After several weeks of using the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, I’ve had enough time to understand how it performs in everyday life. While I initially tested the standard 4a, the Pro quickly became my main focus due to its more premium feel and design, but is it really worth it?
Design & Build Quality
We have premium aluminum frame and sleeker profile. Compared to the standard 4a, the device feels more refined and durable. It’s also noticeably thinner, which improves handling despite the relatively large display.
The reduced screen bezels contribute to a more modern look, and the silver finish gives the phone a sophisticated and professional aesthetic. While it feels less “cyberpunk” and more conventional, closer to mass brands like Apple or Samsung, but… Maybe less Nothing. This shift makes the device appealing to a broader audience.
One notable advantage of the aluminum build is its durability. Even after an accidental drop at home, the phone showed no dents or scratches, reinforcing the sense of sturdiness. This doesn’t happen with plastic frames, for this reason the 4a Pro is device that can confidently be used without a case!
Display & Matrix Glyph
The display is visually impressive, especially thanks to its slimmer bezels.
A key differentiating feature is the Matrix display, which replaces the traditional Glyph interface found on previous Nothing devices.
Although the Matrix display has a lower resolution than the one on the Phone (3), it is larger and more functional:
View the time at a glance.
Identify notifications through customizable icons.
Reduce distractions compared to the flashing Glyph lights because you can identify who is sending you a message or which app.
Performance & Daily Use
In day-to-day use, social media, messaging, navigation, and content consumption, the 4a Pro delivers a smooth and reliable experience. The phone feels well-optimized, and the software remains one of Nothing’s strongest assets.
⚠️ A small note: the device comes with RAM expansion enabled by default (2 GB). This happens with the (4a) too. While this may sound beneficial, disabling it can actually improve performance and provide a more native experience.
Camera Experience
The camera system on the 4a Pro performs well for everyday photography. Images are generally sharp and detailed, and for the average user, the results are more than satisfactory:
Low light:
However, there are only minor differences compared to the standard 4a, so the Pro does not represent a major leap in this area.
😭 One notable drawback is the macro performance, which is less impressive than previous models that utilized a telephoto lens for close-up shots.
👉🏼 Another point to consider (but with ALL the Nothing Phones) is that when recording video, zooming from 1x to higher levels is purely digital unless the lens is selected before recording.
This is sooo frustrating in fast-moving situations where quick lens switching is needed.
Battery & Audio
The 4a Pro features a 5,000 mAh battery, and while this capacity is not groundbreaking, the optimization is excellent. Or at least, the had improved a lot. During intensive use as a tourist for a week, taking photos, recording videos, and using Google Maps, the phone comfortably lasts a full day!
Audio quality is also solid, providing a pleasant experience for media consumption, even if it doesn’t lead the segment.
Details that matters…
Despite its many strengths, the 4a Pro has a few shortcomings:
Essential button: Feels slightly loose, compared with the solid build of Phone (3), which detracts from the premium experience.
Vibration motor: Less refined than expected and even noisier than the standard (4a).
Display vibration: When playing audio or video, subtle vibrations can be felt through the screen—likely due to the aluminum body.
Sooo is it better than Phone (4a)?
The standard (4a) offers very similar specifications. The main advantages of the Pro are:
💸 And the cost of these things are approximately €150 more then Phone (4a) .
It’s obvious that the best buy is (4a) and for who is (4a) Pro?
Therefore, the decision largely depends on personal priorities
For many, 150€ is non-sense. For other, maybe it’s the right choice for users who prioritize design, materials, and a premium feel. For everyone else, the standard (4a) remains “the” phone!
I personally love it. For me, it’s a visual pleasure have smaller screen borders and this slim feel. Is it worth for you? Personally, yes, the glyph matrix has me completely sold!
What do you think? I’ll read you 👇🏻
