GoKawiilNothing Phone 4a Pro 4 / 5 Very good ZDNET's key takeaways Pros: Bold design in a rather stale market, NothingOS is smooth and responsive, larger battery with fast charging
Cons: Glyth Interface is less intuitive now, no US carrier availability, no wireless charging View now at Nothing
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I won't bury the lede: Nothing Phone 4a Pro is the company's most premium-looking phone to date. The device has a strong character and distinct personality that you won't find on any other sub-$500 phone. If Nothing's old Glyph lights, a customizable LED strip interface on the back of the device, were too much for you, the Phone 4a Pro consolidates them in a Matrix inside the camera module without losing the fun vibe.
Also: Forget iPhone 17e: Nothing's Phone 4a Pro costs less and looks a whole lot better
At $499, Nothing's new Phone 4a Pro competes directly with more well-established players, such as the Google Pixel 10a and Samsung Galaxy A56 5G. The phone offers a solid package, but can it take on the industry heavyweights to grab a spot in your pocket? I used it for a few days to find out.
A design I quickly fell in love with
The Nothing Phone 4a Pro looks great in pink. Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
The Nothing Phone 4a Pro is a departure from last year's maximalist approach, and for good reason. You now get a metal build that feels more premium in the hand. In comparison, the Galaxy A56 looks basic, while the Pixel 10a pops in red and has an "affordable phone" feel.
I love the new subtle pink color on the Phone 4a Pro. It is perhaps my favorite phone color this year. I like that brands are choosing to offer more shades than boring blacks and whites, and Nothing's execution is perfect. You can also buy the device in silver or black.
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