Phone (2a) Plus vs Phone (4b)
Winner
Nothing Phone (4b)
Lifespan decides this one: the Phone (4b) is supported until Jul 2032 at $5.31 per month of safe use, while the Phone (2a) Plus runs out in Jul 2028 ($14.50/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.
Value Score: Phone (2a) Plus 60 · Phone (4b) 72 — methodology
Who should pick which
Beyond the scores — our take on each phone and the buyer it actually suits.
A mid-range Nothing with the signature Glyph lights, a faster chip, and a respectable 4-year security promise.
Pick it if
- ✓ Buyers who want standout design on a budget
- ✓ Fans of near-stock Android with extras
Skip it if
- ✗ You need waterproofing or wireless charging
- ✗ You rely on full US carrier compatibility
Nothing's cheapest phone yet debuts a new budget b-series with a big battery, a bright 120Hz screen and a surprising six years of security updates for around €329.
Pick it if
- ✓ Budget buyers who still want years of security updates
- ✓ Anyone who wants Nothing's look and clean software for the lowest price
- ✓ Light users who prioritize battery life over speed
Skip it if
- ✗ You want fast charging or strong gaming performance
- ✗ You need an official US or UK model
The lifespan decider
When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.
Category by category
Both displays are effectively the same class.
Performance is a wash — same chip tier.
Camera systems are comparable on paper — pick by sample photos.
5,200mAh vs 5,000mAh — the Phone (4b) lasts longer between charges.
The Phone (4b) is supported until Jul 2032 — 47 months longer than the Phone (2a) Plus.
Overall value goes to the Phone (4b) at $5.31 per month of safe use.
Frequently asked
How long will the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus get updates?
Nothing promises 3 major Android upgrades and 4 years of security patches from its July 2024 launch, meaning security support runs to about mid-2028.
Does the Phone (2a) Plus have the Glyph lights?
Yes, it keeps Nothing's signature Glyph Interface LED system on the transparent back for notifications, timers and ringtones.
When does the Nothing Phone (4b) stop getting updates?
Nothing promises three major Android upgrades and six years of security patches from the July 2026 launch, so security coverage extends to about July 2032. A six-year security window on a roughly €329 phone is unusually generous and beats many pricier rivals.
Is the Nothing Phone (4b) worth buying in 2026?
As a budget pick, yes. At about €329 (~$379) with six years of security support, it works out to roughly $5 a month of safe use — outstanding value. Just go in knowing the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 and 33W charging are entry-level; this is a phone for everyday tasks and long life, not gaming.
Full spec table
| Spec | Phone (2a) Plus | Phone (4b) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $350 | $379 |
| Display | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 1080x2412, 120Hz | 6.77-inch LTPS AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz, 2000 nits peak |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4nm) |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB | 128GB/256GB |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,200 mAh |
| Charging | 50W wired | 33W wired, 7.5W reverse, no wireless |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide | 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide |
| Dimensions | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.6 mm | 164.4 × 78.2 × 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 190 g | 210 g |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP64 |
| Supported until | Jul 2028 | Jul 2032 |
More comparisons
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.