Nothing has expanded its smartphone lineup with the launch of the Nothing Phone 4(b), introducing a new “B” series aimed at buyers looking for a more affordable option. While the device retains the company’s recognizable industrial design and signature Glyph lighting, it enters the market at a significantly lower price than the Phone 4(a). That lower price reflects several hardware compromises designed to keep costs down while maintaining the core Nothing experience.

Nothing Phone 4(b) Launches at a Lower Price

Introduced in early July 2026, the Nothing Phone 4(b) starts at £299 in the United Kingdom, or roughly $399 based on current exchange rates. That makes it notably less expensive than the Nothing Phone 4(a), which debuted in March 2026 with a starting price of £349, approximately $466.

The lower price is especially noteworthy given rising component costs across the consumer electronics industry. Memory prices have increased amid growing demand driven by AI data center expansion, contributing to higher production costs for smartphones and other devices. Nothing CEO and co-founder Carl Pei has also publicly stated that smartphone prices are expected to continue climbing in the near future.

Against that backdrop, the Phone 4(b)’s pricing stands out. The explanation lies in several strategic hardware reductions that help offset manufacturing expenses.

Design and Build Quality See Cost-Cutting Changes

Plastic Replaces Glass

One of the most noticeable differences is the construction of the Phone 4(b). Instead of the glass back found on the Phone 4(a), the newer model uses a plastic rear panel.

The phone still carries Nothing’s distinctive visual identity, including the refined Glyph lighting integrated alongside the wide camera bar. However, switching to plastic helps reduce production costs without dramatically changing the overall appearance.

Display Downgrades Help Reduce the Price

The Phone 4(b) features a 6.77-inch display, nearly identical in size to its predecessor, but its screen specifications have been scaled back.

The resolution drops from 1224 × 2720 pixels on the Phone 4(a) to 1080 × 2344 pixels. As a result, pixel density decreases from 440 pixels per inch (PPI) to 381 PPI, producing a display that is less sharp than the higher-end model.

Brightness has also been reduced. Peak brightness falls from 4,500 nits on the Phone 4(a) to 2,000 nits on the Phone 4(b), which may affect visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

Processor, Storage, and Performance Differences

More Affordable Hardware

Internally, the Phone 4(b) is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, replacing the more capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 found in the Phone 4(a).

Although the entry-level configurations offer the same amount of RAM and storage, the Phone 4(b) relies on UFS 2.2 storage rather than the faster UFS 3.1 standard used by its predecessor. This could result in slower app launches and file transfers during everyday use.

Camera System Trades Versatility for Savings

Photography is another area where Nothing trimmed costs.

The Phone 4(b) includes a dual-camera setup consisting of:

• A 50-megapixel main camera
• An 8-megapixel ultrawide camera

Unlike the Phone 4(a), the new model does not include a dedicated telephoto lens, reducing its flexibility for zoom photography.

Battery Gets Bigger, but Charging Slows Down

One area that does receive an upgrade is battery capacity.

The international version of the Phone 4(b) comes equipped with a 5,200mAh battery, slightly larger than the 5,080mAh battery in the Phone 4(a). The larger battery could provide longer runtime between charges.

However, charging speeds have been reduced. The Phone 4(b) supports charging at up to 33 watts, compared with 50-watt fast charging on the Phone 4(a.

Bottom Line

The Nothing Phone 4(b) delivers a lower entry price by making targeted compromises across its build quality, display, processor, storage, camera system, and charging speeds. While it maintains the company’s signature design language and introduces a slightly larger battery, the device is clearly positioned as a budget-friendly alternative rather than a direct replacement for the Phone 4(a). For buyers focused on affordability, the trade-offs may be worthwhile, particularly as smartphone prices continue to rise across the industry.