Phone (2a) 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) runs out in Mar 2028 ($12.97/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.
Value Score: Phone (2a) 68 · Phone (4b) 72 — methodology
Who should pick which
Beyond the scores — our take on each phone and the buyer it actually suits.
A standout budget Nothing phone with a unique centered-camera Glyph design and great battery life for very little money.
Pick it if
- ✓ Budget buyers who want a phone with real personality
- ✓ People prioritizing battery life and a smooth screen
- ✓ Fans of clean Nothing OS software
Skip it if
- ✗ You need an official US retail channel and warranty
- ✗ You want wireless charging or heavy gaming performance
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.
The Phone (2a)'s MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro is simply the faster chip.
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 — 52 months longer than the Phone (2a).
Overall value goes to the Phone (4b) at $5.31 per month of safe use.
Frequently asked
Is the Nothing Phone (2a) sold in the US?
Only in a limited way. Nothing offered it in the US through a developer/beta program rather than full retail, so most US buyers get it via that program or import.
How long does the Nothing Phone (2a) battery last?
Its 5000mAh battery routinely lasts up to two days of moderate use, and 45W wired charging tops it up quickly. There is no wireless charging.
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) | Phone (4b) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $250 | $379 |
| Display | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 1080×2412 (FHD+), up to 120Hz, 1300 nits peak | 6.77-inch LTPS AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz, 2000 nits peak |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4nm) |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,200 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired, no wireless | 33W wired, 7.5W reverse, no wireless |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide | 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide |
| Dimensions | 161.74 × 76.32 × 8.55 mm | 164.4 × 78.2 × 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 190 g | 210 g |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP64 |
| Supported until | Mar 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.