Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Review: A Mid-Range Marvel with Metal Build and Enhanced Cameras
The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro has arrived, marking a significant shift for the brand with its first all-metal construction. This mid-range smartphone, priced at £499, aims to deliver premium features without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive review, we explore its design, performance, cameras, and battery life after extensive testing.
Design and Display: A Mature Evolution
Nothing has abandoned its signature see-through aesthetic in favour of a sleek all-metal body, a first for the company. This change not only enhances durability with an IP65 water-resistance rating but also gives the phone a more refined feel. The design is smooth to the touch, with the brand's space-age style confined to the large camera island.
The Glyph lighting system from previous models has been replaced by the Glyph Matrix from the flagship Nothing Phone (3). This circular screen allows for discreet notifications when the phone is face down, promoting less screen time and more focused use.
The 6.83-inch display is a standout feature, reaching an impressive 5,000 nits of brightness. This ensures vibrant colours and excellent visibility outdoors, even in direct sunlight. However, during testing, minor scratches appeared on the screen despite careful handling, though a pre-applied screen protector is included.
Cameras: Upgraded Sensors for Better Shots
Nothing has upgraded the camera system on the (4a) Pro, featuring a new Sony 50MP main sensor and an improved periscope telephoto lens. The 8MP ultra-wide camera remains unchanged, but overall performance sees a boost.
In good lighting, the phone captures vibrant, social media-ready photos with rich colours. The telephoto lens offers 3.5x optical zoom, allowing for detailed shots from a distance—a rarity in this price range. Nothing claims a 140x zoom capability using AI, but this feature can struggle with text accuracy, sometimes hallucinating letters.
Low-light photography is decent with the main sensor, though zoomed images may show blurriness. The 32MP front-facing camera delivers clear selfies, even highlighting fine details. For superior low-light performance, alternatives like the Pixel 10a might be preferable.
Performance and Battery Life: Solid Everyday Use
Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro handles everyday tasks smoothly. Social media scrolling, app navigation, and multitasking, such as streaming video in picture-in-picture mode, are generally seamless. Occasional slowdowns occur when launching apps, but they are not disruptive.
Gaming performance is adequate for titles like Call of Duty Mobile, though more demanding games may not run optimally. The real highlight is Nothing OS, which offers a clean, minimalist Android experience free of bloatware, similar to Google Pixel devices.
The Essential Space AI feature, however, feels clunky and less intuitive compared to alternatives like Google Gemini. Battery life is excellent, with the 5,080mAh battery providing a full day of use, from 9am to midnight, with around 60% remaining under moderate conditions.
Verdict: Is It Worth the Investment?
The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is a compelling choice for mid-range smartphone shoppers. Its all-metal build, stunning display, and upgraded cameras offer great value at £499. However, it falls short in software support, with only three major Android updates promised, lagging behind competitors like Samsung and Google.
If you prioritise design and performance over long-term software updates, this phone delivers an enjoyable experience. For those seeking extended support, other options may be more suitable. Overall, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro stands out as a fun and functional device in the crowded mid-range market.
