Phone (4a) vs Phone (4b)
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 0 points overall, so it depends on you: keep phones for years → Phone (4b) (supported until Jul 2032); want maximum speed → Phone (4a) (Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4).
Value Score: Phone (4a) 72 · Phone (4b) 72 — methodology
Who should pick which
Beyond the scores — our take on each phone and the buyer it actually suits.
A stylish global mid-ranger that punches above its price with a 3.5x periscope zoom and six years of security updates, if you can live with importing it to the US.
Pick it if
- ✓ Design-conscious buyers outside the US who want a zoom lens on a budget
- ✓ Long-term keepers who want six years of patches for around $400
- ✓ Fans of clean, uncluttered Android software
Skip it if
- ✗ You need an official US model or strong water resistance
- ✗ You want the metal build and better ultrawide of the Pro
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
The Phone (4a)'s screen is the better one — 6.78-inch amoled, 1224×2720 (fhd+), 120hz, hdr10+, 4500 nits peak, gorilla glass 7i.
Performance is a wash — same chip tier.
The Phone (4a) has the stronger camera system (3 real rear lenses vs 2).
Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.
The Phone (4b) is supported until Jul 2032 — 4 months longer than the Phone (4a).
Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.
Frequently asked
When does the Nothing Phone (4a) stop getting updates?
Nothing commits to three major Android upgrades and six years of security patches from the March 2026 launch, so security fixes continue to roughly March 2032. That is a long window for a phone in this price bracket and matches the more expensive Phone (4a) Pro.
Is the Nothing Phone (4a) worth buying in 2026?
For buyers in markets where it is sold, it is strong value: about £349/€349 with six years of remaining security support is close to $5-6 per month of safe use. The 3.5x periscope and bright screen are standouts. US shoppers have to import it, so many will prefer the US-sold Phone (4a) Pro instead.
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 (4a) | Phone (4b) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $419 | $379 |
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 1224×2720 (FHD+), 120Hz, HDR10+, 4500 nits peak, Gorilla Glass 7i | 6.77-inch LTPS AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz, 2000 nits peak |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4nm) |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB |
| Battery | 5,080 mAh | 5,200 mAh |
| Charging | 50W wired, no wireless | 33W wired, 7.5W reverse, no wireless |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 50MP telephoto 3.5x, 8MP ultra-wide | 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide |
| Dimensions | 164.0 × 77.6 × 8.6 mm | 164.4 × 78.2 × 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 205 g | 210 g |
| Water resistance | IP64 | IP64 |
| Supported until | Mar 2032 | 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.