Nothing Phone (4a) & 4a Pro: Specs, Features & 140x Zoom Camera Revealed

Nothing has expanded its smartphone lineup with the release of the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro, both featuring periscope zoom cameras – a capability typically reserved for higher-end devices. The new phones continue Nothing’s signature transparent design aesthetic, coupled with updated hardware and the brand’s distinctive Glyph interface. The Phone (4a) Pro, in particular, boasts an impressive 140x zoom capability, a first for any smartphone, according to Nothing.

Glyph Interface and Design Evolution

Both the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro retain the transparent back panel that has become a hallmark of Nothing’s design. The Phone (4a) showcases internal components under a lower glass panel, even as the Pro model features a metal unibody construction, measuring just 7.95mm thick – matching the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra as the thinnest phone in Nothing’s portfolio. The Phone (4a) Pro also incorporates a new “Glyph Matrix,” an LED display on the rear that can be customized for notifications and visual effects. The standard Phone (4a) features a “Glyph Bar” for similar functionality, though less extensive.

Camera Systems: Periscope Zoom Takes Center Stage

A key feature of both new models is the inclusion of a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. The Phone (4a) offers up to 70x ultra zoom through a combination of optical and digital zoom, while the Phone (4a) Pro pushes this further with its industry-leading 140x zoom. Both phones also include a 50-megapixel main camera and an ultra-wide camera, though the specifications of the ultra-wide lens haven’t been detailed. Both phones also feature a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.

Under the Hood: Processors and Performance

The Phone (4a) is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7S Gen 4 processor, while the Phone (4a) Pro utilizes the more powerful Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset. Both phones are equipped with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. Both devices pack a substantial 5080mAh battery and support 50W fast charging. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4.

Durability and Software

Neither the Phone (4a) nor the Phone (4a) Pro carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, but both offer some level of protection. The Phone (4a) Pro has an IP65 rating, while the Phone (4a) is rated IP64. Nothing states that both phones have been tested to withstand submersion in up to 25cm of water for 20 minutes. Both phones will ship with Android 16 and Nothing OS 4.1, and Nothing promises three years of Android updates and six years of security updates. Android Authority notes the slim profile of the Pro model is paired with a metal finish and flat refined surfaces.

Pricing and Availability

The Nothing Phone (4a) is available for pre-order now and will officially launch on March 13th, with a starting price of £349 / €349 for the 8GB+128GB model. The Phone (4a) Pro will be available for pre-order from March 13th, with open sales beginning on March 27th, priced at £499 / $499 / €479 for the 8GB+128GB configuration. Pricing for the Japanese market is yet to be announced. Trusted Reviews provides a direct price comparison between the two models.

Specifications Comparison

The introduction of periscope zoom technology into the mid-range smartphone segment is a notable development. While the 140x zoom on the Phone (4a) Pro is a headline feature, the practical benefits of such high magnification remain to be seen in real-world usage. CNET highlights the availability of both phones in a new pink color option, alongside silver and black for the Pro model.

Looking ahead, the success of the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro will depend on their ability to deliver a compelling user experience that balances innovative features with affordability. The long-term software support commitment of six years of security updates is a positive sign, and user reviews and independent testing will be crucial in determining whether these phones can truly disrupt the mid-range market. The phones are currently undergoing initial reviews, and more detailed assessments of camera performance and battery life are expected in the coming weeks.