Smartphones · Ranked #38 of 82 · Best for design and clean software

Nothing Phone (4a)

82
Well liked
Average of 5 professional reviews
5 of 5 recommend it · critics agree
Where the 5 reviews landedRange 80–90

Exact average 82.0 · all scores printed by the outlets

Nothing Phone (4a)Image: Nothing

5 professional reviewers tested the Nothing Phone (4a), and 5 recommend it. Most praised: design and battery life.

Reviewed by Trusted Reviews, Pocket Tactics, Expert Reviews and 2 more

The catch: Performance and water resistance trail rivals.

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What 5 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 90
    Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2026

    A very usable, good-looking phone with smooth software and near two-day battery, great value for the money.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  2. 80
    Pocket TacticsHands-on review · 2026

    A stylish, wallet-friendly phone with smooth performance, a bright display and all-day battery that hits the sweet spot for its price, despite a modest chipset.

    Read Pocket Tactics review
  3. 80
    Expert ReviewsHands-on review · 2026

    Remains a uniquely appealing mid-ranger at a tempting price, with an excellent telephoto and bright display.

    Read Expert Reviews review
  4. 80
    Tech AdvisorHands-on review · 2026

    A welcome upgrade with strong design, display, software and new telephoto camera, though durability and raw power trail rivals.

    Read Tech Advisor review
  5. 80
    TechRadarHands-on review · 2026

    A flashy, steady budget phone with good battery and bloat-free software.

    Read TechRadar review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Design4 of 5
Battery life3 of 5
Picture quality2 of 5

What critics dislike most

No clear pattern.

Other smartphones critics rate highly

Oppo Find X9 UltraImage: Oppo
Best overallOppo Find X9 Ultra5 reviews · critics agree94
Apple iPhone 18 Pro MaxImage: Apple
Best for cameras and speedApple iPhone 18 Pro Max6 reviews · critics agree91
Apple iPhone 17Image: Apple
Apple iPhone 1710 reviews · critics agree90
Apple iPhone 17 ProImage: Apple
Runner-upApple iPhone 17 Pro10 reviews · broad agreement90

Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Nothing Phone (4a) worth it?

Most critics think so: 5 of 5 recommend it. Performance and water resistance trail rivals.

Do critics agree about the Nothing Phone (4a)?

Critics agree: scores range from 80 (Pocket Tactics) to 90 (Trusted Reviews), a spread of 10 points across 5 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.

What is the best alternative to the Nothing Phone (4a)?

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra (critic score 94), best overall.