Nothing Introduces Phone 4B: A New Budget Tier
Nothing has unveiled its first B-series smartphone, the Phone 4B, marking a shift in its affordable lineup. Following last year's Phone 3A Lite, the 4B sits below the A-series as a new entry-level option. It combines design elements from the Phone 4A and 4A Pro, which launched earlier this year, but uses plastic instead of metal for the unibody chassis. The phone is available in white, black, and blue, and carries an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance.
Design and Display
The Phone 4B borrows the unibody look from the 4A Pro but swaps metal for plastic to keep costs down. It features a refined version of Nothing's Glyph Bar notification LEDs, similar to those on the regular 4A. The 6.77-inch display is a 120Hz OLED panel, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors typical of budget-friendly devices.
Performance and Storage
Under the hood, the Phone 4B is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB, providing ample space for apps and media. This configuration targets users seeking reliable performance for daily tasks without breaking the bank.
Camera System
The camera setup is basic but functional. The rear houses a dual-camera system: a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an ultrawide lens with no specified resolution. While not groundbreaking, the main sensor should capture decent photos in good lighting, and OIS helps reduce blur in low-light conditions.
Battery and Charging
A standout feature is the battery capacity. The Phone 4B packs a 5,200mAh battery globally, with a larger 6,000mAh unit in India—making it Nothing's largest battery ever. This should easily last a full day or more on a single charge, appealing to heavy users. Charging details were not specified, but the large capacity suggests extended usage between charges.
Software and Updates
The phone ships with Android 16 out of the box. Nothing promises three years of OS updates and six years of security patches, ensuring long-term software support—a strong commitment for a budget device.
Pricing and Availability
The Phone 4B is priced at £299 in the UK and €329 in Europe (approximately $400). It launches on July 17 in the UK, Europe, and India. However, like previous affordable Nothing phones, it will not be sold in the US. This decision limits its reach but keeps costs competitive in its target markets. The phone joins the $99 Ear 3A earbuds, also announced alongside.
Comparison with Predecessor
Compared to the Phone 3A Lite, the 4B sees a price increase of £50/€80. However, it offers a larger battery, a 120Hz OLED display, and a more modern design. The shift to B-series branding suggests Nothing is refining its product tiers to better differentiate between budget and ultra-budget segments.
Market Positioning
The Phone 4B competes in the crowded budget Android market, going against devices from Xiaomi, Samsung, and Realme. Its unique design language and Glyph interface set it apart, while the large battery and software update commitment are key selling points. The lack of US availability may disappoint some fans, but Nothing continues to focus on Europe, UK, and India for its affordable lineup.
This article is based on reporting by The Verge. Read the original article.
Originally published on theverge.com
