GoKawiilThe Nothing Phone 4a Pro was just announced earlier this month, and it’s already safe to say it’ll be one of 2026’s most unique smartphones. With the wild camera sensor placement, iPhone 17 Pro-like camera island, and the secondary display in the top-right corner, it’s quite unlike any other Android phone on the market today — even without Nothing’s iconic transparent design.
But despite the fascinating hardware, decent spec sheet, and $500 starting price, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Nothing Phone 4a Pro should be your next smartphone.
Before you rush out and buy Nothing’s latest and greatest, here are five other Android phones you may want to buy instead.
What do you think is the best Nothing Phone 4a Pro alternative? 330 votes Google Pixel 10a 22 % Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 24 % OnePlus 13R 23 % Moto G Stylus (2025) 10 % Motorola Razr (2025) 15 % Other (let us know in the comments) 5 %
Google Pixel 10a
Joe Maring / Android Authority
The first of those phones is the Google Pixel 10a. The 10a isn’t nearly as flashy or exciting as the Nothing Phone 4a Pro, and that can make it look like a pretty boring alternative. But given the choice between the two, I would choose the Pixel.
Why? Part of it is because of Google’s hardware. As unique as the Nothing Phone 4a Pro may be, the Pixel 10a is easily the more practical smartphone. It’s 27 grams lighter, has a more compact 6.3-inch display (Nothing uses a 6.8-inch screen), and it has a completely flush camera on the back. Nothing’s phone may be more stylish, but it’s the Pixel I’d actually want to use and carry with me every day. Plus, the new Berry color is outstanding.
The other big deciding factor is software. While NothingOS is one of the better Android skins in 2026, Google’s Pixel software remains the best you can get. The Material 3 Expressive UI is wonderful, and all of Google’s Pixel-exclusive features are far more useful than what Nothing provides. Furthermore, Google’s seven-year guarantee for security patches and Android OS upgrades trounces Nothing’s three-year update promise.
Nothing technically has the edge in terms of performance, battery capacity, and charging rates, but none of these things are bad on the Pixel 10a. In fact, they’re all really solid. Unless you absolutely need the Nothing Phone 4a Pro’s telephoto camera or quirky design, I’d recommend spending the same $500 on the Pixel 10a instead.
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