OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartphones Methodology v3.0
Smartphones Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartphones Methodology v3.0

Nothing Phone (4a) review: 196 specs compared

Avg. price:~£390RAM capacity:12 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.78 inchesMain camera megapixels:?

Nothing Phone (4a) Review: Compare 196 technical specifications, 32 expert and video reviews and 18 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Nothing Phone (4a)
8.3/10

Overall score

Score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 94% of models
Score components

35%

8.1

Technical score

30%

8.3

List score

25%

8.1

Reviews score

10%

9.6

Sentiment score

★Better than 94% of smartphones
8.4

Value for money

Value for money
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

Overall score

30%

8.5

Price

★Better than 98%
8.1

Technical score

Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 88% of models
Score components

25%

7.9

Performance

18%

8.6

Camera

15%

8.8

Display

15%

7.3

Battery

10%

8.5

Software

10%

7.7

Connectivity

4%

8.6

Audio

3%

7.6

Design

▲Better than 88%
8.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 62% of models

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

8.4

Popularity

Grades by review (32)
21 reviews: 11 with a printed score, 10 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 62%
8.3

List score

List score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (18)
List score: in 18 of 232 lists (8%)
★Better than 98%
  • nothing-phone-4a
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  • nothing-phone-4a
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Available versions:
4a2aCheck price4bCheck price
Other versions:
33

What reviewers say about the Nothing Phone (4a)

Based on 21 · 14

Reviewers like the light-up back, clean software and strong value, but find the cameras average and water protection lacking.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Nothing Phone (4a)

Technical score
Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 88% of models
Score components:

25%

7.9

Performance

18%

8.6

Camera

15%

8.8

Display

15%

7.3

Battery

10%

8.5

Software

10%

7.7

Connectivity

4%

8.6

Audio

3%

7.6

Design

8.1
Reviews score
8.1
List score
8.3
Value for money
Value for money
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

8.3

Overall score

30%

8.5

Price

8.4
Processor model
?
Storage type
?
RAM capacity
12 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 12 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 59.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 24.3% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.4% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Android
This smartphone runs Android, which is more mainstream than the system in 4.8% of smartphones and the same as in 95.2% of smartphones.
Android version
?
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not support direct OS updates. 20.1% of smartphones offer this.
Promised software updates
?
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone runs an open-source operating system. 5.2% of smartphones offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
?
Main camera aperture
?
Main camera sensor area
?
Main camera pixel size
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.7% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.2% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
eSIM support
?
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.6% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
6.78 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.78 inches which is larger than the screens of 72.9% of smartphones and equal to those of 9.5% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
?
Pixel density
440 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 440 ppi which is higher than that of 76.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.6% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.4% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.4% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.6% of smartphones.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
?
Charging speed
?
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.2% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.1% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
What reviewers say
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.3% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not have a headphone jack. 45.1% of smartphones offer this.
Number of microphones
?
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not have an FM radio. 34.3% of smartphones offer this.
aptX Lossless
?
Show more
Height
164 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 164 mm which is taller than 56.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 2% of smartphones.
Width
77.6 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 77.6 mm which is wider than 79.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.8% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.6 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.6 mm which is thicker than 64.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 4% of smartphones.
Weight
?
Device volume
?
Show more
What reviewers say

Nothing Phone (4a) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformanceSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 3.5 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers stronger optical zoom than the average smartphone (3.5 x vs 0 x). The average smartphone's optical zoom is 0 x.
    3.5 x vs 0 x
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.4% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • Supports reverse wireless charging
    This smartphone supports reverse wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 23.4% of smartphones offer reverse wireless charging.
  • Supports HDR10+ support
    This smartphone supports HDR10+, the average smartphone does not. 22.4% of smartphones include HDR10+ support.
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.6% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Supports RAW photo capture
    This smartphone supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.3% of smartphones allow RAW files.
  • 11.0% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 62% of models

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    8.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (32)
    21 reviews: 11 with a printed score, 10 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.1 vs 7.3
  • 7.8% higher list score
    List score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (18)
    List score: in 18 of 232 lists (8%)
    8.3 vs 7.7
  • 23.1% higher sentiment score
    9.6 vs 7.8
  • 9.2% better value for money
    Nothing Phone (4a) has better value for money than the average smartphone (8.36 vs 7.7).
    8.36 vs 7.66
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 3.5 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers stronger optical zoom than the average smartphone (3.5 x vs 0 x). The average smartphone's optical zoom is 0 x.
    3.5 x vs 0 x
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.4% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Supports RAW photo capture
    This smartphone supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.3% of smartphones allow RAW files.
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.7% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.4 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.4 vs 5.2
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone has more advanced Wi-Fi than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Supports HDR10+ support
    This smartphone supports HDR10+, the average smartphone does not. 22.4% of smartphones include HDR10+ support.
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.6% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • 0.11 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.8 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.78 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 11.4% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (440 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    440 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.1% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • Supports reverse wireless charging
    This smartphone supports reverse wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 23.4% of smartphones offer reverse wireless charging.
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 33.7% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 49.5% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.7% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 1.6 mm wider
    This smartphone is wider than the average smartphone (77.6 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone has a width of 76 mm.
    77.6 mm vs 76 mm
  • 0.3 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (8.6 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    8.6 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 50% more expensive
    Nothing Phone (4a) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£390 vs £260).
    £390 vs £260
  • 50% more expensive
    Nothing Phone (4a) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£390 vs £260).
    £390 vs £260
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.7% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 1.6 mm wider
    This smartphone is wider than the average smartphone (77.6 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone has a width of 76 mm.
    77.6 mm vs 76 mm
  • 0.3 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (8.6 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    8.6 mm vs 8.3 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
digitales-fuer-einsteiger.de
≈ estimated
23/09/2023
Smartphone test · Glyph and design
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is a well-built mid-range phone with clean software and a bright screen, but it comes with very little in the box.
8.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
20/07/2022
Test · Light-up back phone
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is a distinctive, well-performing mid-range phone with a good OLED screen, but its night photos and quick charging do not live up to its design.
8.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
16/11/2023
Hands-on test · Distinctive design
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is described as a distinctive, solid all-round phone in this review, which was cut off before its full findings.
8.0
journaldugeek.com
✓ explicit
29/12/2022
Hands-on test · Glyph design
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is one of the most recognisable phones of its time, with a distinctive design and light-up back, best suited to buyers who want something different.
8.0
presse-citron.net
✓ explicit
28/12/2022
Hands-on test · Design-led phone
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) does not reinvent smartphones, but its transparent design, near two-day battery and sharp OLED screen make it a strong mid-range choice.
9.0
tomsguide.fr
✓ explicit
15/07/2022
Hands-on test · Transparent back
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is a well-balanced phone that does most things well, with a see-through back and clean software, though its fingerprint sensor sits low.
8.0
lesmobiles.com
✓ explicit
11/11/2022
Hands-on test · Transparent design
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is a solid mid-range phone whose see-through back and Glyph lights stand out, though it has no memory card slot and only splash protection.
9.2
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
15/07/2022
Full review · Premium mid-range
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is a mid-range phone with clean Android 12 and a bright screen, though it has no 3.5 mm jack and no memory card slot.
8.3
andreagaleazzi.com
✓ explicit
09/08/2022
Hands-on review · Transparent-back phone
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) has a striking see-through back with glowing LEDs, but in daily use it is an ordinary mid-range Android.
7.6
smartworld.it
✓ explicit
08/08/2022
Hands-on review · Design-focused phone
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) stands out for its design, display and fast software, but its camera is only average and its size may not suit everyone.
8.0
wired.it
✓ explicit
22/07/2022
Hands-on review · Design-led phone
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is a smooth, fast phone with an unusual glowing back and an honest price, but its battery is limited and it is not waterproof.
9.0
gqitalia.it
≈ estimated
22/07/2022
Hands-on review · Design-led Android phone
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) suits buyers who want something different, with a clean, stock-like Android and a striking transparent back, though its camera is only decent.
7.0
tg24.sky.it
≈ estimated
29/09/2022
Hands-on test · Glyph LED back
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is a mid-range phone with a light-up back and a battery that lasts to evening, but its dim screen is the weakest point.
8.0
today.it
≈ estimated
27/07/2022
Full review · Transparent-back phone
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is a well-built phone with an original glowing back and a full day of battery, but it is heavy and comes with no charger in the box.
8.0
iphoneitalia.com
≈ estimated
29/07/2022
Hands-on review · Mid-range Android
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is a bright, fast Android phone with strong battery life, best for daytime photos and everyday use, but its night photos and 4K video disappoint.
9.0
techprincess.it
≈ estimated
29/07/2022
Hands-on test · Transparent design
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is a sharp-looking Android phone with a bright, smooth screen and near-stock software, suited to buyers who want something different without gaming-level power.
8.0
dday.it
≈ estimated
21/07/2022
Hands-on review · iPhone-look Android
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) suits buyers who want an iPhone-style look with clean Android, though its glass back may cloud over with scratches if used without a case.
6.0
androidplanet.nl
≈ estimated
15/07/2022
Full review · Glyph and software
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is a striking phone with a clean Android, but its Glyph lights feel like a gimmick and its Dutch translation is patchy.
8.0
ct.nl
≈ estimated
06/11/2022
Full review · Glyph design
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) stands out with its see-through back and has a sharp screen and wireless charging, but it is pricey next to rivals with similar hardware.
8.0
androidplanet.nl
≈ estimated
29/05/2023
Long-term review · Daily driver
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (1) is a strong everyday phone once updated, with a good battery and clean software, though its Glyph lights add very little.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Nothing Phone (4a)

  • Unique semi-transparent design with eye-catching Glyph lighting system
  • Clean, bloatware-free software experience (Nothing OS) close to stock Android
  • Smooth 120Hz OLED displays with symmetrical bezels on most models
  • Strong battery life, particularly noted in the Phone (2) and Phone (2a)
  • Responsive and snappy day-to-day performance for their respective price points
  • Innovative software features like dot-matrix widgets and monochrome icon packs

What customers don't like about Nothing Phone (4a)

  • Inconsistent camera performance, especially in low-light and ultra-wide shots
  • Lack of a dedicated telephoto/optical zoom lens across the lineup
  • No charging brick included in the box for any model
  • Limited water and dust resistance (IP54 or IP53) compared to flagship rivals
  • Slower software update cycle for older models and fewer years of support than Google or Samsung
  • The Glyph interface is often viewed as a gimmick that users forget after the initial novelty

Verdict

Its 3.5 x optical zoom is the surprise of the Nothing Phone (4a), a mid-range phone for people who like to photograph things from a distance. The 440 ppi OLED screen is sharp, and 120 Hz keeps scrolling smooth. The 6.78 inch screen is large enough for films and games. Under the hood, 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage give plenty of room for apps, photos and files. Optical image stabilization steadies handheld shots, and the ultrawide lens adds a wide view. Reverse wireless charging can top up another device, but the phone itself has no wireless charging. The trade-off is width: at 77.6 mm it is wide in one hand. It suits a buyer who wants long-range zoom and a sharp screen at a mid-range level.

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