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| Left to right: Nothing Phone (4b) and (4a) |
When Nothing launched the Phone (4b) at a price point of 329 euros (approximately $380), it seemed like a tempting offer for budget-conscious consumers. However, a closer look at the specs reveals a significant problem. With the entry-level version of the Phone (4a) priced at $499, the price gap between the two devices is only about $100. For that relatively small premium, the Phone (4a) delivers substantially more value, making the (4b) a difficult sell for anyone seeking the best price-to-performance ratio.
Display: A Clear Divide in Brightness and Resolution
The most immediate difference between the two devices becomes apparent the moment you look at the screen. The Nothing Phone (4a) sports a higher-resolution 1.5K AMOLED display with an advertised peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits. In contrast, the Phone (4b) settles for an FHD+ panel with a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits.
In real-world testing, the discrepancy is even more pronounced. The cheaper Phone (4b) only managed to hit 1,160 cd/m², which can make the screen difficult to read when you're outdoors in direct sunlight. To be fair, the Phone (4a) doesn't quite hit its advertised peak either, but with a tested brightness of up to 1,536 cd/m², it remains noticeably brighter and more usable in everyday conditions.
Performance: More Power Under the Hood
Nothing has also cut corners when it comes to the processor in the Phone (4b). While the Phone (4a) is equipped with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, the cheaper model runs on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4. Additionally, the (4a) features faster UFS 3.1 storage.
While the Phone (4b) is perfectly capable of handling daily tasks, users who demand extra power for resource-intensive apps or gaming will find the Phone (4a) to be the more robust and future-proof package.
Camera: The Biggest Compromise
The most significant gap between the two models lies in the camera department. The Phone (4a) boasts an additional 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom, a feature completely absent on the (4b). Not only does the cheaper model lack a dedicated zoom lens, but it also utilizes a significantly smaller main sensor.
As a result, zooming on the Phone (4b) is exclusively digital, leading to noticeably poorer image quality at higher magnifications. The ultra-wide-angle camera on the (4b) is also only moderately impressive, leaving photography enthusiasts wanting more. If you are looking for a device that can handle versatile shooting scenarios, check the latest price for the Nothing Phone (4a) on Amazon here , as it offers a far superior camera system.
The Verdict: Is the Phone (4b) Worth It?
If the price difference between the two models remains the same, the Nothing Phone (4a) is undeniably the better choice. The upgrades in display quality, processing power, and camera versatility far outweigh the $100 savings offered by the (4b).
However, the decision could shift if market conditions change. If the availability of the (4a)'s lower-storage variant decreases, forcing you to opt for a more expensive larger model, or if the Phone (4b) sees a significant price drop, it could become a more attractive alternative. But as it stands, the Phone (4a) offers a much more complete smartphone experience for just a little more cash.