, offering a clean, bloat-free experience with unique widgets and customization options . Nothing is also committing to longevity, promising three years of Android updates and six years of security patches .
Battery life is a major highlight. Both devices pack a massive 5080mAh battery (with India-specific variants bumping that to 5400mAh), easily lasting a full day and more . And when you do need to top up, 50W wired charging gets you from zero to around 60% in just 30 minutes . The Pro model also adds a handy 7.5W reverse wired charging feature for your earbuds .
Durability has also seen an uptick, with the Phone (4a) sporting an IP64 rating (dust and splash-resistant) and the Pro model offering a more robust IP65 rating, meaning it can withstand water jets .
Pricing and Availability: A Strategy to Dominate
Nothing is pricing these devices to move. The Nothing Phone (4a) starts at an incredibly competitive €349 / £349 / ₹31,999 for the 8GB/128GB model. It will be available in a vibrant palette of Black, White, Blue, and Pink .
The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro commands a premium for its metal build and superior camera, starting at €479 / £499 / ₹39,999 for the same 8GB/128GB configuration. It will be offered in sophisticated shades of Black, Silver, and a striking Metallic Pink .
The rollout strategy is clear and aggressive. Pre-orders for the Phone (4a) begin on March 5, with general sales starting March 13. For those eyeing the Pro, pre-orders open on March 13, with devices landing in hands on March 27 .
With the (4a) series, Nothing isn't just participating in the mid-range market; it’s trying to redefine it. By combining distinctive design, thoughtful software, and flagship-level camera hardware at this price point, they’ve created two of the most compelling smartphones of 2026 so far. The question is no longer whether you can afford a periscope zoom, but which color you want yours in.
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| The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro comes in three colorways - silver... |
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| The Nothing (4a), on the other hand, will be available in white... |