Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs 3a Pro — Phone 4a Pro wins with a 144 Hz display with a brightness of 5000 nits, a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor (even twice as powerful GPU), and a completely new Glyph Matrix with 137 mini-LEDs. However, it loses the iconic transparent back for an aluminum casing and has a weaker selfie camera (32 MP instead of 50 MP). In Poland, the surcharge is about 350 PLN compared to the launch price of the 3a Pro.
Nothing Phone 4a Pro debuted on March 5, 2026 — exactly one year after the Phone 3a Pro, which premiered during MWC 2025. The first reviews from critics are positive, but the comparison of both generations reveals not only progress — but also a surprising step backward.
Looking for a case or tempered glass? In our store, you will find accessories for Nothing Phone 4a Pro and Nothing Phone 3a Pro.
Key differences — Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs 3a Pro at a glance
| Feature | Phone 4a Pro (2026) | Phone 3a Pro (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 |
| Display | 6.83″ / 144 Hz / 5000 nits | 6.77″ / 120 Hz / 3000 nits |
| Telephoto | 50 MP, 3.5x optical zoom | 50 MP, 3x optical zoom |
| Selfie Camera | 32 MP | 50 MP |
| Battery | 5080 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Glyph | 137 mini-LEDs (matrix) | 3 LED strips, 26 zones |
| Body | Aluminum (unibody) | Glass (transparent) + plastic |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 7i, IP65 | Panda Glass, IP64 |
| Price (PL) | from 2099 PLN (8/128 GB) | from ~1300 PLN (sales) |
Full specification — Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs 3a Pro
| Parameter | Phone 4a Pro | Phone 3a Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Release | March 2026 | March 2025 |
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.6 × 8.0 mm | 163.5 × 77.5 × 8.4 mm |
| Weight | 210 g | 211 g |
| Display | 6.83″ AMOLED, 1260 × 2800 px (440 ppi) | 6.77″ AMOLED, 1080 × 2392 px (387 ppi) |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz | 120 Hz |
| PWM | 2160 Hz | 2160 Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 5000 nits | 3000 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 722 | Adreno 810 |
| RAM | 8 / 12 GB LPDDR5X | 8 / 12 GB |
| Storage | 128 / 256 GB (UFS 3.1) | 128 / 256 GB |
| Main Camera | 50 MP, f/1.9, OIS, 1/1.56″ | 50 MP, f/1.9, OIS, 1/1.56″ |
| Telephoto | 50 MP, f/2.9, 3.5× zoom, OIS | 50 MP, f/2.6, 3× zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 8 MP, f/2.2, 120° | 8 MP, f/2.2, 120° |
| Selfie Camera | 32 MP, f/2.2 | 50 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K 30 fps, Ultra XDR / Dolby Vision | 4K 30 fps |
| Battery | 5080 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 50 W (100% in 64 min) | 50 W (100% in 56 min) |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
| System | Android 16 / Nothing OS 4.1 | Android 15 / Nothing OS 3.1 (update to Android 16) |
| Updates | 3 years Android + 6 years security | 3 years Android + 6 years security |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| IP | IP65 | IP64 |
| Colors | Black, Silver, Pink | Black, Gray |
You can check the official specifications from the manufacturer at nothing.tech.
Display — 5000 vs 3000 nits and higher refresh rate
The screen is one of the most noticeable changes when comparing Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs 3a Pro.
The Phone 4a Pro received a larger 6.83-inch panel (vs 6.77″) with a higher resolution — 1260 × 2800 px gives 440 ppi instead of 387 ppi. Text and small interface elements look clearer. The refresh rate increased from 120 Hz to 144 Hz. You will notice the difference mainly in games and fast scrolling through lists.
The biggest change concerns brightness. 5000 nits in the Phone 4a Pro is 67% more than 3000 nits in the 3a Pro. This has a real impact on screen readability in bright sunlight — while running, cycling, or navigating the city in summer.
Nothing also applied Corning Gorilla Glass 7i instead of Panda Glass, which means better scratch resistance. You can find the full specifications of the Nothing Phone 4a Pro display in the table above. If you still prefer additional protection, tempered glass for Nothing smartphones is available in our store.
💡 Tip: If you mainly use your phone indoors, the difference in brightness will be less noticeable. 3000 nits in the 3a Pro is still an excellent result — better than many flagship devices from 2024.
Design and materials — the end of transparency
This is the most controversial change. The Nothing Phone 4a Pro abandons the iconic transparent back for an aluminum unibody case. This is the first Nothing phone with a metal construction.
What does this mean in practice?
- Materials — 4a Pro: aluminum (frame and back) + Gorilla Glass 7i (front). 3a Pro: plastic frame + glass transparent back + Panda Glass (front).
- Premium feeling — aluminum gives the impression of a more expensive phone. Reviewers compare it to higher-end devices.
- Weight and dimensions — practically identical (210 vs 211 g). The Phone 4a Pro is thinner by 0.4 mm and narrower by almost a millimeter.
- Water resistance — IP65 (resistance to water jets) vs IP64 (resistance to splashes). A small but real improvement.
- Colors — 4a Pro offers three options (Black, Silver, Pink), 3a Pro two (Black, Gray).
⚠️ Note: If a transparent design is a key feature for you, Nothing — Phone 3a Pro is the last model in the “a” series that offers it. Phone 4a Pro looks more “mainstream,” which may not appeal to everyone.
Performance — Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 vs 7s Gen 3
Under the hood, Phone 4a Pro hides the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, while the 3a Pro has the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. The difference is significant:
- CPU — about 15% faster single-core, about 32% faster multi-core in Phone 4a Pro
- GPU — Adreno 722 in 4a Pro is even twice as efficient as Adreno 810 in 3a Pro
- RAM — both offer 8 and 12 GB LPDDR5X variants
What does this mean in everyday use? The Phone 3a Pro is still a smooth phone — Nothing OS is well optimized. You will mainly feel the difference in:
- Gaming — higher frames per second, more stable framerate in Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile
- Photo and video editing — export about 30% faster
- Multitasking — more open apps without reloading
Both phones have UFS 3.1 memory — the lack of UFS 4.0 is a certain compromise, but in practice, the difference is mainly felt when copying large files.
Camera — better zoom, but weaker selfies
The main camera in both phones is identical — 50 MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56″ sensor with OIS. The ultrawide is also unchanged (8 MP, f/2.2). Key differences concern the telephoto lens and the selfie camera.
Telephoto lens
| Parameter | Phone 4a Pro | Phone 3a Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Optical zoom | 3.5× (80 mm) | 3× (70 mm) |
| Aperture | f/2.9 | f/2.6 |
| Sensor | Samsung JN5, 1/2.75″ | 1/1.95″ |
| Digital zoom | up to 140× | no data |
Phone 4a Pro offers a longer zoom (3.5× vs 3×), which is useful for photographing distant objects. It also features in-sensor zoom up to 7× and digital zoom up to 140×. But beware — the telephoto sensor is smaller (1/2.75″ vs 1/1.95″), which may result in poorer zoom photos in low light.
There is also a new TrueLens Engine 4 — multi-frame RAW processing with 12-layer AI segmentation. Video has gained an Ultra XDR mode (similar to Dolby Vision HDR).
Selfie camera — a step back
This is the only clear downgrade in the Phone 4a Pro:
- 3a Pro: 50 MP, 1/2.76″ sensor — one of the better selfie cameras in the segment
- 4a Pro: 32 MP, 1/3.42″ sensor — smaller sensor, lower resolution, no 4K in video
If you often take selfies, record TikToks, or have video calls, the 3a Pro has an objective advantage here.
Battery and charging — Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs 3a Pro
| Parameter | Phone 4a Pro | Phone 3a Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5080 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 50 W | 50 W |
| 0–50% | 22 min | 19 min |
| 0–100% | 64 min | 56 min |
| Endurance rating (GSMArena) | 63:24h | 43:17h |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Reverse charging | 7.5 W (wired) | No |
Phone 4a Pro has a slightly larger battery (5080 vs 5000 mAh), but achieves a significantly better endurance rating according to GSMArena — 63:24h vs 43:17h. This suggests that the new processor and display are more energy-efficient. Paradoxically, a full charge takes longer (64 vs 56 min) despite the identical power of 50 W.
A new feature is reverse charging at 7.5 W — you can charge headphones or a smartwatch with a cable from Phone 4a Pro.
💡 Tip: Neither model supports wireless charging. If this is important to you, consider alternatives like OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel.
Glyph Interface — 137 LEDs vs 26 zones
Glyph Interface is the hallmark of Nothing, and here the difference between generations is huge.
Phone 3a Pro had 3 LED strips with 26 addressable zones arranged around the camera module. They were mainly used for notifications, charging indicators, and illuminating photos.
Phone 4a Pro introduces a completely new Glyph Matrix — 137 individually controllable mini-LEDs with a brightness of up to 3000 nits. These are no longer strips — this is a pixel matrix that displays:
- Pixel-style icons and animations
- Digital clock
- Battery level indicator
- Moon phase and sun position
- Notifications with individual patterns for contacts
- Android 16 Live Updates on Glyph Bar (navigation, Uber rides, timers)
- Illumination for photos
The Glyph matrix occupies 57% more surface area than its predecessor and is 100% brighter. The new “Glyph Toys” features add interactive elements — something no other manufacturer offers.
Software — Nothing OS 4.1 vs 3.1
Phone 4a Pro launches with Android 16 and Nothing OS 4.1, while 3a Pro debuted with Android 15 and Nothing OS 3.1 (update to Android 16 / Nothing OS 4.0 available from December 2025).
New features in Nothing OS 4.1:
- Glyph Live Updates — integration of Android 16 Live Updates with the Glyph matrix
- AI Eraser — local object removal from photos (no cloud)
- AI Ringtone Generation — AI-generated ringtones for individual contacts
- Relaxation Hub — “Breathing Break” widgets with Focus, Relax, and Calm modes
- Lock Screen Depth Effect (beta) — clock hides behind wallpaper elements
The update policy is identical — both phones will receive 3 major Android updates and 6 years of security patches. Phone 4a Pro will get Android up to version 19, while 3a Pro will get up to version 18.
Price in Poland — Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs 3a Pro
| Variant | Phone 4a Pro | Phone 3a Pro (launch) | Phone 3a Pro (now) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/128 GB | 2099 PLN | none | none |
| 12/256 GB | 2399 PLN | 2049 PLN | from ~1300 PLN |
Phone 4a Pro in the 12/256 GB version costs 2399 PLN — that’s about 350 PLN more than the launch price of the 3a Pro in the same configuration. But the real difference is greater: the 3a Pro can today be purchased in promotions for about 1300–1800 PLN. This means that for the price of the Phone 4a Pro, you can get the Phone 3a Pro and still have enough left for the Nothing 3a Pro case and accessories.
Phone 4a Pro also offers a cheaper variant of 8/128 GB for 2099 PLN — an option not available with the 3a Pro.
💡 Tip: If budget is a priority, the Phone 3a Pro at current prices (1300–1800 PLN) is one of the best smartphones in this range. By paying extra for the 4a Pro, you mainly gain a better display, performance, and Glyph Matrix.
Which model for whom? Summary
Choose the Nothing Phone 4a Pro if:
- You care about having the best display in the segment (144 Hz, 5000 nits)
- You play games and need a stronger GPU
- You want the new Glyph Matrix with 137 LEDs
- You prefer a metal, premium build
- You are buying a new phone and comparing it with other new releases of 2026
Stick with the Nothing Phone 3a Pro (or buy it now) if:
- You love the transparent design of Nothing
- You often take selfies (50 MP vs 32 MP)
- You are looking for a great smartphone at a lower price (from ~1300 PLN)
- The current performance of the 3a Pro is enough for you
- You don’t need the latest Glyph features
In summary, comparing Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs 3a Pro — the new model is better in almost every technical category, but not enough for 3a Pro users to rush to the store. The biggest arguments for the upgrade are the 5000 nit display, Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, and the revolutionary Glyph Matrix. The biggest argument against it is the loss of the transparent design and a weaker selfie camera.
Check the full range of accessories for both models:
– Cases and glass for Nothing Phone 4a Pro
– Cases and glass for Nothing Phone 3a Pro
– All Nothing accessories
Alternatives — what else is worth considering?
If neither of the Nothing Phones meets your expectations one hundred percent, it’s worth looking at the competition in a similar price range:
Google Pixel 9a — a direct competitor in the segment. It offers pure Android, seven years of updates, and one of the best cameras among mid-range devices thanks to Google’s algorithms. No Glyph Interface and less distinctive design, but it makes up for it with software. You can find accessories for Pixel in our Google Pixel category.
OnePlus Nord 4 — if wireless charging is a priority, OnePlus has delivered what both Nothing Phones lack. A metal body (similar philosophy to 4a Pro), 120 Hz AMOLED, and OxygenOS based on pure Android. Check accessories for OnePlus.
Samsung Galaxy A56 — a choice for those who value the Samsung ecosystem. One UI, Samsung Pay, DeX — this is not offered by Nothing OS. Inferior Glyph (because it doesn’t exist), but better service support in Poland and a wide network of stores.
CMF Phone 2 Pro — a budget option from the Nothing sub-brand. Much cheaper, lacks periscope and Glyph, but shares the design philosophy and software with Nothing. Ideal if you like Nothing OS but don’t want to spend 2000+ PLN. Check out accessories for CMF Phone.
Note: Each of the above alternatives has its strengths, but none offers the Glyph Interface — this remains a unique feature of the Nothing ecosystem, which distinguishes the Phone 4a Pro and 3a Pro from the competition.
FAQ — frequently asked questions
Is it worth switching from Nothing Phone 3a Pro to 4a Pro?
If the 3a Pro is working well and you are not complaining about performance or the screen — you don’t need to rush. The upgrade makes sense mainly for those who want the brightest display in the segment (5000 nits), need a stronger GPU for gaming, or have fallen in love with the new Glyph Matrix. It is not worth replacing the phone after a year of use just for the price difference.
Which has a better camera — 4a Pro or 3a Pro?
It depends on the scenario. The main camera (50 MP, f/1.9) is identical in both. The Phone 4a Pro wins with the telephoto lens (3.5× vs 3× zoom) and image processing (TrueLens Engine 4, Ultra XDR video). But the 3a Pro has a clearly better selfie camera — 50 MP with a larger sensor vs 32 MP in the newer model.
How much does the Nothing Phone 4a Pro cost in Poland?
The Nothing Phone 4a Pro costs in Poland from 2099 PLN for the 8/128 GB version and 2399 PLN for the 12/256 GB version. In comparison, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro (12/256 GB) can now be purchased on promotion for about 1300–1800 PLN.
Does the Nothing Phone 4a Pro have wireless charging?
No — just like the 3a Pro. Neither model supports wireless charging. Both charge via cable with a power of 50 W. The Phone 4a Pro, however, offers reverse charging at 7.5 W, which its predecessor did not have.
What is the difference between the Glyph Interface in the 4a Pro and the 3a Pro?
The difference is huge. The Phone 3a Pro had 3 LED strips with 26 zones. The Phone 4a Pro has a completely new Glyph Matrix — 137 mini-LEDs displaying icons, animations, a clock, battery level, moon phase, and supporting Android 16 Live Updates.
How long will Nothing update both phones?
Both models will receive 3 major Android system updates and 6 years of security patches. Phone 4a Pro (launch: Android 16) will be updated to Android 19. Phone 3a Pro (launch: Android 15, currently Android 16) — to Android 18.
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