 |
| The Nothing Phone (4b) has a polycarbonate body and an IP64 rating. |
The British tech brand pivots strategy after canceling CMF handset, delivering a budget-friendly device that borrows design cues from its premium siblings
London, UK — Nothing has surprised the smartphone market today with the launch of the Nothing Phone (4b), a new budget-friendly device that marks the beginning of the company's "b-series" lineup. The unexpected release comes just weeks after the company's CMF sub-brand announced it would cancel its planned smartphone for the year, leaving budget-conscious fans wondering what came next.
The Nothing Phone (4b) arrives as a clever amalgamation of the company's existing design language, combining elements from both the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro. The result is a device that looks more expensive than its price tag suggests, while offering specifications that punch well above its weight class in several key areas.
A Design That Borrows From the Best
Nothing has taken a pragmatic approach to the Phone (4b)'s design, creating what could be described as a "best of both worlds" aesthetic. The rear panel features the recognizable Glyph bar interface from the Phone (4a), but adopts the unibody construction of the Phone (4a) Pro. While the Pro version utilized premium aluminum, the (4b) opts for polycarbonate — a practical cost-saving measure that helps keep the price accessible.
The device retains the large camera island and distinctive round recess at the bottom left corner that has become something of a Nothing signature. Despite the use of polycarbonate, the company has applied a UV top layer that significantly reduces fingerprint smudges — a thoughtful touch that addresses one of the most common complaints about budget smartphones.
Display and Performance: Punching Above Its Weight
The Nothing Phone (4b) features a generous 6.77-inch LTPS AMOLED display with a crisp 2344 × 1080 resolution. The screen offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and gaming, supported by a 1000Hz touch sampling rate that ensures responsive interactions.
With a 480Hz PWM frequency and peak brightness reaching 2000 nits, the display should perform admirably in various lighting conditions, from dimly lit rooms to bright outdoor environments.
Under the hood, the Phone (4b) is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM. Users can choose between 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media files.
Camera Capabilities: Google Collaboration Brings Enhanced Photography
The photography experience on the Phone (4b) benefits from a collaborative effort between Nothing and Google. The main rear camera features a Samsung 50MP sensor with both Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), ensuring shake-free shots even in challenging conditions.
An 8MP ultrawide camera with a 119.5° field of view accompanies the main sensor, while a 16MP front-facing camera handles selfies and video calls. The camera system supports 4K video recording at 30fps and can simultaneously record from both front and rear cameras — a feature that content creators will appreciate.
The standout feature is the Ultra XDR mode, co-developed with Google, which promises to capture images with true-to-life details. These enhanced photos can be shared directly on Google Photos and Instagram, maintaining their quality across platforms.
Nothing has also included a selection of filters, with two exclusive options: Disco, which adds dynamic lighting effects, and DV, which imparts an analog, vintage look to photographs.
A 360° light sensor on the back of the device helps with ambient light detection and exposure control, while the Glyph Bar includes a practical red light indicator that blinks during recording — a subtle but useful feature for content creators who need to know when they're filming.
AI Integration and Smart Features
One of the more intriguing additions is the Essential Key, a physical button located on the left side of the phone. This button provides quick access to AI tools, though Nothing has been somewhat vague about the full extent of its capabilities at launch.
The Glyph Bar retains all the features familiar to Nothing users, including Live updates for popular apps like Uber, Zomato, and Google Maps. These visual notifications provide glanceable information without requiring users to unlock their phones.
Battery Life: A Clear Differentiator
Perhaps the most impressive specification of the Nothing Phone (4b) is its battery capacity. The global version packs a substantial 5,200mAh battery, but the Indian variant takes things to another level with a massive 6,000mAh unit — the largest battery ever featured in a Nothing smartphone.
The device supports 33W fast wired charging and 7.5W reverse wired charging, allowing users to top up other devices. A 4,400mm² vapor chamber helps manage heat during intensive gaming sessions, ensuring sustained performance without thermal throttling.
Software and Longevity
Nothing ships the Phone (4b) with Nothing OS 4.1, built on Android 16. The company has committed to three years of Android updates and six years of security updates — a solid promise that extends the device's usable lifespan significantly.
The phone includes an optical in-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, dual microphones, NFC, Bluetooth 6.0, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Dual nano SIM support is standard, with the Japanese variant additionally offering eSIM compatibility.
An IP64 rating provides protection against dust and water splashes, while Nothing claims the device is 20% more resistant to bending than the Phone (3a) Lite and capable of surviving extreme temperatures.
Color Options and Pricing
The Nothing Phone (4b) will be available in Blue, Black, and White color options, with an additional Red variant exclusive to the Indian market.
Pricing varies by region, with the 128GB version priced at €329 in Germany and Austria, CHF 299 in Switzerland, and £299 in the United Kingdom. The US market, unfortunately, misses out on this release as Nothing has confirmed there are no plans for a stateside launch.
Availability and Market Position
This launch represents a significant strategic pivot for Nothing, which had previously focused its budget efforts through the CMF sub-brand. The cancellation of the CMF phone appears to have accelerated the development of the main brand's budget offering, resulting in the new b-series.
The Nothing Phone (4b) enters a competitive mid-range market segment, going head-to-head with offerings from Google, Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus. Its combination of premium design elements, robust battery life, and collaborative camera technology positions it as an intriguing option for consumers seeking value without compromising on essential features.
With the promise of regular updates, solid hardware specifications, and the distinctive Nothing design language, the Phone (4b) could establish the b-series as a compelling alternative in the increasingly crowded budget smartphone space.
The Nothing Phone (4b) begins shipping in select European and UK markets immediately, with India and other regions following in the coming weeks. International availability may vary by market.
