- Leaked specs point to big upgrades: a 120Hz AMOLED screen, 50W charging, and a redesigned Glyph Bar.
- The Nothing Phone 4a series is tipped for a March 2026 launch, possibly starting at a higher €479.
- With no Phone 4 flagship coming, these "a" models are Nothing's main smartphone play for the entire year.
Nothing built its name on quirky, affordable phones. Now, a pile of new leaks suggests the next model, the Phone 4a, is getting serious. We're talking specs that rival pricier mid-range phones. But here's the catch: it looks like you'll have to pay more for the privilege. If the rumors are true, Nothing's budget darling is growing up, and its wallet-friendly days might be over.
Nothing's Big Bet on the Mid-Range
Nothing's CEO, Carl Pei, told Mashable the company is taking a break from its flagship cycle. You won't see a Phone 4 in 2026. Instead, Nothing is putting all its chips on the Phone 4a series. It's a smart, if risky, pivot. While Apple and Samsung chase each other with thousand-dollar slabs, Nothing can focus on making one really good phone for people who don't want to spend that much. This is their shot to own the "interesting mid-range" category.
Design and Display: More Than Just Lights
The transparent look isn't going anywhere, but DigitalTrends says the new phones will have "more organic curves." That likely means they'll feel better in your hand. The back is getting the real update, though. The old Glyph Interface is apparently becoming a "Glyph Bar," packing 63 mini LEDs. That's a lot of little lights. It could mean more detailed notifications, or just a brighter party trick.
The screen is where things get a real upgrade. The standard 4a might get a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. That's a huge jump from earlier 'a' models and a feature people actually notice every day. The Pro model could go further. Tech.yahoo.com and Notebookcheck say it might have a 6.8-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Just know some reports still say 120Hz for the Pro, so don't bank on that smoother 144Hz just yet.
Performance and Battery: Closing the Gaps
Nothing's cheaper phones have always made some performance compromises. These leaks suggest they're trying to fix that. DigitalTrends mentions "upgraded chipsets," but doesn't name them. Whatever they are, they should be faster than what's in the Phone 3a.
The battery news is better. There's a larger battery inside, and it'll charge way faster with support for 50W wired fast charging. That beats the 45W charging on the more expensive Phone 3. Your selfies might look sharper, too, thanks to a rumored 32MP front-facing camera. These aren't glamorous upgrades, but they're the kind that make a phone easier to live with.
The Sticker Shock
Now for the bad news. All these improvements seem to come with a higher price. Leaks from Notebookcheck and Gadgets360, highlighted by DigitalTrends, show a clear jump.
| Model & Variant | Leaked Price (Select EU Regions) |
|---|---|
| Nothing Phone 4a (8GB/128GB) | €479 |
| Nothing Phone 4a Pro (8GB/128GB) | €499 |
| Nothing Phone 4a Pro (12GB/256GB) | €569 |
As Tech.yahoo.com points out, that's a lot more than last year's model. The Phone 'a' series used to be a steal. At nearly €500, it's stepping into a crowded mid-range fight. Nothing is betting you'll pay extra for its unique design and these better specs. It's a gamble.
When to Expect It, and Who It's Fighting
If you're interested, you won't have to wait long. Notebookcheck says the launch event is set for March 5, 2026. The regular Phone 4a should hit stores around March 12, with the Pro model following on March 26.
The timing is no accident. This puts it right in the path of phones like Google's Pixel 10a, which DigitalTrends notes is also coming with minor updates at a steady $499 price. Nothing won't be the only game in town. They'll need those flashy glyphs and that smooth screen to stand out in a price bracket full of competent, boring phones.
Nothing Phone 4a Series: Full Specifications (Rumored)
| Specification | Nothing Phone 4a (Rumored) | Nothing Phone 4a Pro (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.8-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 144Hz* |
| Design | Transparent design with organic curves, Glyph Bar with 63 mini LEDs | |
| Front Camera | 32MP | |
| Wired Charging | 50W fast charging support | |
| Battery | Larger than predecessor (exact capacity unknown) | |
| Chipset | Upgraded (model unspecified) | |
| Storage Options | 8GB/128GB (leaked) | 8GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB (leaked) |
| Expected Launch | March 12, 2026 | March 26, 2026 |
*Conflicting reports exist, with some sources suggesting a 120Hz display for the Pro model.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Nothing Phone 4a be released?
Leaks point to an announcement on March 5, 2026, with sales of the standard model starting around March 12 and the Pro model around March 26.
How much will the Nothing Phone 4a cost?
Leaked prices suggest a starting point of approximately €479 for the standard model and €499 for the Pro model in Europe, representing a potential price increase.
What is the biggest upgrade in the Phone 4a?
The move to a high-refresh-rate 1.5K AMOLED display and much faster 50W wired charging appear to be the most significant generational improvements.
Will there be a Nothing Phone 4?
Reports indicate Nothing is skipping a flagship Phone 4 release in 2026, making the Phone 4a series its main smartphone focus for the year.
Here's the Takeaway
Nothing isn't playing the budget game anymore. The Phone 4a looks like a legitimate mid-ranger with specs to match, and that means a mid-range price. It's a clear move upmarket. The question isn't if the phone will be better, it's whether the Nothing charm, those glyph lights and that transparent shell, is worth an extra hundred bucks over the competition. In March 2026, we'll find out if their gamble paid off.
Sources
- digitaltrends.com
- facebook.com
- mashable.com
- tech.yahoo.com
- notebookcheck.net
- gadgets360.com
- techadvisor.com