In summary:
- Tech Advisor explores the newly launched Nothing Phone (4a) and Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, highlighting four key differences between these mid-range smartphones.
- The Pro model commands a 43% price premium at £499 versus £349 for the standard version, featuring an aluminum unibody and improved IP65 rating.
- Design distinctions include the Pro’s slimmer 7.95mm profile with advanced Glyph Matrix (137 mini-LEDs) versus the standard model’s classic semi-transparent finish with Glyph Bar (63 mini-LEDs).
Wondering what the key difference is between the new Nothing Phone (4a) and its Pro brother? There are four of them, actually.
After a steady drip feed of teasers, Nothing has finally launched the Nothing Phone (4a) and Nothing Phone (4a) Pro.
The London-based brand has made a name for itself over recent years as a purveyor of stylishly idiosyncratic smartphones, and the Phone (4a) series is no different.
Featuring bold designs and unique notification systems, they provide fresh mid-range smartphone options at a time when such things are getting a little boring (looking at you, Google Pixel 10a).
But which Nothing model should you go for? Here are four differentiating factors to help you make up your mind.
Glyph Bar vs Glyph Matrix
A key difference between these two phones is how they offer Nothing’s signature Glyph lighting system.
The Nothing Phone (4a) adopts a new simplified Glyph Bar, made up of 63 mini-LEDs configured into a strip of seven square lights. These can offer bespoke notifications, as well as illumination of photos.
As for the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, you’re getting a version of the Glyph Matrix display that made its debut with the Nothing Phone (3). It’s a small circular display made up of 137 mini-LEDs, offering animated notifications.
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
Less transparency
They might share the 4a branding, but the Nothing Phone (4a) and the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro have very different designs – not just the colours and Glyph.
While the non-Pro model bears a strong resemblance to previous Nothing phones, with the signature semi-transparent finish and a pill-shaped camera module, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro adopts a new, slimmer (7.95mm) look.
The transparency on the Pro is limited to the camera module, which rather resembles the iPhone 17 Pro in style.
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
Strangely, then, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro has a less distinctive design than its more modest brother. However, it does have an aluminium unibody with a slightly better IP65 rating (vs IP64).
The Pro gets you closer to the action
Another key difference relates to the camera set-ups of both phones.
The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro offers a superior set-up all round, led by a larger Sony LYT700c main sensor.
But the key difference is the presence of a 50Mp telephoto camera with a maximum 140x hybrid zoom on the Pro. The Nothing Phone (4a) also has a 50Mp telephoto, but only offers a 70x hybrid zoom.
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
The Pro is more expensive
At the risk of stating the bleeding obvious, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is the more expensive model of the two. What might be surprising, however, is just how big the difference is.
With a starting price of £499 for 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the Pro model is £150 more expensive than the base Nothing Phone (4a) with the exact same memory allowance.
That’s a considerable 43% price hike for the privilege of going Pro. Something to consider.
They’re set to be two of the best mid-range phones this year, but which will you choose?
Author: Jon Mundy, Contributor, Tech Advisor
Jon is a freelance journalist who got his start covering mobile games at the dawn of the App Store. He has since covered everything from smart home tech and laptops to food and culture, but always seems to return to his fascination with smartphones.