Nothing unveils phone (4a) pro: 140x zoom and a glyph upgrade

Nothing has officially launched the Phone (4a) Pro at Mobile World Congress, a mid-range contender boasting a surprising 140x digital zoom. While not optical, this feature, alongside a revamped Glyph interface, positions the new devices as compelling alternatives in a crowded market.

Snapdragon power, elevated display

The Phone (4a) Pro features the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, a noticeable step up from the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 found in the standard Phone (4a). This translates to a roughly 27% CPU performance boost and a 30% graphics improvement—significant gains for everyday tasks and gaming. Both models will benefit from LPDDR5X memory and UFS 3.1 storage, though the Pro variant incorporates faster UFS 4.0 and UFS 4.1.

Display differences are also noteworthy; the Pro model sports a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, compared to the standard Phone (4a)'s 6.78-inch AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits. Both screens are protected by Gorilla Glass 7i.

The camera: digital zoom and color accuracy

The Phone (4a) Pro's camera system centers around a 50MP Sony LYT700C sensor, validated by Pantone for its color accuracy—a claim of reproducing 110 skin tones. A 50MP periscope telephoto lens offers 3.5x optical zoom, extending to a remarkable 140x digital zoom. While digital zoom often sacrifices quality, Nothing is betting on its software to deliver something usable. The ultra-wide lens is an 8MP sensor, while the front-facing camera is a 32MP shooter. The standard Phone (4a) retains a 50MP main sensor, a 3.5x telephoto, an 8MP ultra-wide, and a 32MP selfie camera.

Glyph evolution and design

Nothing continues its distinctive design language. The standard Phone (4a) features a Glyph Bar with 63 mini-LEDs for notifications and portraits, while the Phone (4a) Pro introduces a Glyph Matrix with 137 mini-LEDs, promising a more vibrant and customizable experience. The Pro model also boasts an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, a step up from the standard Phone (4a)'s IP64 rating. The Pro is also slightly thicker at 7.95 mm.

Software and pricing

Both phones ship with Android 16 and Nothing OS 4.1, featuring fresh icons and a new AI Dashboard. Users can expect three years of Android updates and six years of security updates. The Phone (4a) starts at €349 (~$405), while the Phone (4a) Pro begins at $499. Sales for the Pro model commence on March 27.

This is a calculated move by Nothing. They are not attempting to compete with the flagship camera systems, but rather offer a unique blend of features and a distinctive aesthetic at a competitive price point. The 140x zoom may not satisfy serious photographers, but it certainly generates buzz.