Thanks to the RAM crisis, it's a weird moment for smartphones. Samsung increased the prices of its new midrange and flagship phones, while Motorola recently debuted its Moto G Stylus 2026 with higher costs.

Some phone manufacturers are trying to keep spec changes minimal without raising MSRP; Google’s Pixel 10a is nearly indistinguishable from its predecessor. London-based Nothing isn't immune to these issues; the new Phone (4a) Pro costs $499, a small increase from last year's version and now rivals the Moto G Stylus 2026, Pixel 10a, and Galaxy A57.

I've been using it for nearly a month, and I'm quite happy. It’s not my first choice if my budget is $500, but it's a close second. I’m glad there are still some options in the US market, where choices seem increasingly limited. This review focuses on the Phone (4a) Pro rather than the cheaper model, which isn’t sold in the US.

Nothing gave the Pro model of its midrange A-series phones a fresh look this year, making it a good choice as the last entry was very top-heavy with a chunky camera bump. It’s more tasteful now, though still unique like most Nothing products. There's a distinct space-age feel here with the colors, bulbous glass, and the Glyph Matrix—a tiny circular display borrowed from the Nothing Phone (3).