Early Impressions of Nothing OS 4.0 From a 3.2 User’s Perspective

AaravOberoi · 2025-11-22T09:51:02+00:00

Over the past few days, I’ve been following the conversations around the Nothing OS 4.0 stable release pretty closely. Even though I’m still on version 3.2 myself, the amount of feedback, screenshots, and early impressions being shared has made it easier to get a sense of what’s changing and what still needs refinement. From what I’ve seen so far, one of the most noticeable changes is the updated status bar. The design in the screenshots looks like a step toward a more streamlined and modern layout compared to what’s currently on 3.2. However, a lot of users have mentioned issues with spacing and alignment that don’t seem entirely intentional. Since I haven’t tested 4.0 directly on my device, it’s hard to know whether this is the result of an unfinished layout pass or a design decision that simply isn’t landing well yet, but it’s definitely an area that seems to need a bit more polishing based on the feedback circulating. Another point that keeps coming up — and something I personally agree with — is the need for a more capable Always-On Display. The 3a uses an AMOLED panel, which is well-suited for displaying subtle visuals and customizable AOD content without major power drain. While Nothing’s current AOD keeps things minimal and functional, there’s a lot of potential for more depth. Other manufacturers, like OnePlus, have shown that features such as image-based AOD elements, more diverse clock styles, and light personalization options can coexist with battery efficiency. Expanding in that direction would give the phone more character without compromising the minimalist aesthetic Nothing aims for. For now, all my impressions are based on what others have shared, but it’s been interesting to observe how the update is being received. The direction of Nothing OS 4.0 looks promising overall, though it’s clear there are still details that could use refinement as the rollout expands. Once the update reaches my device, I’m looking forward to experiencing it firsthand and forming a more complete picture. In the meantime, I’d appreciate hearing more from anyone already on 4.0 — especially regarding the status bar behaviour, AOD functionality, and any other visual or usability changes that stood out. Looking forward to the stable release- and this is just my opinion and feedback. Edit : - Through my language it might seem that Nothing has made big changes, but I meant that this time it’s just small changes and I hope that they will make bigger changes in the future maybe with 4.1 onwards. Thanks.

Coldpaw

The AOD functionality hasn’t changed at all - it still is very minimal and essentially just recreates a simplified image of your lockscreen.

Since there are two new clock styles, these also apply for the AOD. There is a total of eight different styles available now, seven digital and one analog.

You can insert images for the lockscreen by using the photo widget, either the square of the circular one: Just insert them and select just a specfic image you’d line to display - now you’ve got an image on your AOD. It might not be exactly what people like to see, but as kind of a workaround, it’s a possible solution.

Personally I like the reworked status bar icons, however due to the design and sorting it indeed looks like the spacing is off. If they’d change the sorting by placing cellular reception first, wifi second and battery third, that spacing IMHO should already sort itself out. Due to the design of the wifi and cellular symbols, the space appears to be larger than it actually is.

AaravOberoi

Coldpaw Thank you so much for this information. I appreciate it and it gives me a better opinion on the new os.

CMF1_hacker Even I don’t care that much about the AOD, it was just a thought . Nice photos and good that at least the ui is smoother.

CMF1_hacker

I find 4.0 stable smoother than beta and 3.5 on the NP3.

I couldn’t care less about lockscreen clocks and status bard updates.

The Camera App also fully pulls the QR codes from the Playground which is didn’t do upon release of the playground. I didn’t play with it a ton of beta, but that functionality is fully active where it wasn’t before. There was a slight change is camera versions as well.

In good light the lenses are more consistent in EV/colour temperature as well as shown from my favourite spot in the house 0.6, 1, 2, 3, 6x with now screen press for AE/AF lock

CMF1_hacker

AaravOberoi I’m not really a fanboy and am quite critical about the important bits. I can’t measure smoothness which is irritating but it “feels” smoother.

AaravOberoi

CMF1_hacker Neither am I. Again, I completely agree with you.

JochieSantiago

CMF1_hacker do you have animations at 0.5?

Coldpaw

I can also say the overall phone feels smoother - but that’s quite an odd thing to say, since the NP3 always felt smooth and I had zero complains regarding animations and performance using OS 3.5

It is far too early to tell, but I am under the impression battery life has improved for me.

AaravOberoi

Coldpaw I think battery optimisation was one of their new improvements.

CMF1_hacker

JochieSantiago standard settings. I never change the dev settings.

RakeshNagpure

RiyanR very basic and and nothing improved as os name is

gwhiz

AaravOberoi This is a thoughtful post, thank you. I consider it exemplary for an online community.

I have an NP3, have installed NOS 4.0, and I am very pleased by the improvements and added features. In particular I like exploring the content that I can now access from Nothing Playground. I am a common user and my needs are relatively simple. I work in the arts and gravitate toward brands/products that prioritize concept and aesthetic. I do not always understand the motivations (or language) of those in the community who value/measure technical aspects of the platform but I appreciate your calling out details for what they are, and acknowledging that product development is a typically incremental process. Kudos.

AaravOberoi

gwhiz thank you. Kudos to you too for actually viewing 4.0 from a different perspective ( and as I might say, a more sensible one ).