Nothing Phone (4a) & (4a) Pro Launched: Periscope Zoom for the Masses
London-based tech brand Nothing has officially pulled the wraps off its latest smartphone lineup: the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro. In a bold move that challenges the current industry hierarchy, Nothing has equipped both mid-range devices with hardware typically reserved for $1,000+ flagships—periscope telephoto cameras.
Design: Refined Transparency and Enhanced Durability
Nothing stays true to its signature transparent aesthetic while introducing significant structural upgrades. The Phone (4a) Pro features a premium metal unibody that measures a slim 7.95mm, offering IP65 dust and water resistance.
The standard Phone (4a) retains the iconic transparent back, showcasing the internal components and the new Glyph Bar. This model offers IP64 protection and introduces more vibrant color options, including blue and pink, alongside the traditional neutral tones.
TrueLens Photography: Flagship Zoom for Everyone
The primary focus of the 4a series is mobile photography. The Phone (4a) Pro utilizes a Sony LYT700C main sensor, but the standout feature is the 50MP periscope telephoto lens. It offers 3.5x optical zoom and a staggering 140x hybrid zoom—the longest ever seen on a Nothing device.
Even the entry-level Phone (4a) boasts an impressive 50MP periscope lens with OIS. Both handsets are powered by the TrueLens Engine 4, utilizing AI-driven tools like Photo Eraser and Ultra XDR to deliver natural contrast and professional-grade highlights and shadows.
The Glyph Evolution: Bar vs. Matrix
Nothing’s signature light interface has received a massive overhaul for better utility:
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Phone (4a): Features a Glyph Bar with 63 mini-LEDs across seven zones, reaching a peak brightness of 3500 nits.
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Phone (4a) Pro: Introduces the Glyph Matrix, consisting of 137 mini-LEDs. This denser arrangement allows for advanced widgets, including a battery indicator, digital clock, and the new “Glyph Mirror” feature.
Performance and Long-Term Support
Under the hood, Nothing has opted for Qualcomm’s latest 7-series silicon. The Pro model is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, delivering a 30% boost in graphics over its predecessor. The standard model runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, focusing on high power efficiency.
Both devices debut with Nothing OS 4.1 (based on Android 16). In a commitment to longevity, Nothing promises three years of major Android updates and six years of security patches.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Nothing Phone (4a) | Nothing Phone (4a) Pro |
| Display | 6.78″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 4500 nits | 6.83″ 1.5K AMOLED, 144Hz, 5000 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 |
| Main Camera | 50MP (OIS) + 50MP Periscope (3.5x) | 50MP (Sony LYT700C) + 50MP Periscope |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 32MP |
| Battery / Charging | 5080mAh / 50W Fast Charge | 5080mAh / 50W Fast Charge |
| OS | Android 16 (Nothing OS 4.1) | Android 16 (Nothing OS 4.1) |
| Durability | IP64 / Gorilla Glass 7i | IP65 / Gorilla Glass 7i |
| Starting Price | £349 / €349 | £499 / €479 / $499 |
Pricing and Availability
Nothing continues its aggressive pricing strategy despite the high-end camera hardware. Pre-orders for the Phone (4a) begin today, March 5, starting at €349, with open sales following on March 13.
The Phone (4a) Pro will be available for pre-order starting March 13, priced at €479, with general availability scheduled for March 27 across most global markets.
