Nothing has officially rolled out its Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 Beta for the budget-friendly Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro, bringing a mix of sleek design updates, minor feature upgrades, and controversial monetization strategies.
A Fresh Look with Familiar Foundations
The new OS introduces a refined visual language, including lighter icons, smoother animations, and a redesigned lock screen. The Lock Glimpse feature now delivers curated wallpapers across nine categories, adding a dynamic aesthetic to the user experience. Users can also enjoy new clock styles and improved transitions between Always-On Display and lock screen.
Despite these visual upgrades, the core of Nothing OS remains lightweight—occupying around 15GB of storage, which is impressive for a modern Android skin.
UI & UX Tweaks: Subtle but Appreciable
- Animations have become more responsive, making navigation feel snappier.
- System app icons have been refreshed, removing the previous red accents for a cleaner look.
- The Control Panel now supports 2×2 icon layouts, and pressing icons reveals contextual text labels.
- Dark Mode has been enhanced with a deeper black option, replacing the earlier grey tone.
These changes, while not groundbreaking, contribute to a more polished and user-friendly interface.
Multitasking & App Management
One of the more functional upgrades is the ability to open two apps simultaneously in pop-up windows, a feature previously limited to one. This brings Nothing OS closer to multitasking capabilities seen in Origin OS and One UI.
The Camera app remains largely unchanged, but introduces a new “Stretch” preset developed with photographer Jordan Hemingway, offering deeper shadows and cinematic highlights. The Recorder app has been simplified, though some users may prefer the older version.
Settings Overhaul: Mixed Reactions
The Settings app has undergone a noticeable revamp:
- App Optimization settings now allow users to reduce app opening times.
- A new Intelligent Toolkit page tracks usage of AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, though it lacks deeper AI integration.
- AI features are minimal—no AI eraser in the Gallery, no widget creation via voice, and no contextual suggestions.
Compared to competitors like Oxygen OS and Origin OS, Nothing OS 4.0 feels behind in AI innovation, offering only basic tracking without intelligent enhancements.
Ads & Bloatware: A Step Backward?
Perhaps the most controversial change is the introduction of ads on the lock screen via the Lock Glimpse feature. While it adds dynamic content, it also opens the door to monetization that many users find intrusive.
Adding to the concern, Nothing has confirmed plans to introduce bloatware in future updates, citing revenue needs as the reason. This move contradicts the brand’s earlier promise of clean, minimal software and may alienate users who chose Nothing for its simplicity.
Hardware vs Software: Where Does Nothing Stand?
Nothing’s budget phones have never been hardware powerhouses. With UFS 2.2 storage, mid-tier processors, and average displays, the appeal largely rested on the software experience. But now, with limited Android 16 features, minimal AI, and the addition of ads, the software edge is fading.
Competitors like Vivo, Samsung, and OnePlus are offering better hardware and smarter software, making it harder to justify choosing Nothing purely for its OS.
Should You Still Buy a Nothing Phone?
If you value clean aesthetics, lightweight software, and a unique design language, Nothing OS 4.0 still holds appeal. But if you’re looking for cutting-edge features, AI integration, and ad-free experience, you might want to explore alternatives.
The update feels more like a cosmetic refresh than a functional leap. And with monetization creeping in, the brand’s identity as a minimalist disruptor is at risk.
Final Thoughts
Nothing OS 4.0 is a mixed bag. It brings visual polish and minor usability improvements but lacks innovation where it matters—AI, multitasking, and user control. The addition of ads and bloatware could be a dealbreaker for many.
As the smartphone market heats up with smarter, faster, and cleaner options, Nothing must decide whether it wants to be a design-first brand or a tech-forward contender.
Your move, Nothing.
