Nothing Phone (4b) hits the shelves at just under €350, a notable launch amid the ongoing RAM shortage that has left low‑cost phones struggling to keep up with component scarcity. According to Xataka, the device’s strategy differs from most budget models that simply recycle older specs; Nothing focuses on refining the overall experience rather than loading the latest flagship chips.
The affordable segment has been stuck in a loop for years, with manufacturers repackaging two‑year‑old hardware and offering marginal cosmetic updates. Global shortages of DRAM and NAND flash have driven component prices up, forcing many brands either to raise retail prices or to cut specifications, making it hard to find a sub‑€350 phone that feels contemporary.
Founded by Carl Pei, Nothing decides to break that pattern with the Phone (4b). Instead of a top‑tier processor, the phone uses a mid‑range SoC paired with aggressive power‑management and a lean software layer, delivering a balance between responsiveness and battery life. Its 6 GB of RAM, while not abundant, is tuned to prioritize the OS and the most frequently used apps, mitigating the impact of limited memory.
The 128 GB of internal storage exceeds the average for the class, though the device omits a micro‑SD slot, a decision that aligns with industry trends to cut production costs. The trade‑off is compensated by a near‑stock Android experience and a promise of two years of OS updates.
Design and ergonomics
Visually, the Nothing Phone (4b) retains the brand’s signature look: a transparent back panel made of fiber‑glass lattice illuminated by LED “glyph” lights that serve as notification indicators. This design cue, previously reserved for premium phones, gives the handset a distinctive edge over competitors in the same price bracket. Weighing 176 g, the 6.55‑inch OLED display offers Full HD+ resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate, specifications that were once exclusive to high‑end devices.
The camera module consists of a 50 MP main sensor and a 12 MP ultra‑wide lens. In well‑lit conditions, image quality is respectable, but low‑light performance suffers due to the lack of optical image stabilization and a telephoto lens. The choice reflects Nothing’s focus on delivering a compelling price‑to‑features ratio rather than matching flagship camera capabilities.
Daily usage feels fluid: app launch times are short, lightweight games run without stutter, and the 4700 mAh battery, supported by 33 W fast charging, comfortably lasts a full day under mixed usage. Integration with the broader Nothing ecosystem—earbuds and smart lighting—adds value for existing fans of the brand.
Market impact
Industry analysts suggest that the Phone (4b) could push other OEMs to rethink their mid‑range line‑ups, emphasizing software optimization and unique design elements over pure hardware horsepower. The ongoing component crunch may also accelerate the adoption of more efficient memory modules as manufacturers seek cost‑effective solutions.
Overall, the Nothing Phone (4b) demonstrates that, even amid component shortages, a budget smartphone can stand out through thoughtful design, a high‑refresh display, and a polished user experience without relying solely on cutting‑edge silicon.