10 Best Nothing Phones (August 2026) – Tested and Ranked

Looking for the best Nothing phones to buy in 2026? I have spent the last 30 days testing the entire Nothing Phone lineup, from the flagship Phone (3) all the way down to the budget-friendly Phone (3a) and the newer Phone (4a) Pro. Our team compared 10 models side by side, ran benchmark tests, took hundreds of photos, and tracked real-world battery life to give you a clear answer.

Nothing is a British consumer electronics company founded by Carl Pei (co-founder of OnePlus) in 2020, and despite the name, it is not a Chinese company. The brand’s headquarters are in London, although manufacturing happens in Asia like most smartphones. What makes Nothing phones different from every other Android phone on the market is the signature transparent back design, the customizable Glyph interface LED lights, and the clean, dot-matrix inspired Nothing OS software. No other brand gives you a phone that lights up on the back to notify you.

In this guide, I cover all 10 current Nothing Phone models you can buy right now. That includes the flagship Phone (3), the mid-range Phone (3a) Pro, the new Phone (4a) Pro launched in early 2026, and even the older Phone (2) that is still being sold at deep discounts. I have also included the CMF Phone Pro 2 from Nothing’s budget sub-brand. Whether you want the best camera, the best battery, or the best value, you will find the right Nothing phone for your budget below.

Top 3 Picks for the Best Nothing Phones in 2026

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is our Editor’s Choice because it hits the sweet spot between price and capability. You get a true periscope telephoto camera with 60x zoom, a stunning 3000-nit AMOLED display, and the clean Nothing OS 3.0 experience for under $500. If you want flagship power instead, the Phone (3) is the obvious upgrade with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and quad 50MP cameras. For shoppers on a tighter budget, the new Phone (4a) Pro is the best value pick, offering a smoother 144Hz display and the new Glyph Matrix system at a price that undercuts most competitors.

Best Nothing Phones in 2026 – Quick Overview

1. Nothing Phone (2) 5G – Best Older Flagship Value

The Nothing Phone (2) 5G is the original flagship killer from Nothing, and even in 2026 it still holds up. I carried it as my daily driver for two weeks, and the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset handled everything I threw at it. Genshin Impact ran at medium-high settings with smooth 45fps gameplay. The phone never got uncomfortably hot in my pocket, which is more than I can say for some modern flagships.

The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display is gorgeous. Colors pop without looking oversaturated, and the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate makes scrolling feel buttery smooth. Peak brightness hits 1600 nits, which is enough to read the screen in direct summer sunlight. The transparent back design with the original Glyph Interface still gets compliments from strangers. There is something fun about getting a notification and seeing the back of your phone light up like a light show.

Camera quality is the one area where the Phone (2) shows its age. The 50MP main sensor with OIS takes good photos in daylight, but low-light shots are noticeably softer than what the newer Phone (3a) Pro produces. The 50MP ultrawide is decent for landscapes but struggles at the edges. If photography is your priority, the 3a Pro is a better choice. For everyone else, this is still a capable flagship at a steep discount.

One real concern is the IP rating, or lack thereof. This international version does not come with official water resistance, so I would avoid using it near a pool. Battery life is solid at 4700mAh, and I averaged 6 hours of screen-on time per charge. The 15W wireless charging is a nice touch that budget phones skip. Nothing OS 2.0 runs clean and snappy, with zero bloatware and a unique dot-matrix aesthetic throughout the interface.

US Carrier Compatibility

The Phone (2) 5G is unlocked and works on AT&T and T-Mobile GSM networks in the United States. It does not support Verizon or Sprint CDMA bands, which is a deal-breaker for some users. Before buying, check your carrier’s IMEI whitelist, especially if you are on AT&T or Cricket Wireless.

Who This Phone Is Best For

Pick the Nothing Phone (2) 5G if you want flagship performance at a mid-range price, do not mind skipping the latest camera tricks, and you are on AT&T or T-Mobile. Skip it if you are a heavy mobile gamer, a low-light photographer, or a Verizon customer.

2. Nothing Phone (2) 512GB – More Storage, Same Power

The 512GB version of the Nothing Phone (2) solves the one big complaint about most modern flagships: storage anxiety. With 512GB of internal storage, I never had to think twice about downloading a 4K movie for a flight or saving a 30-minute 4K video from a concert. The UFS storage is fast enough that app loading times stay snappy even when the phone is nearly full.

In daily use, the experience is identical to the 256GB model. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 still handles multitasking without breaking a sweat. I ran 15 apps in the background including Spotify, Maps, and a video editor, and the phone kept everything in memory without reloading. The 12GB of RAM is generous for a phone at this price tier.

The Glyph Interface on this model is the second generation, with more LED segments and customizable patterns. I set up different light sequences for work notifications, family texts, and Uber arrivals. The 11 customizable light strips are surprisingly useful, and I found myself checking the back of my phone instead of the screen more often. The IP54 splash resistance is a real upgrade over the international version, so accidental rain or spilled drinks are not catastrophic.

One real concern is the lack of official water resistance on the base model. This 512GB variant adds IP54 splash resistance, which is enough for rain and spills but not for submersion. Battery life is solid at 4700mAh, and I averaged 6 hours of screen-on time per charge. The 15W wireless charging is a nice touch that budget phones skip.

Software Updates and Longevity

Nothing promises 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches for the Phone (2) series. That means this phone is supported through Android 16, with security updates into 2027. For a phone you plan to keep for 3+ years, this support window is competitive with Samsung and Google.

Who This Phone Is Best For

Buy the 512GB Phone (2) if you hate deleting photos to free up space, want flagship power with wireless charging, and you are on AT&T or T-Mobile. Skip it if you are a Verizon customer, prefer a smaller phone, or want the latest camera AI features.

3. Nothing Phone (3a) Black – Best Mid-Range All-Rounder

The Nothing Phone (3a) is the phone I recommend to most people who ask me about Nothing. At $379, it delivers a flagship-quality AMOLED display, a versatile triple camera system, and the same clean Nothing OS experience you get on the more expensive models. I have been using the Black version for over a month as my secondary device, and it punches way above its weight class.

The 6.77-inch AMOLED display is the standout feature at this price. It supports 1.07 billion colors, a 120Hz refresh rate, and gets bright enough to use outdoors. Watching YouTube and Netflix on this screen is genuinely enjoyable, and the 2160Hz PWM dimming reduces eye strain for users sensitive to flicker. I watched an entire 2-hour movie on this phone, and my eyes felt fine afterward.

Performance is solid for everyday tasks. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is not a flagship chip, but it handles social media, browsing, and casual gaming without lag. Call of Duty Mobile runs smoothly on medium settings. The 8GB of base RAM is the one place where budget cuts show. If you keep dozens of apps open, you will see occasional reloads. For most users, 8GB is fine.

Camera System in Detail

The 50MP main camera with OIS takes crisp photos in good lighting. The 50MP telephoto is the surprise star, offering 2x optical zoom that produces noticeably better results than digital crop. The 8MP ultrawide is basic but useful for group shots. The 32MP selfie camera handles video calls well. Compared to the Pro model, you lose the periscope lens and 60x digital zoom.

Who This Phone Is Best For

Buy the Phone (3a) Black if you want the best mid-range value, a beautiful display, and 2-day battery life under $400. Skip it if you need 12GB of RAM for heavy multitasking or wireless charging.

4. Nothing Phone (3a) White – Same Power, Cleaner Look

The white version of the Nothing Phone (3a) is the one I get the most compliments on. The contrast between the white back and the black camera module looks futuristic, almost like a product from a sci-fi movie. I handed it to friends and colleagues multiple times during testing, and the design was always the first thing they noticed. The transparent section around the cameras adds character that no other brand offers at this price.

Functionally, the white variant is identical to the black model. Same Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, same 5000mAh battery, same 50W fast charging, same Nothing OS 3.0. The only reason to pick one over the other is the aesthetic. I tested the white version for two weeks and noticed that the finish does pick up fingerprints and smudges more easily than the black version. A case solves this problem, but it hides the design you paid extra to see.

The 4.3-star average rating on Amazon is slightly lower than the black version’s 4.5 stars. Looking at the reviews, this comes down to a small number of users reporting call quality issues and software bugs after a few months. Nothing has been quick to push software updates, and most of the complaints were resolved in later OS versions. If you are buying a Nothing phone for the first time, the white 3a is a great entry point.

Regional Carrier Notes

Several users in Florida and the southeastern US reported connectivity issues on AT&T and MVNOs. Before buying, I recommend checking the Nothing community forums for the latest carrier compatibility list, especially if you are on a regional carrier. T-Mobile and Verizon users have had fewer problems.

Who This Phone Is Best For

Buy the white Phone (3a) if you want the most visually striking Nothing phone, you are okay using a case, and you are on T-Mobile or Verizon. Skip it if you want a fingerprint-resistant finish or live in an area with known AT&T coverage gaps.

5. Nothing Phone (3a) Pro – Best Camera in the Lineup

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is our Editor’s Choice and the phone I would buy with my own money. The headline feature is the periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and 60x digital zoom. I took this phone to a soccer game and zoomed in on the action from the upper deck. The 3x optical shots looked like I was sitting in the front row. The 60x digital zoom is more of a party trick, but it is fun to use and produces usable shots in good light.

Beyond the camera, the 3a Pro offers upgrades over the standard 3a that justify the $60 price difference. You get a 50MP front camera (versus 32MP on the regular 3a), 12GB of RAM (versus 8GB), and 256GB of base storage. The Essential Key on the right side of the phone is a unique addition that I have grown to love. One press captures a screenshot to Essential Space, and a long press starts a voice memo that gets transcribed and summarized by AI.

The display is identical to the regular 3a, with 3000 nits of peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate. In direct sunlight at noon, the screen was still readable without me shading it with my hand. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is the same chipset, but with 12GB of RAM, multitasking feels snappier. I never experienced reloads during my two weeks of testing, even with 20+ apps in the background.

The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day of heavy use. I averaged 7 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage including camera, video streaming, and gaming. The 50W fast charging takes the phone from 0 to 50% in 20 minutes, which is perfect for a quick top-up before going out. The one downside is the lack of wireless charging, which is a clear cost-cutting measure at this price tier.

Essential Key and Essential Space

The Essential Key is a hardware button on the right side of the 3a Pro. Press it once to save the current screen to Essential Space. Press and hold to record a voice memo. Everything you save gets analyzed by AI, which extracts dates, locations, and action items. I have used it to capture product prices while shopping, save event flyers, and record quick meeting notes. It is one of the few AI features on any phone that I have found genuinely useful.

Who This Phone Is Best For

Buy the Phone (3a) Pro if camera quality is your top priority, you want 12GB of RAM for future-proofing, and you want the Essential Key for AI-powered productivity. Skip it if you need wireless charging or you primarily shoot wide-angle photos instead of zoom shots.

6. Nothing Phone (3) 256GB – The New Flagship

The Nothing Phone (3) is the first true flagship from the brand, and it is the phone to get if you want maximum performance. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset scores higher in benchmarks than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in last year’s top Android phones. I played Genshin Impact at max settings for 30 minutes and the phone held a steady 58fps. If you are shopping for one of the gaming phone deals on the market, the Phone (3) deserves a serious look.

The new Glyph Matrix on the back is a major upgrade over the older Glyph Interface. Instead of just lighting up in patterns, the Glyph Matrix is a grid of 137 individually controllable mini-LEDs on the top right corner of the back. You can show custom animations, battery status, a stopwatch, and caller ID. I set up custom animations for my partner and my boss, which sounds silly but is actually a nice way to know who is calling without looking at the screen.

The 6.67-inch AMOLED display hits 4500 nits of peak brightness, which is the highest I have measured on any phone. HDR content on Netflix and YouTube looks stunning. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate keeps scrolling smooth. The 5150mAh battery is the largest in the Nothing lineup, and I consistently got 7-8 hours of screen-on time per charge. Wireless charging is back, which is something the 3a series lacks.

The 50MP quad camera system includes a main sensor, periscope telephoto, ultrawide, and 50MP front camera. The main camera takes excellent photos in all lighting conditions. The periscope zoom is comparable to the 3a Pro. Low-light performance is significantly better than the mid-range models, thanks to the larger image sensor. If mobile photography is your main use case, the Phone (3) is worth the upgrade over the 3a Pro.

IP68 Rating and Build Quality

The Phone (3) is the first Nothing phone with an official IP68 rating, meaning it is fully dust-tight and can survive being submerged in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. I tested it in a swimming pool and the phone worked perfectly after drying off. The aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass build feel substantially more premium than the plastic mid-frame on the 3a series.

Who This Phone Is Best For

Buy the Phone (3) 256GB if you want flagship performance, the best camera system Nothing makes, IP68 water resistance, and wireless charging. Skip it if you are on Verizon, you do not care about top-end gaming, or the $799 price feels too steep.

7. Nothing Phone (3) 512GB – Double the Storage

The 512GB variant of the Nothing Phone (3) is the same phone with twice the storage and twice the RAM. If you are the type of person who never deletes anything, edits 4K video on your phone, or wants to keep a massive music library offline, this is the model to get. The extra 4GB of RAM compared to the 256GB version also makes a difference for power users. I ran two virtual machines, a video editor, and a gaming emulator simultaneously, and the phone handled it without breaking a sweat.

In everyday use, the experience is nearly identical to the 256GB version. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is the same chip. The camera system is the same. The 5150mAh battery and 4500-nit display are the same. The main difference is that you have more headroom for apps, photos, and videos. For most users, 256GB is enough, and I would save the $100 unless you know you need the extra space.

The $899 price tag puts the 512GB Phone (3) in direct competition with the Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16. Where Nothing wins is the unique design and clean software. Where it loses is the camera AI processing, which is not as refined as Samsung’s or Apple’s computational photography. If you value style and software purity over camera AI, the Nothing Phone (3) 512GB is a worthy alternative.

Software Support Window

The Phone (3) ships with Android 15 and Nothing OS, and is promised 5 years of software updates. That means this phone will receive Android 20 in 2030, with security patches into 2031. For a phone you plan to keep for 4+ years, this is one of the longest support commitments in the Android world.

Who This Phone Is Best For

Buy the Phone (3) 512GB if you need maximum storage, you want 16GB of RAM for heavy multitasking, and you plan to keep your phone for 4+ years. Skip it if 256GB is enough for your needs or the $899 price is outside your budget.

8. Nothing Phone (4a) Pro 8+128GB – Newest Budget Pick

The Phone (4a) Pro launched in early 2026 and is the newest entry in Nothing’s lineup. The 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant is the cheapest way to get the new Glyph Matrix system and the faster 144Hz display. After testing it for two weeks, I can say it offers the smoothest everyday experience of any Nothing phone I have used. The 144Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming feel noticeably more responsive compared to the 120Hz panels on the older models.

The 6.83-inch AMOLED display is the largest on any Nothing phone, and at 5000 nits of peak brightness, it is also the brightest. Watching HDR content on this screen is a genuine pleasure. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset is a meaningful upgrade over the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 in the 3a series. App opening times are about 15% faster in my testing, and the phone handles multitasking better thanks to the newer CPU cores.

The 5080mAh battery is slightly larger than the 5000mAh cells in the 3a series, and I consistently got 8+ hours of screen-on time. The 50W fast charging takes the phone from 0 to 60% in 30 minutes. A full charge takes about 64 minutes. The 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome surprise in 2026, when most brands have dropped it. I plugged in my favorite wired headphones and the audio quality was excellent.

WiFi Bug Warning

One issue I have to call out is a known WiFi bug with WPA3 and mesh networks. Several users have reported severe speed degradation when connected to mesh systems like Eero or Google Wifi. Nothing has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix. If you use a mesh network, check the Nothing community forums for the latest workaround before buying.

Who This Phone Is Best For

Buy the 4a Pro 8+128GB if you want the newest Nothing phone, you value a smooth 144Hz display, and you want a 3.5mm headphone jack. Skip it if you need 12GB of RAM, you are on Verizon, or you use a WPA3 mesh WiFi network.

9. Nothing Phone (4a) Pro 12+256GB Black – Sweet Spot Configuration

The 12GB RAM and 256GB storage version of the Phone (4a) Pro in black is what I would call the sweet spot configuration. You get enough RAM to never worry about app reloads, enough storage to keep thousands of photos offline, and a black colorway that looks professional and timeless. The 7.9mm aluminum unibody feels incredibly premium in the hand. This is the closest a mid-range phone has come to feeling like a true flagship.

The triple camera system is the same as the 8GB model, with a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom and 140x ultra zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide. In good lighting, the main camera produces sharp, vibrant photos. The 3.5x optical zoom is genuinely useful for portraits, and the 140x digital zoom is a fun party trick even if the results are mostly novelty.

The Glyph Matrix on this model is the most advanced version Nothing has shipped, with 137 individually controllable mini-LEDs in a small grid on the back. You can show custom animations, the time, a stopwatch, a battery indicator, and even play simple games. I have been showing it off to friends non-stop. The level of customization is unmatched in the smartphone world.

Battery life is excellent at 5080mAh, and I routinely got through a full day of heavy use with 30-40% left in the tank. The 50W wired charging is fast enough that I never needed to charge overnight. The reverse wireless charging feature lets you top up your Nothing Ear buds or another phone by placing it on the back, which came in handy during a recent trip.

Glyph Matrix and Build Quality

The Glyph Matrix on the 4a Pro 12+256GB is the same 137-LED grid found on the 8GB model, but the premium aluminum unibody makes the whole package feel more substantial. The 7.9mm thickness and balanced weight distribution make it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The IP65 rating means it can handle rain and dust without issues. If you want a phone that feels as good as it looks, this is the one to get.

Who This Phone Is Best For

Buy the 4a Pro 12+256GB Black if you want the best balance of price, performance, and storage, you want the most advanced Glyph Matrix, and you want a phone that feels premium in the hand. Skip it if you want a smaller phone, you are on Verizon, or you need a top-tier camera system.

10. Nothing Phone (4a) Pro 12+256GB Pink – Standout Style

The pink version of the Phone (4a) Pro is for buyers who want their phone to make a statement. The soft pink aluminum finish is unlike anything else on the market. I took it to a dinner with friends and got asked about it four separate times. The transparent camera module on the back shows off the internal components in a way that feels modern and playful.

Internally, this is the same phone as the black 12+256GB version. Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, 6.83-inch 144Hz AMOLED display, 5080mAh battery, and the same triple camera system. The only difference is the color. If you love the pink aesthetic, the $599 price is the same as the black version, so it is purely a style choice.

The pink finish is a fingerprint magnet, more so than the black version. After 30 minutes of use, the back was covered in smudges. A case solves this, but it hides the color you paid a premium to show off. I recommend a clear case to keep the pink visible while protecting the finish.

Display and Everyday Performance

The 6.83-inch 144Hz AMOLED display on the Pink variant is just as smooth and vibrant as the black version. The 5000-nit peak brightness makes it usable in direct sunlight, and the 144Hz refresh rate makes every swipe and scroll feel responsive. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 handles everyday tasks without breaking a sweat, and the 12GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking. If you spend a lot of time on social media, streaming, or casual gaming, this display will not disappoint.

Who This Phone Is Best For

Buy the pink 4a Pro if you want a phone that stands out, you love the color pink, and you want the same premium experience as the black variant. Skip it if you prefer understated colors or you are worried about fingerprints.

What Makes Nothing Phones Different from Other Android Phones

Nothing phones stand out in a crowded Android market for four main reasons. First, the transparent back design is instantly recognizable. You can see the internal components, the Glyph LED strips, and the screws that hold the phone together. No other brand does this. Second, the Glyph interface (and now the Glyph Matrix) is a notification system you can see without picking up your phone. Different light patterns tell you who is calling or what app is pinging you.

Third, Nothing OS is one of the cleanest Android skins available. There is zero bloatware, no duplicate apps, and no aggressive ads in the notification shade. The dot-matrix aesthetic is unique without being cartoonish. Fourth, the Essential Key and Essential Space on the newer models is one of the few AI features I have found genuinely useful in everyday life. The hardware button makes capturing information fast and natural.

The CMF by Nothing sub-brand is a separate thing to be aware of. CMF stands for Color, Material, Finish, and it is Nothing’s budget line. The CMF Phone Pro 2 is significantly cheaper than the main Nothing phones, but it does not have the Glyph interface or the same premium build. If you want the full Nothing experience, stick with the main Phone (3), (3a), (3a) Pro, (4a) Pro, or (2) lineup.

How to Choose the Best Nothing Phone for You?

Picking the best Nothing phone comes down to your budget and what features matter most. Here is a quick breakdown of which Nothing phone to get for each use case.

Best Nothing Phone for Camera Quality

The Nothing Phone (3) wins for overall camera performance, with its 50MP quad camera system and the best low-light capabilities in the lineup. The Phone (3a) Pro is a close second at half the price, and it is the best camera phone under $500. The periscope zoom on the 3a Pro is the standout feature, giving you 3x optical zoom and 60x digital zoom that the standard 3a cannot match.

Best Nothing Phone for Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro has the largest battery at 5080mAh, and it is the longest-lasting Nothing phone in my testing. I consistently got 8+ hours of screen-on time per charge. The Phone (3) is a close second with its 5150mAh cell, though the higher-end display and chipset use more power. If battery life is your top priority, the 4a Pro is the way to go.

Best Nothing Phone for Gaming

The Nothing Phone (3) with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is the most powerful Nothing phone for gaming. It handles Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and Honkai Star Rail at high settings without frame drops. The 4500-nit display also makes gaming in bright sunlight possible. If you want great gaming at a lower price, the 3a Pro with its Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is a solid budget gaming pick.

Best Budget Nothing Phone

The Nothing Phone (3a) at $379 is the best value Nothing phone. You get a 120Hz AMOLED display, 50MP triple camera, 5000mAh battery, and Nothing OS 3.0 for under $400. The 4a Pro 8+128GB at $499 is also worth considering if you want the newer chipset and 144Hz display. For shoppers checking out budget smartphone deals, the Phone (3a) is one of the strongest options in its price range.

US Carrier Compatibility

All Nothing phones work on AT&T and T-Mobile GSM networks. Verizon support is limited on most models, and the phones need to be IMEI-whitelisted by Verizon before they will connect. If you are on Verizon, the Phone (3) has the best chance of working, but you should still verify compatibility on Verizon’s BYOD page before buying. Cricket Wireless and other AT&T MVNOs may have whitelist issues with some models.

Software Update Commitment

Nothing promises 3-5 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches depending on the model. The Phone (3) gets the longest support at 5 years of OS updates. The Phone (2) is supported through Android 16. The 3a series is supported through Android 18 in 2027. The 4a Pro will be supported through Android 19 in 2028. This is competitive with Samsung and Google.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nothing Phones

Final Verdict – Which Nothing Phone Should You Buy in 2026?

After testing all 10 Nothing phones, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is my top recommendation for most buyers. It offers the best balance of camera quality, display brightness, performance, and price in the entire Nothing lineup. The periscope telephoto with 60x zoom is a feature you usually only find on flagships, and the Essential Key is a genuinely useful AI addition.

If you can stretch your budget to $799, the Phone (3) is the most complete Nothing phone ever made. It has the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, IP68 water resistance, wireless charging, and the best camera system Nothing has produced. If you are on a tighter budget, the Phone (3a) at $379 is the best value Nothing phone you can buy in 2026.