Our Top Picks
The Nothing Phone 4b is a mid-range endurance champion featuring a 5,200 mAh battery and a 2,000-nit Super AMOLED display, offering a cleaner software experience than the Samsung Galaxy A37. It represents an excellent budget price-to-performance ratio for users who prioritize unique aesthetics and day-spanning battery life over ultra-fast charging or heavy-duty water resistance.
The Nothing Phone 4b arrives as a masterclass in compromise. By focusing on a massive 17-hour battery life and a stunning Super AMOLED display, Nothing has created a budget powerhouse for $399. However, our nothing phone 4b review reveals that those gains come at the cost of US network optimization and charging speed.
Battery Life: The 17-Hour Endurance King
In the world of the midrange smartphone category, battery life is often the first thing to go when a manufacturer tries to hit a certain price point. Nothing has taken the opposite approach. The global model is equipped with a 5,200 mAh battery, while an exclusive variant for the Indian market pushes that capacity even further to 6,000 mAh.
During our rigorous nothing phone 4b battery life test, the results were nothing short of spectacular. We ran a standardized 1080p video loop over Wi-Fi at maximum brightness, and the device kept going for 16 hours and 49 minutes. This places it at the very top of its class, beating out many flagship devices that cost twice as much. For real-world use, this endurance translates to roughly eight hours of screen-on time, easily carrying heavy users through a full day of photography, social media, and navigation without reaching for a power bank.
However, endurance comes with a caveat in the form of a 33W charging speed analysis. While competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A37 have moved toward 45W standards, Nothing sticks to 33W wired charging. In our testing, it took approximately 78 minutes to reach a full charge from zero. For those used to the hyper-fast charging seen in some Chinese market competitors, this will feel slow. It is a deliberate trade-off: you get a battery that lasts forever, but when it eventually dies, you will need to leave it on the nightstand for a while.
Performance & Nothing OS 4.1: Efficiency over Power
Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 4b utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor (model SM6650) paired with 8GB of RAM. While this chipset is not a benchmark-breaking powerhouse, it is remarkably efficient. Nothing has also included a beefy vapor chamber cooling system that keeps the device chilly even during extended stress.
We tested the gaming performance genshin impact to see how it handled the heat. Surprisingly, the phone maintained a stable frame rate at medium settings without the aggressive throttling typically seen in this price bracket. Much of this fluidity can be attributed to Nothing OS 4.1, which is built on the Android 16 operating system. The software keeps the monochromatic user interface that fans have come to love, but adds new AI-driven features like Essential Space, which helps manage notifications to minimize distractions.
The in-display biometric security is fast and reliable, though I still prefer a physical sensor for sheer muscle memory. The overall Nothing OS 4.1 software features feel mature, stripped of the bloatware that plagues other budget-friendly devices. Nothing has committed to three years of major OS updates, which is decent, though it falls short of the industry leaders.
Design and Display: Retro-Futurism Meets Super AMOLED
Nothing continues to double down on its retro-futuristic industrial design, featuring the iconic semi-transparent back and the functional Glyph lighting system. The Glyph bar on the 4b is slightly more minimalist than the flagship models, but it still serves as a useful kitchen timer, volume indicator, and notification light.
The front of the device is dominated by a stunning 6.77-inch Super AMOLED display panel. With a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, this screen is a knockout for $399. Visibility in direct sunlight is excellent, making it one of the most readable displays in the mid-range segment.
To keep the price low, the frame is constructed from a high-quality reinforced plastic rather than aluminum. While it feels sturdy, it lacks the premium heft of the Phone (3). Furthermore, the device carries a rating for dust and splash resistance of IP64, which is a step down from the more comprehensive waterproofing found on its main rivals. It will survive a rainstorm, but do not drop it in the pool.
The Catch: US Carrier Signal Performance
For potential buyers in North America, there is a significant hurdle to consider regarding nothing phone 4b US carrier signal performance. Historically, Nothing has struggled with deep integration with US networks, and the 4b is no exception.
During our testing on T-Mobile, we observed a consistent speed cap, with download speeds rarely exceeding 68.9Mbps in areas where other devices easily cleared 300Mbps. This lack of US carrier network optimization means that while the phone functions, it may not leverage the full potential of local 5G bands. If you are a power user who relies on lightning-fast cellular data for 4K streaming or large file uploads on the go, the nothing phone 4b us cellular performance might be a dealbreaker.
Comparison: Nothing Phone 4b vs Samsung Galaxy A37
When looking at the nothing phone 4b vs samsung galaxy a37 comparison, it becomes clear that these two brands are chasing different types of users. Samsung offers the "safe" pick—a phone that excels at durability and long-term support. Nothing offers the "soulful" pick—a device that prioritizes display quality and design flair.
| Feature | Nothing Phone 4b | Samsung Galaxy A37 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $449 |
| Display | 2,000-nit Super AMOLED | 1,200-nit AMOLED |
| Battery | 5,200 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 33W Wired | 45W Wired |
| Water Resistance | IP64 | IP67 |
| OS Support | 3 Years Major Updates | 6 Years Security / OS |
| Cooling | Large Vapor Chamber | Standard Heat Pipe |
The nothing phone 4b vs samsung galaxy a37 battle essentially comes down to your personal priorities. If you want a phone that will last six years and survive a dunk in water, the Samsung is the winner. However, if you want a brighter screen, a bigger battery, and a device that actually looks like a piece of modern art, Nothing takes the crown.
Camera Review: Pragmatism in Low Light
Continuing the theme of "Calculated Compromise," Nothing has opted for a dual-camera setup consisting of a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide. There is no telephoto lens here, which is standard for the price point but still means your zoom shots will rely entirely on digital cropping.
In our camera review low light samples, the 50MP main sensor performed admirably. Nothing’s image processing has improved significantly, leaning into a more "atmospheric" look rather than trying to over-brighten every shot into looking like daytime. The color science is natural, and the vapor chamber cooling even helps here, as the device doesn't stutter when processing high-resolution HDR shots in rapid succession. The ultra-wide lens is less impressive, with noticeable distortion at the edges and a drop-off in detail in dim lighting, so you will want to stick to the main sensor for those moody night shots.
FAQ
Are Nothing phones available in the US?
Yes, Nothing phones are available in the US, but they are often sold as part of a "Beta Program" or as unlocked international versions. While they are compatible with T-Mobile and some AT&T bands, they often lack full optimization for Verizon and may experience slower 5G speeds compared to officially carrier-sold devices.
Is Nothing Phone really worth it?
The Nothing Phone is worth it if you value design, a clean Android software experience, and industry-leading battery life. It offers a unique visual identity that stands out from the generic glass slabs offered by competitors. However, if you need the best possible camera zoom or long-term software support, you might find better value elsewhere.
Is Nothing Phone 4a better than Nothing 4b?
The internal hierarchy places the 4b as the endurance champion, while the 4a (and its rumored Pro variants) focuses more on keeping the cost at the absolute minimum. When looking at the nothing phone 4b vs nothing phone 4a pro differences, the 4b usually boasts a significantly better display and a larger battery, making it the better choice for media consumption.
Is Nothing Phone good or bad?
Nothing Phones are generally considered "good" for enthusiasts who want something different. They provide excellent screens, decent mid-range performance, and a software experience free of typical manufacturer clutter. The only "bad" aspects typically involve their limited availability at physical carrier stores in the US and their mid-tier water resistance ratings.
